Our Formation Team

According to Wikipedia, Formation dance involves anywhere from two to dozens of couples performing a choreographed routine. The choreography of a ballroom dance formation team includes both choreography of a ballroom routine of an individual couple and the overall pattern of movements of the couples on the stage. The routines generally feature at least some free-form choreography, which may include movements from jazz dance, ballet, or any other type of dance. Formation routines allow dancers to show off their own technique in addition to their ability to move as a team. Formation routines may be based on a particular dance, such as Tango or Cha Cha. Another popular format is a potpourri routine, often a mixture of dances of the same category, e.g., of International Latin or International Standard formation. The latter format is used during the competitions of ballroom formation teams.

Dance formation teams are very popular with the Youth College Network of USA Dance, and many of these teams compete in USA Dance sanctioned contests. New Mexico State University has a team that usually includes about 30 young dancers.

We now have a team! Our North Central New Mexico chapter started its first Dance Formation Team in January 2008 under the leadership of Millie Leahy. They made their debut at the UNM Dance Show on May 1st and received a hearty reception from the audience. These dancers were our formation team pioneers, and Millie was a creative, enthusiastic coach for them. What a terrific way to begin! We appreciate every one of those dancers and Millie for launching a successful program. Dance Team #1 Members: Lonnie Chavez, Mary Ann Dix, Paul Fekete, Patsy Jarnagin, Dick Jarnagin, Sue Thorson, Robert Ulibarri, Barbara Weiss, Robert White, Rachel Bustamante

Over the years we expect to have a series of different dance formation teams with different dancers and coaches. We now have our second Dance Formation Team with Patti Smith as choreographer/coach. They are lining up performances for various places in the community and plan to perform about once a month. Watch for announcements about upcoming public performances, including a USA Dance party. And think about joining a team yourself someday. It is fun!

Dance Team #2 Members: Lonnie Chavez, Mary Ann Dix, Paul Fekete, Patsy Jarnagin, Dick Jarnagin, Fred Laureta, John Meister, Esther Roybal, Sue Thorson, Debi Vigil

Congratulations, dance team members - and thank you for representing us in the community!