USA Dance: North-Central New Mexico, Chapter 5047

USA Dance is organized and operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a Section 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

Your donations support these programs

• College Programs - Help organize and promote ballroom dance events in colleges
• Public Library - Donate American Dancer magazine to your Public Library
• Youth Programs - Help fund teaching programs in schools
• TV Programs & Videos - Help with the cost of sending our members to represent dance to TV audiences
• Amateur Travel - Help finance the cost of sending our national champions to represent U.S. in World Championships
• General Fund - Help with administrative costs of promoting dance in U.S.
• Local Chapter - Help with costs of promoting dance in your local community
• Other - Please be specific with your instructions

Information on USA Dance

Background Information

USA Dance is an affiliate member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and is recognized by the USOC, the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF), and the United States Congress as the National Governing Body of DanceSport in the United States.

The IDSF has been granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee as the worldwide governing body of DanceSport. DanceSport is the competitive version of ballroom dancing.

USA Dance is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a Section 501c(3) nonprofit organization. USA DANCE is a Virginia Corporation organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes with the meaning of Section 501c(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and is registered with the State Division of Consumer Affairs, Commonwealth of Virginia, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209, Telephone (804) 786-2042, as a charitable organization authorized to solicit and receive donations from the public.

Educational and Charitable

In furtherance of its educational and charitable purposes, USA DANCE promotes ballroom dancing as a sport and recreational activity locally, nationally, and internationally, and to that end.

• Works for its acknowledgment as an Olympic sport.
• Educates the public on how ballroom dancing enhances the development of mental and physical health, including such characteristics as poise and appearance.
• Educates the public, particularly the young on how organized and supervised dance activities improve and develop capabilities.
• Maintains a spirit of cooperation with existing national and international and professional dance organizations in the furtherance of "ballroom dancers" interest.
• Provides a means of information exchange between the various dance related organizations and encourages interaction between dancers of those organizations.
• Protects the public against any combination of persons or organizations seeking to impose restrictive conditions on dancing.
• Promotes, guides and supports ballroom dance programs in colleges, high schools and middle schools all over the nation.
• Establishes subordinate chapters of the USA DANCE, Inc., throughout the United States.

Chapter Activities

USA Dance chapters create dance opportunities for local citizens by organizing affordable social dances, dance lessons, and workshops. Chapter members present dance demonstrations in nursing homes, retirement homes, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, and other public places and strive to educate the public regarding the health and social benefits of ballroom dancing. The goal of each chapter is to serve as the leader and focal point for ballroom dance activities in the community.

Colleges and Schools

A major portion of USA Dance's resources is devoted to promoting, organizing, and supporting ballroom dance programs in local colleges and schools.

DanceSport Activities

USA Dance organizes local, regional, and national DanceSport Championships, selects DanceSport Athletes to represent the United States in the World DanceSport Championships and World Games, and then helps to finance their participation.

USA Dance sanctioned and supported the a series of IDSF DanceSport Championships shown on prime time television and more will be scheduled for the future.

USA Dance hosted the year 2000 IDSF World Latin DanceSport Championships and the 2001 IDSF World Standard DanceSport Championships here in the United States.

USA Dance actively works with the media to supply dancers for interviews, dance demonstrations, and participants on television programs.

Adults in Ballroom Dancing

General Benefits

Adults can find much profit, many benefits, many enhancements to life if ballroom dancing is their avocation, pastime, or hobby. They will find an enhanced appreciation of music and its rhythms. They will experience an increased sense of balance, and a more fluid movement in walking and running. They will find a new type of relationship with others. Dancing with a partner in harmony and with good music will help them develop a more open, understanding, responsive, and supportive relationship with their partner and with others. Their outlook on life will tend to be more positive. While all dancing has its value, there will be several completely memorable dances in one's life. A time when the partner, the music, the movement all come together in a sense of achievement and pleasure that stays in memory.

Physical Benefits

Physically, dancing is a great body conditioner, even if done on a near-weekly basis. If done on a regular basis, such as two to three times a week, it becomes quite a beneficial activity. It will increase that mid-afternoon stamina needed on the job, it will develop that circulatory "second-heart", strengthen your legs, and will generally tone the body over-all. As mentioned before, walking and body movement become easier, more balanced, and more fluid, with greater flexibility in axis of movement.

Mental Benefits

Mentally, dancing serves as a wonderful stress relief. A busy day of pressure melts into the background when the evening brings dancing in the arms of another and pursuing the muse with dance? Sleep that night is sound and relished. Becoming a competent dancer provides an excellent learning experience in discipline, goal setting, planning, achievement, assuredness, self-confidence and pride in the dancer's abilities. These favorable attributes then tend to transfer in other aspects of the dancer's life as well. The payoff can be significant! A third benefit involves that old saying "use it or lose it." Learning and remembering the many steps and movements required of the various dances are a significant mental challenge and a constant stimulant to the brain. We believe that's why avid dancers usually remain mentally alert, regardless of age.

Social Benefits

A good dancer is a definite plus to social occasions - especially the men. If a man takes the time to become a skilled and confident, but not overly forceful leader, his presence is appreciated by every lady in the room. A good dancer does not need to be handsome to be popular. Similarly, a lady who is a good dancer radiates grace and charm, regardless of whether she is a physical beauty. The atmosphere of an event can be heightened by good dancing and good dancers. The whole affair goes more smoothly when there is competent dancing. In business and professional life, a person can lend to their acceptance and belonging by the ability to dance. On many social occasions it is almost essential to be able to dance well. When adults become involved with ballroom dancing they meet many new people who have a similar interest and develop lasting friendships with many of them. Many dancers say that ballroom dancing adds an entirely new and very beneficial dimension to their life. In summary, the ability to dance well is a valuable skill that is needed by everyone and will produce many benefits during their entire lifetime.

Youth and College Students in Ballroom Dancing

General Benefits

Ballroom dancing is a great teacher for the youth. It teaches:

• Relationships necessary in close teamwork
• Discipline through practice and routines
• Goal setting, planning, and actions to achieve agreed goals
• An appreciation and further understanding of music's rhythm and tempo
• Economy and fluidity in movement
• Self-confidence

In summary, it teaches skills and abilities that will be very useful throughout one's life in social situations, in business growth, and in offering a great exercise.

Physical Benefits

The general conditioning that ballroom dancing provides will benefit all young people in many ways. Those who practice regularly will build stamina equal to that of soccer players or runners. They acquire far more lasting physical stamina than football or baseball players who "stop and start" rather than continuously move. Another plus is that ballroom dancing provides excellent physical conditioning without the risk of injury inherent in most physical sports. With dance, the young will become involved with disciplines and movements that can instill knowledge of body dynamics and skills that may enhance their lives in many ways. Mutually engaging in dance with a partner requires balance, synchronized and coordinated movement, and develops prime and usable body skills.

Mental Benefits

Mentally, the young person finds great satisfaction in the achievements afforded by dancing - whether that be a "great dance" in a social situation, or participating in a hotly contested competition. Students are greatly drawn to competition endeavor. Unknown to most, dancing offers keen and top-grade competition in formation teams, team-matches, and couple dancing. Ballroom dance teams usually include top academic leaders of the school or college. They are attracted to ballroom dancing by both the mental and physical challenge. Ballroom dancing stretches the thinking and the "do-it" abilities of the young. The sense of achievement is a confidence builder. Teamwork - of couples and more - is mutually stimulating to concentration and learning. For all ages, competitive dancing is an excellent learning experience in discipline, achievement, assuredness, and self-confidence. These favorable attributes then tend to transfer to other aspects of the youth's life and this provides even greater benefits in their future. Wherever our youth participate in dancing, they enjoy it and thrive.

Social Benefits

Young people feel emotionally better when they find themselves more socially acceptable, which dancing helps. Socially, the young ballroom dancers discover a new alliance with the opposite sex, an alliance built on courtesy, consideration and mutual achievement. Our ballroom dance clubs provide a great social network in a controlled environment that is free of smoking, alcohol, and drugs. The "good" dancers find themselves much appreciated at social functions and always popular. This builds "social confidence". Ballroom dancing, a great social skill, provides much joy and is useful for a person's entire life. It is a skill to be learned, practiced, used, and treasured.

Growth and New Image in Ballroom Dancing Is Underway - All Ages Are Involved

Growth in Interest

During the last few years there has been an explosive growth in the interest in ballroom dancing throughout the United States. All age groups and social levels are involved.

College Students Lead The Way

The number of colleges that have ballroom dance programs continues to grow. Students in colleges such as Harvard, Yale, BYU, MIT, Princeton, William & Mary, University of Massachusetts, Ohio State, Catholic University, Wichita State, Trinity, University of Maryland, and University of California are active in both competitive and social ballroom dancing. Colleges have been organized into regions and leagues, and are holding regular competitions in ballroom dance. These collegiate ballroom dance competitions are attended by cheering crowds of students and the noise levels are similar to those at football and basketball games. USA Dance also is holding annual national collegiate dance competitions and dance festivals. Social ballroom dancing now is the "in thing" with college students. They give it an ultimate rating of "cool" and "neat."

Now Moving Into High Schools and Elementary Schools

USA Dance is now working aggressively to move this devotion to ballroom dance into our high schools and elementary schools. USA Dance chapters all across the country are working with schools to promote ballroom dance training with all age groups of youths. College dance teams are giving demonstrations in high schools and high school dance teams are demonstrating in middle schools. The response is strong. The first National Primary, Middle, and High School DanceSport Championships were held in 1995 and now are held annually.

Special Supporters

Recently the Miss Dance Drill Team USA Pageant added DanceSport to its program. Dance Drill Teams in High Schools all over the country are being urged to add DanceSport to their curriculum.

Effects of Olympic Recognition

Enthusiasm for ballroom dance has always been strong with adults, but the interest among all age groups has increased dramatically during the last few years. Much of this increased interest is focused on DanceSport, the competitive version of ballroom dancing. This is attributed to the recent recognition of DanceSport as an Olympic sport by both the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee.

Changing Image

The image of ballroom dancers has changed. Instead of formally dressed couples in white tie, tails, and gowns dancing in fancy ballrooms, we now see thousands of informally dressed couples having fun in gymnasiums, community centers, and similar locations. USA Dance's emphasis is on providing affordable opportunities to learn and practice ballroom dancing and this is proving very popular with the public. Thousands of new dancers are adopting this healthful and enjoyable recreational activity.

Membership Benefits

Benefits to All Individual Members

One of the greatest benefits of membership in USA Dance is simply being an active participant in and supporter of this dynamic and effective leader, promoter and supporter of ballroom dancing. Many members say that attending USA Dance events and association with the friends they make at those events quickly becomes a significant and very pleasurable part of their life. This applies regardless of age or whether the member is a Social Dancer, DanceSport Athlete, Student, or Junior dancer. Other more specific benefits are listed below:

Discounts on Admissions

Attend our fabulous chapter dances anywhere in the country and pay the lower admission prices applicable to members. Each dance usually starts with a 1/2 hour dance lesson, followed by several hours of general dancing. The typical program includes mixers, line dances, and dance demonstrations. Discount admissions to our workshops and Special Events.

Dance Information

• Be informed and stimulated by American Dancer, our ballroom dance magazine. Receive Chapter Newsletters covering local ballroom dance news, including information on places to dance.
• Contact chapters in other areas via our website when planning business trips or vacations or call our 800 number for dance information.
• Receive information regarding dance competitions, workshops, dance weekends, dance courses, and other special events for ballroom dancers.

Other Opportunities

• Attend our National DanceSport Championships that select couples to represent the United States in the IDSF World Championships and World Games as well as the many regional and chapter championships.
• Participate in USA Dance's annual International DanceSport Festivals (IDF).
• Be a volunteer in our outreach programs. Help others find the physical, mental, and social benefits of ballroom dancing.
• Provide leadership to dance programs in local colleges and schools.
• Bring ballroom dancing to the young.
• Do dance demonstrations in nursing homes, malls and other public places.
• Help promote ballroom dancing - bring joy and the benefits of dancing to the citizens of your community.
• Enjoy the lasting benefits of ballroom dancing, a great lifetime recreational activity.
• Help us make ballroom dancing grow. Participate in USA Dance, the National Governing Body and leader of ballroom dancing in the United States.

Additional Benefits to Athlete Members

• Status as an Athlete Member of USA Dance and USA DanceSport, the National Governing Body for Amateur DanceSport in the United States. We are recognized by and a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF), the world governing body for DanceSport.
• Eligibility to compete in USA Dance-organized or sanctioned local, regional, and national DanceSport competitions, as well as competitions organized by others.
• Eligibility to compete in international competitions organized or sanctioned by the IDSF or member organizations in 74 countries.
• Opportunities to dance in team and formation contests as well as theatre arts and cabaret championships.

Special Benefits

In addition to the above benefits, part of your annual dues support our Youth & College Network (YCN), which is bringing ballroom dancing and DanceSport into the lives of thousands of our youth. Our goal is for all youths to have an opportunity to learn ballroom dancing before they leave school and go out into the business world. Your dues also support our nationwide program to promote ballroom dancing to those of all ages and abilities and to heighten everyone's awareness of the benefits of participating in a regular program of ballroom dancing. This in turn, increases the success of local dance events and the number of people with whom you have an opportunity to dance and to develop lasting friendships . . . or more.

General

Typically a new dancer will start as a social dancer, attracted to dancing by an enjoyed event with dancing, - witnessing a TV show - yearning for more "social" in their social life - or being talked into it by a spouse, friend or relative. A small percentage of social dancers later find that their love of dance compels them to become competitive dancers or DanceSport Athletes. The vast majority of new dancers will remain social dancers all of their life and will reap many benefits from this activity. The most obvious benefit is that a competent social dancer is very popular with the opposite sex and in great demand at social events. Besides the valuable social benefits of dancing, your participation in a regular program of ballroom dancing will produce significant mental and physical health benefits. Dancing is a great stress reliever. It builds confidence, alertness and a good attitude. It also has been proven to be a great physical benefit as it physically tones the whole body in enjoyable exercise. In summary, dancing will add a new and very beneficial dimension to your life.

How To Get Started As A Social Ballroom Dancer

Determine if there's a chapter near you

If so, you can attend a chapter social dance, introduce yourself to one of the chapter officers and ask for help in getting started as a ballroom dancer. They will be happy to help you get started on the right foot and in a manner that will not cost you an arm and a leg. Chapters have frequent social dances and most of them start with a 1/2 hour dance lesson. Many chapters offer affordable weekly group dance lessons, especially for beginners. Those classes will be an excellent place to commence your dance training. You will learn rapidly and will have the time of your life while learning.

The Newsletters issued by chapters include useful information regarding local studios and independent dance instructors that offer group ballroom dance classes and private instruction for beginners.

If there is no USA Dance Chapter in your community, do not despair! Many colleges provide ballroom dance classes as part of their continuing education programs. Also, the programs of many city or county recreational departments include ballroom dance classes. Some organizations such as the YWCA, Community Centers, Elks or Moose Lodges offer dance lessons to their members and guests.

Your best approach will be to seek out opportunities to take group lessons in the particular dance in which you are interested. The Calendar of Events and Entertainment sections of you local newspaper may provide information on scheduled dance classes and other dance events.

If your budgets permits, and you are so inclined, a local commercial dance studio will be happy to arrange a full program of private lessons, group lessons, weekly dance parties, trips to special dance events, etc. The local USA DANCE chapter and your new dancing friends are a good resource for obtaining information on pricing and quality of instruction, as these often vary from one place to another.

Selection of Your Instructor

Your most important decision after you decide to become a social dancer is the selection of your instructor. The instructors now working with your local USA DANCE chapter are a good source of qualified instruction. Chapter Newsletters usually include a list of the local dance studios and independent instructors. Ask each prospective instructor for a resume, including professional tests and examination credentials certifying the level of teaching qualification attained by that instructor. Such credentials, when accompanied by actual experience in teaching beginner dancers, such as yourself, offer a good measure of assurance that you will not waste your time and money learning things that at a later stage you will need to relearn.

Dance Styles

It is often a good idea to start with group lessons in the American style Bronze syllabus. This will give you a basic foundation for social dancing that will be useful all of your life. The odds are that after you become involved in group classes and witness dancing events, you will soon "pick" a favorite dance or dances in which to seek special training.

Partner Versus No Partner

Ballroom dance includes any dance performed with a partner. However, it is not necessary to have a regular partner when you first start dancing. Most group classes accept singles and you should not hesitate to commence without a partner. However, if you already have a partner, it will be best that you learn together. You will quickly find that learning to dance together adds an entirely new and beneficial dimension to your relationship.

Private Lessons Versus Group Classes

Which are best? It depends on you and your budget. Private lessons are more expensive but they also provide individualized attention that can greatly speed up the learning process. On the other hand, group lessons are inexpensive and are a good way to try out a variety of dances and meet new friends. Most beginner dancers find the environment of learning together as a group stimulating, challenging and lots of fun. Also, group classes provide social interplay and the opportunity to both meet and dance with other beginners. We recommend that you start your adventure into the new and joyful world of social dance by attending group classes with other beginners. Some beginner dancers may feel the need for more privacy as they strive to untangle two left feet. In such cases, a few private lessons may give them the confidence to then join a group class. If you are taking group lessons and find that you are unable to keep up with the group, miss some lessons or are having difficulty with a particular figure, it may be advisable to purchase a few private lessons and use them to catch up with your classmates. Since group lessons tend to focus on steps and patterns rather than on technique, it is especially recommended that male students take a private lesson every few weeks and use that time to study the technique of movement involved, including how to effectively lead his partner through the figures taught in the group classes. Women will find that occasional private lessons help add style and grace to the movements they learn in group classes.

Contracts

Some studios and some independent dance instructors ask students to sign a contract for a specified number of lessons with a price that may include private lessons, group lessons, dance parties, workshops, dance weekends, cruises, etc. Just remember, none of it is free and you may not need or be able to take advantage of, or be able to afford all that is in such packages. Back in November 1992, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning about the sales practices of some dance studios and suggested that potential problems can be avoided by comparison shopping for dance lessons. We encourage you to do that. To read those FTC suggestions, go to: http://www.utdallas.edu/~aria/dance/FTC_dance.html It is important that you not let this warning about contracts deter you from becoming a ballroom dancer. The best approach is to learn the basics of dancing without becoming involved in formal contracts. There are many excellent independent instructors and studios that offer dance instructions on a pay-as-you-go basis with no formal contracts. Seek them out and use their services whenever possible. USA DANCE will help you do that.

Key Elements

Becoming a good dancer always includes three key elements; expert instruction, practice and frequent use of what you are learning. If your training program does not include an appropriate amount of all three you will be wasting much of your time and money. Take a few minutes each day to practice what you have been working on in class. 15 minutes each day in which you focus your mind and body on executing the figures will reinforce the learning process and give you the confidence to then apply those skills in a social dance setting. Last, it's vital that you attend a social dance at least once each week and put into use the things you have learned. Remember! " You use it or lose it!"

The Payoff

It will not happen overnight but as you learn and put into practice the things you learn in class your confidence in your dance abilities will increase and you will begin to capture the joy of dance. Soon dancers of the opposite sex will begin to seek you out and ask you to dance with them. You will have arrived!

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