USA Dance: North-Central New Mexico, Chapter 5047

Our Formation Team

The Dance Formation Team is a group of amateur ballroom dancers who rehearse weekly to learn routines. Formation Dance involves couples performing a choreographed routine. These routines allow dancers to demonstrate their own technique in addition to their ability to move as a team.

Our primary purpose is to serve as the outreach program of USA Dance. We share our love of dancing through our dance performances at a variety of venues such as senior citizen centers, civic groups, and other community organizations. The team has performed at nursing homes, assisted living centers, senior centers, the New Mexico State Fair, the Day of Dance for Health, "Sounds of Broadway" and the 'Salute to the USO" program at Sandia Presbyterian Church Family Life Center. It is mutually rewarding!

Our mission is:

1. To brighten the lives of our elders who are confined to nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
2. To educate the community on the importance of the social and health benefits that ballroom dancing brings into our lives.
3. To promote the general interest and enjoyment of ballroom dancing.

Our North Central NM chapter formed its first Dance Formation Team in January 2008 under the leadership of Millie Leahy. It made its 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 and enthusiastic coach for them. The dance team consisted of: Lonnie Chavez, Mary Ann Dix, Paul Fekete, Patsy Jarnagin, Dick Jarnagin, Sue Thorson, Robert Ulibarri, Barbara Weiss, Robert White, and Rachel Bustamante.

Our second dance Formation Team is led by Patti Smith, a choreographer/coach extraordinaire. Our members include: Gordon Chandler, Mary Ann Dix, Paul Fekete, Patsy Jarnagin, Dick Jarnagin, Fred Laureta, John Meister, Esther Roybal, Sue Thorson, Anna Watkins, Barbara Weiss.

Think about joining us as an active participant or as an alternate. If you would like to learn more about the Formation Team or would enjoy participating, please contact us (see contact information below). You will find that your participation in this community outreach program is mutually beneficial.

As USA Dance is a non-profit organization, there is no charge for performances; however, donations are accepted. If you are interested in having our group perform for your organization/ group, please contact us at the contact link below.