DANCEWELL NEWS Linda Springstead

OCTOBER 25 , 2005

By Diane Goodwin

Studio Party 10/1/05

The studio party on 10/1/05 was fabulous. The cooler, rainy weather put people in the mood for dancing and a crowd of 70-80 people came. There was a hustle lesson from 7:00-8:00 p.m., and the dance followed. We enjoyed the buffet and visiting and dancing with many old friends and also with all the new faces who joined us.

10/8 and 10/9 Garage Sale

We had a successful and fun garage sale on 10/8 and 10/9 to help raise money to replace the stolen sound system. We received lots and lots of donated items and a couple of additional anonymous donations. Thanks to Renee Johnson, Sandy Sallee, Roy Aveling, Bonnie Pascow, Linda Springstead, Melissa Springstead, Diane Goodwin, and all our other helpers and donators for your expertise and hard work in pulling off this successful fund raiser.

OREGON FALL FESTIVAL

Friday Night, Oct. 14

The Friday night competition took place with an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers and competitors. Diane Goodwin and Roy Aveling competed in the International Standard Waltz and Quickstep events (borrowed cufflinks – thank you, Gerald Cosby, and forgotten bowtie and all). They were inserted into the pro am heats as the only am-am couple but managed to stay out of the way and have a good time, too. The performance by Andre and Natalie Paramonov were electrifying. They performed a number of latin routines to the enjoyment of the crowd.

Saturday Night, Oct. 15

There were a lot of people at the Saturday night session – maybe due to the emerging interest in ballroom dancing. Seemed like everyone had a great time. The competition was moved along swiftly to make up for the late start. Roy Aveling and Diane Goodwin performed their international waltz and quickstep again, joining one other couple on the floor each time but being judged at the novice level. Congratulations to Roy and Diane on a job well done. The competition was topped off with a performance by Victor Fung and Anna Mikhed. They received standing ovations after each dance and well deserved, too, for they were out of this world.

Join us for any of the classes coming up in November and don't forget the next studio dance Saturday, November 5, 2005. The lesson will be rumba at 7:00 p.m., following by general dancing. As always, there will be a light buffet.

In case you hadn't noticed, there are ballroom dances in the studio every Friday night now hosted by the Chinese Dance Club. The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. with a lesson by Apel. It is $5 per person. Join the rest of the ballroom dancers for a fun night.

The Grand Ball - 11/11/05 through 11/13/05 - Vancouver, B.C. (Richmond) CANADA

Roy Aveling and Diane Goodwin competed in the The Grand Ball International Amateur and ProAm Dancesport Competition hosted by Andy and Wendy Wong at their ballroom, The Grand Ballroom, in Richmond, CANADA, November 11 through 13, 2005. Their first heat was on Friday in the Senior Amateur Bronze Standard. There were 10 couples and Roy and Diane were disappointed in their performance, just missing the finals. With a day off to get acclimated and catch the fever again, Roy and Diane competed again Sunday in the Adult Bronze Standard group. The ages are lower in the Adult group and usually present more of a challenge than the Senior group. Again, there were 10 couples competing in the division. With only one or two exceptions, they were competing against the same couples who beat them on Friday. Things were looking stacked against them, but they danced well and were called back for the final round Sunday evening. The final round consisted of 7 couples. All the training and practicing came together for them and they came in 1st! They received medals on blue and white ribbons and were given a beautiful gigantic trophy. Come by the studio and see the picture of them with their medals and trophy on the bulletin board or go www.grandballroom.com for results and pictures (Web site results are posted but photos are still under construction as of this writing).. Congratulations to Roy and Diane on a job well done. And thanks to Rex Betz and Carol Scherer for their kind e-mail. They traveled to The Grand Ball and watched Diane and Roy snag their big win.

AUGUST 15 MONDAY, 2005

Hello Dancers,

By Diane Goodwin & Linda Springstead

Competition News Roy Aveling and Diane Goodwin went to Seattle to compete at the USA Dance – Northwest DanceSport Championships on July 2-3, 2005, at the Sea-Tac Hilton. They competed in the Adult Bronze Standard (age 19+) and came in 9th/10th and also in the Senior I Bronze Standard (age 50+) and came in 4^th. Good job for only dancing together a couple of months with no experience in competing or dancing International Standard on Diane's part. The rewards went beyond the yellow ribbons they brought home as they gained experience and confidence in their dancing. Congratulations to them! Next for them is Quest for the Best in October!

Showcase at Senior Center On July 28, 2005, Roy Aveling and Diane Goodwin did a showcase for the seniors at the Luepke Senior Center in Vancouver, Washington, for the senior's last Friday of the month theme dance -- 4^th of July. The band was the John Bennett Band, who plays for the seniors three times each week. Roy and Diane showcased routines in rumba, nightclub two-step, and quickstep with a surprise which made it a hit routine. And on the other side, Roy and Diane were amazed at the seniors and enjoyed watching them show off some of their hot moves.

Studio Party August 6, 2005 The studio party of August 6, 2005 was a great success. There was a nightclub two-step lesson to start things off. There was a nice crowd and tasty food. Lots of old dance friends came out of the woodwork, so there were plenty of people to catch up with and dance with. (There was an abundance of men for a change – to the delight of the ladies). The evening was lots of fun and the dance went longer than scheduled to indulge those not ready to give it up for the evening. A special “Thank-you” to Monty Harmon for the loan of his equipment on both our Wedneday Night Beginner Party and for our Saturday Dance Social. Next month's dance is again on the first Saturday and falls on September 3, 2005. There will be a rumba lesson from 7-8 pm and a light buffet. See you there.

As many of you know, the studio was robbed of Linda’s sound system last month. We would like to thank those of you who have offered financial support to replace the system. You are great!

MAY 27 FRIDAY, 2005

Hello Dancers,

DanceWell's May 7, 2005 Studio Party

By Diane Goodwin & Linda Springstead

With the piñatas, hula hoops, and dance demos, it seemed like a special occasion at DanceWell's May 7 studio party, but there was no special reason for it, just to have a lot of fun. The evening started with a samba lesson which progressed nicely from bare beginning to a bota foga turn and voltas. Even those who had never taken samba before enjoyed the lesson and had fun trying it out on the dance floor.

Believe it or not there were brave volunteers to compete in the hula hoop contest. Participants were Carl (his first time ever to hula & he did great!) and Kathy Meininger, John Hastings, Ginger Edwards, Ginger Remy, Heidi Hanzlick, Bonnie McCabe, Grace Amos, Myron Robinson, and Roy Aveling. After several heats to determine the finalists and by applause and whistles, Grace and Bonnie were announced the winners, but prizes were given to all the enthusiastic participants.

Not one but two demos were performed during the dance, a samba routine by students of the current Samba Group Class and Phil & Susan Bertrand performed a lovely waltz to Moon River. The samba gave the performance a chance to show off their 3 months of training and came off well. Susan & Phil's waltz routine had a matching beginning and ending where the couple bowed their heads together in a lovely embrace. The story of how they met in DanceWell classes and are now celebrating their two-year marriage anniversary made it a very touching performance.

Dance socials are always on the first Saturday of the month, so our next dance social will be Saturday, June 4, with a cha cha lesson at 7:00 p.m. There will be CD music and light buffet. All are welcome to come and enjoy the evening with a great group of dancers. See you there!

Our next Mix and Mingle Social for Beginning to Intermediate dancers will be on Wednesday, June 1^st . Where you’re NOT supposed to know it all… Join us for fun, CD music, refreshments, mixers… $5p/p. There’s also a beginning Cha Cha class prior to the dance party too.

3^rd Annual Beach Ball

We attended the 3^rd Annual Beach Ball in Lincoln City May 20-22, 2005 to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). There was a welcome dance party Friday night, dance workshops, and a Saturday night dance to Chicago's Own Burgie Crandall and the Let's Dance Band. Dinner was catered by Mo's on Friday night, Saturday's meals include a continental breakfast, Mo's lunch, and "A Taste of Oregon Coast" buffet with no host bars for dinner. There were dance exhibitions and a silent auction Saturday night. All of this for the unbelievable price of $35 or $60 for a couple. Details on the trip follow.

It wasn't Maui, but the 3^rd Annual Beach Ball on May 20-21 was a fabulously good time. All proceeds benefited Lincoln County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), whose mission is to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The organizers of this event came into their own this year, learning AND IMPROVING EACH YEAR, they put on a wonderful event. Unless you had seen it for yourself, you wouldn't have believed the program put on by this group (for an unbelievable $35). The Friday night welcome party at the Gleneden Beach Community Center was well attended. We were treated to a fox trot performance by my DanceWell Studio performance team (Stephanie Yang, Lucy Yelizarova, Sandy Sallee, Rich Peterson, Paul Webster, and Monte Harmon) and to a medley of dances consisting of Balboa, East Coast, Lindy Hop, and West Coast from Bonnie Prater's team (Andy L., Vern and Betty S., George D., Beverly P., Michele S., Cathy P., and Nancy and Jerry R.) from her Two to Tango studio. There was plenty of time for dancing and eating the wonderful dinner catered by Mo's.

The workshops on Saturday had so many sign-ups they had to be moved to the Masonic Hall in south Lincoln City, where we did our best to accommodate the approximately 80 people who came to learn fox trot, cha cha, and west coast swing. There was also a fourth workshop for questions and answers about the dances taught. The enthusiasm of this crowd was incredible. Although we were a little crowded, we had a lot of fun with everyone smiling and having a good time learning the dance steps which covered from basics all the way up to more challenging patterns for the more advanced dancers. Breakfast and lunch were included – they kept us well-fed.

To Re-Cap: We enjoyed dinner on Friday, a great breakfast on Saturday morning, 4 hours of workshops, box lunches of tuna or shrimp salad or chicken wraps for Saturday lunch, dinner on Saturday night, PLUS two full dance parties, one with a live band! The unbelievable part is the cost – we had all that for $35! Boy did we get our money’s worth!

The main event was the ball at Chinook Winds Casino Saturday night. The dance featured Chicago's Own Burgie Crandall and His Let's Dance Band, "A Taste of the Oregon Coast" Buffet, No Host Bars, an exciting Silent Auction, dance exhibitions, Reflections Photography, Glass Slipper Shoes, and a wonderful crowd of people. Bonnie Prater's group performed their medley of dances and Phil and Susan Bertrand from DanceWell Studio performed their beautiful waltz to Moon River.

Some comments about the Beach Ball weekend:

"The sign in the kitchen at the Gleneden Beach Community Center that says 'No roller skating in the kitchen.'" (The Gleneden Beach Community Center where we had Friday Night’s Welcome Dance doubles as a roller rink)	…Melissa Springstead of Tigard
"Loved the lessons – they were for all levels of dancers. We’re impressed with Linda's teaching ability."	Dr. Ed and Faye of Bandon
"The food was great!" “The lessons were wonderful”.	Rob and Mary from Portland
"The dance floor was more accessible this year" (The tables were arranged differently this year at the ball on Saturday night).	Stephanie Y. of Portland
"I want one of those in my kitchen!" (Speaking of the chocolate fountain put up by the casino at the desert table).	Anonymous

Everything came together wonderfully to make this event a smashing success this year. We’re very sorry some of you missed out. This was the very best year so far. It also supports a very worthy cause

………Imagine a world where every child can thrive.

Wishing you the best,

Linda

MAY 18 WEDNESDAY, 2005

Hello Dancers,

We have been given the sad news that Jackie Powers died yesterday, May 17th at 11:20am. Jackie had been a dedicated dancer in the Portland Area for many years, and was well-recognized in the community, along with her fiancé Mike Stevens. She had been fighting cancer for the past few months, actually a very short time. You may recognize Jackie from a group photo in our December 2003 PHOTO PAGE. Mike and Jackie are on the left.

Jackie's funeral will be on Monday, May 23rd at the Bull Mountain Chapter of the Church of Latter Day Saints in south Tigard, at 11am, with a viewing at 10am. There will be a short funeral service and a luncheon to follow. Church phone number: 503-639-0794.

Contributions may be made to Cancer research and to the LDS Humanitarian Aide Fund.

As Jackie would tell everyone, the loves of her life were her fiancé Mike, her son Mathew and dance. Jackie will be missed at our studio and in our lives.

When someone in our little community dies, it leaves a feeling of loss and reminds us of our own timeline. Living life rather than existing becomes a more important plan.

The best in life to you,

Linda

NOTE FROM LINDA ON MAY 24

Jackie was also a poetess, and one who's poetry may strike a note in people's heart. One which I will share was printed in her funeral notice.

WHERE'S THE SCRIPT?
By Jackie Powers

So often life
Is not filled
With love and laughter
As much as
With loneliness and disappointment

It's not easy
This thing called life
With it's broken dreams
And lonely nights
And all the things
That don't work out right

It would be easier
If it came with a script
Of who we were to meet
And the right things to say
And nothing but happiness
Filling every day

Amen would it be easier to have a script telling us exactly what to do and say! So we could be nothing but happy every day! But there's not really a "right" way for anything. Minute by minute living in the moment does the trick they tell me!

The very best to you all,
Linda

MAY 1 SUNDAY, 2005

Just a QUICK REMINDER! SEATING IS ASSIGNED AT THE BEACH BALL SO IF YOU'D LIKE TO SIT WITH US INDICATE YOU'RE WITH DANCEWELL WHEN ORDERING YOUR TICKETS.

APRIL 4 SUNDAY, 2005

Just a note about the BEACH BALL coming up SOON! LIKE MAY 20, 21, & 22 EVEN! REMEMBER TO GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN ASAP IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND ALL WEEK-END!

THERE IS LIMITED ROOM AT THE WELCOME DANCE ON FRIDAY NIGHT -- AND FOR THE WORKSHOPS ON SATURDAY TOO! There is no additional charge for either event, but you do need to register! There have already been 20 out of 50 spots held for the workshops! And I believe the same for the Friday dance. (We may be able to adjust a little...but not a lot, the room is small)

WORKSHOPS RESERVATIONS:: Bonnie Prater at (541) 574-0877

FRIDAY PARTY AND SATURDAY BALL: CASA at (541) 265-9352 (Look on the right inside panel of the brochure for details. I have attached a copy)

ALSO: REMEMBER TO SEND ME YOUR MOTEL PHONE NUMBER OR CELL FOR CONTACT AT THE BEACH FOR THE WEEK-END. THE DANCEWELL GROUP WILL STILL HAVE A COUPLE OF STRICTLY DANCEWELL GET-TOGETHER SURPRISES IN STORE YOU MAY NOT WANT TO MISS!

We're looking forward to this week-ender to "get away from it all" -- and bring all our friends too! WE HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT! There is more information below, or you will receive a Beach Ball 2005 PDF if you're on our email list.

LINDA

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6. 2005

Wow! It's been a long time since I updated this page. Time passes so quickly! Here is copy from the newsletter just mailed.

BEACH BALL GETAWAY ON MAY 20,21,22 Join us in Lincoln City for a Friday night dance and buffet, 4 dance workshops on Saturday, and the Beach Ball on Saturday evening. $35 p/p for the week-end events. How they can do it I don't know... but let's go enjoy! Call (541)265-3116 for information and tickets. Be sure to request DanceWell Tables. More information later.

OUR PHOTO PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED! Thank-you Steve Baker!

February 2005

My thanks to all who donated their help at the DanceWell Social on February 5th. And a big Thank-you to Bonnie Prater, who substitute-taught for me. In all my years at the Tigard Studio that was my first time to leave “my baby” to the care of others. And from all accounts it was a grand party too! I wasn’t even missed …….?

During party time I was at the Xanadu Festival, teaching, judging, enjoying the workshops, the excitement and camaraderie there. All who attended that 3-day dance camp/mini-comp had a great time, and we’ll be looking forward to next year.

And a very special “Thank-you” to all those who have been my emotional support this past year. Know you are all held in great esteem, and that my greatest wish for you all is that you forever receive the same caring, love and support you have shown me.

A very grateful Linda

Compulsive Thought of the Day: “I want (need) to dance the same steps and be as good as the better dancers — now.”

Reality Check: Those dancers have been dancing a long time and put in many dedicated hours. Urgency kills enjoyment. Accepting what is and who we are in the moment allows us to change and grow in the process. Go easy.

2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NEXT DANCEWELL SOCIALS: FEBRUARY 28. MARCH 5. 30; APRIL 2, 27; MAY 7, 25

HELPERS WANTED: We need helpers to register and check in students 1 or 2 class nights weekly. Computer knowledge not necessary, just a helpful, friendly spirit. Trade for dance classes. Talk to Linda

*** EMAIL NOTES If you are on our News List but not receiving monthly DanceWell email updates, check with your email service to be sure we’re on your unblocked list. lspringstead@comcast.net linda@dancewellballroom.com

Happy Dancing!

Stores in Portland:

The Glass Slipper in Portland has the largest variety of Latin and Smooth dance shoes for men and women. 3109 NE Broadway (503)282-0069

Dance Togs in Beaverton has a smaller selection since they are more geared to ballet and tap, but are increasing their inventory.

Dee’s Dance Design is located at on McLoughlin Blvd in Milwaukie. (503)652-0479 Some Ballroom shoes, plus skirts & tops. And they also can create simple dance costumes.

Carrie B’s on 122nd in SE Portland has a good selection of shoes geared to Square dancing and some Ballroom shoes. Also practice skirts.

There are 3 events I wanted to bring to your attention for February Fun.

"The mighty oak was once a little nut who held it's ground"