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Kickline on Capitol steps in Harrisburg, PA for National Dance Week 2001
Produced by Greater Harrisburg Arts Council

SADA Benefits Through NDW

      Sue Geller, RD for Northern California, reported the SADA Showcase, held in honor of NDW 2001, raised $4500 for their scholarship fund, a big increase from last year final tallies. Appearing at the Showcase was MC/guest artist , Anthony LoCascio of Tap Dogs, who proved to be a strong pull for attendance and participation in the event.

Indiana Sees Liturgical Dance Through NDW

      Terri Griffin, RD for Indiana, sponsored a Workshop in conjunction with the NIA Rejoice Dance Ministry of Robinson Community AME Church which is led by director Cecilia Rush and overseen by pastor Rev. Robert E. Harvey. The continuing presence of Liturgical Dance in the NDW events across America is a vital, growing and strong force within the Delegates ranks and their work is much appreciated.

Bay Area Committee for NDW Hosts 300 Events

      A colorful parade in San Francisco, a record-challenging kickline in Pittsburgh and a statewide dance performance in Colorado were just a few of the highlights of National Dance Week 2001. The week-long celebration sponsored by BACNDW included the talents of over 125 dance companies, including San Francisco Ballet, Joe Goode Performance Group, Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet and Liss Fain Dance, in more than 300 planned performances under the theme of Xtreme Dance. The kickoff was held at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Gardens with a colorful parade featuring hundreds of Bay Area dancers, stilt walkers, giant puppets, and musicians. A community-wide program called Open Dance Studios was central to the ten-day celebration, and the week finished with the annual Planetary Dance on April 29, led by choreographer Anna Halprin. Scheduled to be performed on six continents simultaneously and open to one and all, the ritual dance began at 11 a.m. at Santos Meadows on Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County in honor of both
NDW and International Dance Day.

     In Los Angeles, RD Sandy Friedman sponsored the annual LA NDW Kickoff Celebration for NDW on April 22 in an outdoor theater created for local dancers in the San Fernando Valley. This festival of performance was emceed by Joe Giamalva, a director, dancer, and choreographer, and included more than seventeen studios.

National News Media Coverage Increases

      Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times newspaper wrote a Feature Article which was picked up by the national wire services and caused many other news medias to contact the NDW offices for additional information. Sandy Duncan and Luigi were both interviewed on a CBS radio show as well as the News 12 New Jersey, Dance Vista and the Marcia Steiner television shows. News 12 NJ featured NDW throughout the week with 7 minute segments on dance each day. Robert Johnson of the Star Ledger newspaper also featured an interview with Luigi and articles on NDW appeared in several other major commercial publications across the USA. Bravos for our new and hard working NDW Publicist, Audrey Ross, and a special thank you goes out to Frances Roach for his never-ending support and assistance in spreading the word for NDW 2001.

NDW Visibility Grows In Hawaii

      A statewide televised event for NDW 2001 was scheduled to include live performances by Tilt Dance Company, Sun, Moon and Stars Middle Eastern Dance, the Hawaii Ballroom Assn. and Village Pulse African Dance according to State Director, Renee Beauvais. With the slogan, “Take a Chance - Dance!” Hawaii celebrated NDW in a strongly evidenced growth from previous years. On the island of Maui, The Maui Paniolo (cowboy) Assn. held a Sock Hop with music from the 50's and 60's. On April 29th, those groups involved in the television program were joined by Tapestry Dance, Judy Ridolphino Tap Dance and Students from Maui Community College to present a lecture/demo in Kaahumanu Shopping Center. Throughout the week, free dance classes were offered at the Makawao Union Church. On the Big Island, Hawaii, the Big Island Dance Council presented a concert video presentation on April 25th which was broadcast over their local public access station. The island of Oahu, the Sinclair Library at the University of Hawaii Manoa produced a display covering many forms of dance including sacred dance, in honor of NDW.

Baldwin Wallace College Hosts NDW

      Margaret Holden, RD for NE Ohio reported the Day of Dance held on April 29th at Baldwin Wallace College was a huge success. The program was opened with a reading of the Proclamation issued by Governor Taft. Dancers from the following groups gave their talents for the common cause of NDW’s Mission Statement: Beck Center for the Arts, Cannon School of Irish Dance, Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, Cleveland Dance Theatre, Dance Dimensions, Dance Image, Dancin' One, Dancing Wheels, Hispana Group, Lorain Hungarian Dancers, Mary Kay Manning School of Dance, Nritya Gitanjali, Tango Cleveland, Troupe Dayim Lahib. A panel discussion was also held which included representatives from several of the above groups as well as Will Hoppe, a dancer from the Ohio Ballet, and Lynda Sackett from Beck Center.

SADA Receives Donation

      Sue Geller, RD for Northern California, announced that, in conjunction with her NDW celebrations, a $1000 donation was awarded the Sacramento Area Dance Alliance by the Greentree Children's Ballet, a local dance company which donates the receipts of their fundraising efforts to a non-profit organization in the area. The money has been designated for use in the Scholarship Fund of SADA which was also the recipient of a $500 donation from the Sue Geller Dancers in loving memory of Jan-Lesley Cimacio. Operating her NDW campaign with a full committee and as a separate group enables Geller to pursue such acquisitions.

UNITY and AAHPERD Dance Council Support NDW

      Linda K. Huffman, UNITY Co-Chair reported her group hosted 23 French dancers for the entire National Dance Week as their show of support for the annual celebration while Karen Clayborn, PR for IAHPERD/AAHPERD Dance Council, reported the production of several performances throughout NDW at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

Bonasera Defining SD Role in New Directions

     Donna Bonasera, State Director of CT, attained a State Proclamation from Govenor Rowland for NDW 2001 and innovated a new program for her celebration this year. During her networking for NDW, she enlisted the talents of other dance teachers throughout her area to become involved in NDW 2002 as official delegates! Ms Bonasera is taking her role as State Director into new realms by bringing in more and more representation for our annual celebrations throughout her state and is setting a grand example for all other delegates.

On Sunday, April 29th, Historic Monroe Green Used

      Monroe’s National Dance Week 2001 celebration took place on the historic green in Monroe, CT. The outdoor event was hosted by Monroe Dance Academy and sponsored by schools from Stratford, Newtown and Monroe, according to SD Donna Bonasera. The day’s events included performances by local dance schools and New York City professionals, ethnic-inspired dance sessions in which everyone participated and formal presentations on various dance-related topics. Information on college dance programs, summer programs, physical therapy, nutrition, massage and acupuncture was also made available for all attendants.

Hartt School Honors NDW

      Amy Lesko, Coordinator of the degree division of the Hartt School of Music/School of Dance Connecticut was responsible for scheduling, on April 20th, the student company, Touring Ensemble, for a performance at East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut. This was part of the school’s Young Audiences series where the students are presented with varying pieces of choreography that educate them in the different elements and aspects of dance. The pieces range from modern to classical.

Student RD Mounts Impressive Campaign in Kentucky

      Student Regional Director in Kentucky, Kathy Peterson, scheduled a ballroom dance couple who offered a free to the public class at the local Community College. She also arranged for visits with the first grade class at Straub Elementary School and the preschool class at the Episcopal Day School where basic dance demonstrations in ballet were presented and repeated the programs at the public library during the children's story hour. Her week of events was wrapped up in Maysville with a program, "Dance Under the Stars,” where dancers from across the region performed for the public. The show included presentations in ballet, tap, jaz, lyrical, clogging, ballroom, and Scottish Highland dancing. Peterson is a student at Mason County High School and incorporated her NDW campaign into her Girl Scout Gold Medal project.

Anaheim Ballet Supports NDW

      Anaheim Ballet was responsible for inducing the city of Anaheim to officially proclaim April 21-29 National Dance Week. The proclamation was announced and issued at the city council meeting.

PR Dances for NDW in MA

      Professional Representative, Jeffrey Shade, took NDW to th stage of the North Shore Theater for a three hour celebration. He is also active in working with disadvantaged children as he continues his own studies at Lesley College and made certain to raise the awareness of his campus peers to NDW 2001.

Boys In Dance Day

      Janis Owl, SD for NC produced several school performances for NDW and initiated the first Celebrate Boys in Dance Day along with an Injury Prevention lecture as her own contribution to NDW 2001.

NDW Joins Little Puyallup Spring Fair

      According to Michelle Gunn, RD for Northwestern Washington, NDW was promoted at the Little Puyallup Spring Fair with a dance demonstration at the Western Washington Staate Fairgrounds. These same performers also marched in the Daffodil Festival’s Grande Floral and the Tacoma Parades. Gunn also sponsored her area's second annual NDW with a carnival style event held at the Orting Soldiers’ Home. Special entertainment was provided throughout the event with performances in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, song and dance and clogging numbers. Carnival games, an inflatable castle jumping ride, face painting, dessert walk, raffle drawings and costumed characters were on hand and available for one and all. Local businesses donated many gift certificates and prized for the raffles and all proceeds benefited the Good Samaritan Hospital Childrens Therapy Unit. The event was staffed by over 40 volunteers from the community and Northwest Afternoon, a local television show on an ABC affiliate station, KOMO Channel 4, offered continuing coverage of the events.

Capezio Takes Support to the Stores

      Thanks to the leadership of our National Chairperson, Michael Terlizzi, the Capezio store in New Jersey went all out for their NDW 2001 celebrations. They sponsored Master Classes with celebrity Teachers like Joe Tremaine and Frank Hatchett enthralling the attendants and conducted instore events throughout the week.

National Dance Week A First In Kitsap County

      Kitsap Area RD Sa'ida, sponsored the NDW Kickoff Party for Kitsap County on April 20th at the Bremerton School District Administration Building. Performers included the South Kitsap Dance Association, The Spectapulars, Allegro Dance Troupe, Dance Arts Theatre/ Irene's School of Dance, The North Olympic Beledy Club, Ballroom Dancing by Steve and Lori Wybark, The Samara Dancers, Folk Voice Band, the Dance Ensemble NW /Liberty Bay, N. Olympic Beledi Club, Cylestem the S. Kitsap Dance Asssociation, Jazell & Mellilah, Rhythm-n-Shoes Cloggers, Brianna. Allegro Dance Troupe, Folk Voice Band, Steve and Lori Whybark, The Samara Dancers, Spectapulars, Capoeira, and Halo Hula. The Finale will be a fantasy pryotechnics display by the performance art & modern dance group, The Cabiri.

NDW Events Honor Former Teachers

      Florida RD Mary Ellen Vowinkel’s NDW celebration became a Showcase that honored the memory of an area teacher who died earlier this year in an auto accident when donations were contributed to the Peggy Wiechen’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. Ms Wiechen was one who will be most remembered for her dedication to her students and the fund is set up to aid those students in financial need. In Pennsylvania, RD Thomas Goulding assisted Yolande Gensler and the alumnae students of NDW Executive Director, Patricia Goulding, who retired from teaching last spring, in honoring their teacher. The presentation, "A Gouldin' Event" was held during NDW 2001 in recognition of her continuing role in the dance world.

From AZ to NY, CO to DC, NDW Presence Thrives

      Helena Saraydarian, Arizona's Professional Representative for NDW invited DeeDee Wood, local Director and Choreographer, to be the regional spokesperson for their area’s showcase, "Celebration of Dance." Between these two ladies and many volunteers, extensive TV and newspaper coverage was attained. They mounted a website at www.celebrationofdance.org in their ongoing effort to raise public According to the Director of the Astoria Dance Centre in Astoria, NY, and NDW PR, Maureen Gelchion, her scheduled NDW celebrations were free and open to the public, ADC students, family and friends. Throughout the week workshops were held in Modern dance, Creative Movement, Hip Hop Funk, Choreography/Composition and the week was wrapped up with a Student Choreography Showcase.

      The Mayor of Loveland, CO, Kathy Gilliland, opened the RD Teri Armstrong’s NDW celebration by pronouncing it officially National Dance Week in their city. Over 100 performers presented the show on a stage in the middle of a pond in Loveland's city park. Regional Director, Vittoria Natale, reported the Telemundo TV Station covered the entire NDW event in Washington DC and gave continuing air time to the taping following the week's celebration.

Websites Link Contests to NDW

      Danceauction.com featured their annual Photography Contest as their tribute to NDW 2001 and provided a link to the NDW website. The winners of the NDW 2001 Poster Contest, sponsored by Dance Magazine and Capezio/BalletMakers, were also featured on the April issue of Dance Magazine's website and will be moved to the NDW website following the DM update. Many thanks go out to those website companies who showed their support by including NDW in their features, presentations and links.

Latin Rhythms Combine with Dancers of Diversity

      Vittoria Natale, RD for Northern Virginia, stated that the sensuality of Argentine Tango combined with the traditional heat of the Salsa and was introduced to the public at the Latin Rhythms & Dances of Diversity performance held on April 29th at the George Washington University Mount Vernon Hand Chapel. The program was sponsored in part by the George Washington Department of Theater and Dance in celebration of NDW and showcased works from a reptoire of Argentine Tango, Milonga, Tango Vals, Salsa, and Salsa Rueda, reflecting Argentine and Afro-Cuban traditions. The 15 performing couples were chosen for the unique textures and style of dancing they bring to the production. Awards were presented to dance students from George Washington University and a Meet the Artists forum was held, followed by general dancing for the public. The performers included: Mariela Franganillo, Pablo Pugliese, Carina Losano & Pablo Fontana, Quintango Argen-tango, Salsa Fuego Dance Company, Cecilia Villalobos. Jim Johnson, and Orquesta La Romana.

Governor Issues Proclamation

      Margaret Holden, RD for Ohio, reported that her request to the Governor’s office was honored with the issuance of a State Proclamation for NDW 2001. Indiana Names Mr and Ms NDW Christina Ray, RD for Northeastern Indiana, reported her group had 12 contestants compete for the title of Mr. And Ms. Northeast Indiana National Dance Week 2001. They also had 13 dance studios perform for their showcase program and repeated their Library displays. WVU Dance Line Honors NDW Cheryl Workman, RD for WV, was able to network wtih the WVU Dance Line to present a workshop on April 22th in Wheeling at the Stifel Studios as her joint venture with Oglebay Institute to kick-off National Dance Week 2001. The workshop was the grand finale for a day of festivities with speakers, dance demos, open house, and refreshments.

Arizona Has Sold Out Performance

      Helena Saraydarian, PR in Arizona, was thrilled to have a SRO performance for their 2nd Annual NDW presentation,"Celebration of Dance," held at Scottsdale Center for the Arts. The audience filled the 773 seat auditorium to capacity and was a rousing success.

UDMA Executive Coordinator Supports NDW

      The Executive Coordinator of UDMA, Diane Despopoulos, demonstrated her own strong support of NDW by visiting her son, Ag's kindergarten class where she read dance books, showed fun dance clips from movies featuring Gene Kelly dancing with the cartoon mouse in "Anchor's Aweigh"; Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling in "Royal Wedding"; the crowds dancing in the streets from "The Blues Brothers"; Fred and Ginger dancing on roller skates in "Shall We Dance"; and the kids dancing in the library from "The Music Man.” Diane also showed dance pictures from magazines, and then presented tap shoes, ballet shoes, and an old dance costume for them to see first-hand. She wore a NDW tshirt and handed out NDW stickers to all the students and teachers.

NDW 2001 Spokesperson Active Leaders

      Luigi and Sandy Duncan have proved to be our most visible Spokespersons to date for NDW.  They were interviewed by the New York Times newspaper for a feature article by the renowned columnist, Jennifer Dunning, and then went on to appear as Guests on the Larry King Live radio show for CBS Network radio.  We are grateful to both our strong NDW Supporter, Frances Roach, and to our NDW publicist, Audrey Ross, who were so instrumental in arranging for these appearances and coverage.  They worked endlessly and Frances, himself, was responsible for countless daily mailings to other talk show hosts, petitioning for recognition of our annual celebration!  Another interview with Luigi also appeared in the New Jersey section of the New York Times.

Luigi Documentary Includes NDW

      The documentary which is presently being filmed on Luigi's life will include mention of his role as NDW Spokesperson along with his appearance at the NDW Master Class Workshop held in Tampa, Florida, by RD, Carol Desort, at the Jackie's Dance Studios on April 7th and 8th as a prelude to the annual celebration.

Bay Area Celebrates NDW Produces National Kickoff

      Our Northern California Professional Representative, BACNDW (Bay Area Committee for NDW), will present the national Kickoff event on April 20th under the sponsorship of The Dancers Group in San Francisco. Throughout the week and following the Kickoff, there will be more than 300 performances, classes, workshops and related events involving over 125 different companies, studios and groups. One of the most unique among these is the NDW 2001 Retail Dance Festival presentation by the Shipp Dance Theatre under the direction of Kim Shipp. Her innovative dance form is one which connects the dance artist with businesses in a collaborative effort within the workplace wherein the dancer performs in a complimentary and often interactive manner with the merchant's line of business. This pilot project of the Shipp Dance Theatre is best viewed by visiting their website at www.ShippDanceTheatre.org. There you will find the schedule for at least 6 different groups performances at a minimum of 10 different business locales.  Her endeavors for NDW 2001 are certainly proving Dance Magazine's forecast of Ms Shipp's company being "25 to Watch" in the years to come.

California Well Covered

      Karen Lowande, RD for Southwest California, will once again hold her NDW 2001 event in conjunction with her area's "Day of the Child" celebration on Saturday, April 7th, in Corona, CA. She has arranged for local dance groups to perform throughout the day-long community event. The Riverside Community College Dance Touring Ensemble will join the program for the first time this year and will present a lecture demonstration in their public education program to make dance accessible for all age groups. Also participating will be the Corona Senior Center Country Line Dancers, Jazzercise with Cathy Azeveedo, Conlin Dance Academy, Sean Gavan Irish Dance Company, Lowande's School of Performing Arts, Dee Dee Kaplan Theatrical Dance, Hip Hop Dimensions with Cathy Townes and Relampago Del Cielo with ballet Folklorico. A member of the area's dance community will be chosen to be honored during the opening ceremonies of the celebration and all participating groups will receive certificates.

     Lisa Lacock, another RD for Southwestern California, has sent a mailing to all area ballet companies and schools encouraging a heightened involvement in and sponsorship of NDW 2001 events. Sue Geller, RD for Northern CA, will be presenting the Sacramento Area Dance Alliance Showcase on April 28th with all proceeds going to the Laverne Krei Memorial Scholarship Fund. More then 300 dancers will participate representing over 30 dance studios, local college programs and dance companies. A guest performer will be added to the show for this year with former "Tap Dog" cast member, Anthony LoCascio, who will also act as the MC. Mr. LoCascio will teach a workshop on April 27th and will select dancers from the workshop classes to appear in the Showcase with him. Last year $3,550 in Scholarships were awarded as a result of this event proving that NDW is a part of a most worthy endeavor in the northern California dance world.

     Sandy Friedman, RD for Southern California, has long produced one of the most impressive regional events for NDW and has plans for continuing the same with her 2001 celebration. She invited 85 different area studios to participate in her presentation and sent to each of them packets including 25 flyers and a NDW banner, requesting that they distribute and display the same. She's generously offered her guidance and advice to all NDW delegates across the USA to duplicate the banner which is a computer-generated creation appropriate for bulletin board or wall displays. Refer to the Delegates Listing for her postal and e-mail addresses as well as her phone number for contact. Friedman's annual NDW show will be held on April 22nd in Canoga Park, CA.

Pennsylvania State Event Scheduled

      Kicklines on State Capitol and Main Street, USA The second annual Pennsylvania State Event will be produced by State Director, Lori Garling and the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council, on April 21 st and 22nd in Harrisburg beginning with a Kickline on the State Capitol steps and followed by Master Classes in Ballet, Jazz & Tap with instructors from the Broadway Dance Center at and performances by Pennsylvania dance studios and companies at Strawberry Square. Meanwhile, in York, PA, dancers from Greater York Center for Dance Education are presenting a performance in celebration of NDW 2001 at the Jewish Community Center on April 29th. Dawn Rhude, RD for Southeastern PA, has scheduled a local area "Kickline" wherein a simple kickline combination will be taught in area studios the students during the week prior to April 23rd when they'll all join together to perform the routine on a main street in Boyerstown, PA. This is an event which could well be carried out by studios across the USA joining together to show their own communities the joys of movement when dancers unite. Pennsylvania Continues Growing To Have Most NDW Delegates The Keystone State, Pennsylvania, has long held the honor for having the most NDW Delegates and their ranks continue to grow with ever-stronger representations. Jodi Welch, PR from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA, arranged for the dance department to dedicate their performances in both March and April, 2001, to NDW and placed beautiful advertisements in their programs. Tom Goulding, RD for Western Pennsylvania, will make the annual donation of a book to the Green Tree Library in memory of the recently closed dance studio, Patti's Place...the Dance Base. Goulding will also continue a tradition of the studio by sponsoring and mounting a display of dance paraphernalia from which the library’s visitors can learn.

      Cathy Tubolino, another RD for Pennsylvania, is sponsoring a NDW Booth at a competition in her area during the first week in May and intends on having the NDW merchandise on hand for the public to purchase. NDW should have a continuing presence throughout the year and this is a wonderful way to keep the annual celebration at the forefront of the dance world’s attention. Michelle Funk, SR in PA, is holding poster and choreography contests at her studio to celebrate NDW 2001. She will also be presenting a program to a preschool in her area during the week and has three shows scheduled to take NDW to the public. One performance will be at Kidsfest, a community celebration, and two will be presented at the local community college. WPPA Performs in PA Tera Clark, PR for the Western Pennsylvania Performing Arts Company, announced a performance will be held at the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library on April 25th in honor of NDW. The event is presented in conjunction with Greensburg Area Cultural Council and Greensburg Hempfield Area Library

Student Rep Taking Academic Program to New Heights

      Meghan Kelly, Student Representative at a high school in Pennsylvania, Keystone Oaks School System, has established a NDW Committee comprised of her fellow students with Stefanie Rae Erdely acting as her Associate Rep and Mrs. McAllister as her Faculty Sponsor. They've already placed into action plans for their entire school district's participation for banner and poster displays, dance/gym classes, Coloring and Poster Contests (for elementary students), Library displays, bake sales, and other fund-raiser activities. They are also considering applying to the Guiness Book of Records to attempt establishing a Longest Kickline number and have intentions of approaching all local businesses to provide both monetary and in-kind donations to their celebration. These young people have already put in an impressive amount of time toward attaining their goals to produce a most remarkable NDW 2001 in their schools and, certainly, one of the largest involvements in their entire geographic area.

SC State Director Reaching Out to Both the Public and Dance Professionals

      Janis Owl, State Director for SC, will conduct a four school NDW tour involving approximately 2000 area school children, along with a Student Choreography Competition, an Evening of Dance in association with a local college and a free lecture by an Orthepedic Specialist in "Injury Detection, Treatment and Prevention." To round out her agenda of events, Owl presented a revival of "Peter & The Wolf" as a field trip for area children to attend. Owl, as SD, has also been attempting an "out-reach" program to all dance instructors, studio owners and dance professionals in her state in her on-going effort to heighten her net-working program for NDW events and activities.

Missouri State Event Announced

      In Missouri, Linda Green, State Director, has her annual performance scheduled for April 28th at Union Station in St. Louis. She has scheduled guest performances by St. Louis Ballet & Diadie Bathily, African Dancer along with professional, university and studio dance companies, guest speakers and personal appearances by Miss Missouri 1997 and Miss Missouri 2000. The event will have a representation from 32 different companies, groups and/or individual dancers. For the latest details and times, you can check out up-to-the-minute data on the Missouri NDW website at www.gtw.net/nationaldanceweekstl.

UWUA Gives NDW a Voice in Washington, DC

      The National Secretary-Treasurer of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO, Gary Ruffner, graciously added NDW to their website with a request for all to send emails to President Bush for the Presidential Proclamation.  Send your thanks by going to www.capwiz.com/uwua/home/

Oglebay Institute Celebrates NDW in WV

      In Wheeling, West Virginia, Cheryl Workman, RD FOR WV, has arranged with Oglebay Institute to sponsor Free standard classes throughout the week as their contribution to NDW 2001. Other special events scheduled include: on April 27th, a Physics-Ballet class with Dr. Kenneth Laws, Professor of Physics at Dickinson College and adjunct teacher at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet; on April 29th, a Flat Ballet Class taught by Kimmary Williams of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater followed by a Pointe Ballet Class also taught by Kimmary Williams. At Mount De Chantal Visitation Academy Oglebay Institute’s outreach dance program will offer a class in The Physics of Dance with Dr. Kenneth Laws and the Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, will offer dancers three separate 50-minute lecture/demo sessions. For NDW 2000, the Oglebay Institute Liturgical Dance Team performed for the Easter Vigil at St Joseph's Cathedral and will this year appear at St Matthew's Episcopal Church for an event that will follow the opening ceremonies of National Dance Week.

Dancers Unite in CA and AZ

      Professional Representative, Helena Saraydarian, is producing and evening of dance performances, "Celebration Of Dance," featuring many of Arizona's creative and talented dance companies performing in a variety of dance forms. The event will be held in Scottsdale, AZ, on Sunday, April 29, 2001. In the Southwestern area of California, Regional Director, Morwenna Assaf, has events scheduled throughout the entire week of NDW 2001 including
performances by C*E*D*A*R, free classes at the Art/Dance Academy, - a concert of multi-faceted dancers at the Avocado Festival, performances at the Multi Cultural Festival Concerts in Julian and San Diego, CA, performances by the Gol Sanam Persian Dance Company and participation in the International Dance Day at Oceanside, CA.

Michigan RDs Networking

      Christine Sickle, RD in Michigan, reports that she and her fellow delegates, Tracey O'Neill and Laura Berger, have begun the preliminary planning phase for their individual events. Ms Sickle will produce the Dearborn NDW Dance Festival while O'Neil is working with Hope College to present a Workshop and Berger will sponsor a NDW Family Dance Night at the area's Boys and Girls Club.

NC RD Begin Preparation Phase For NDW 2001

      Janis Owl, RD in NC, is meeting with the Executive Director of Folkmoot USA and the North Carolina International Folk Festival. Given the similarity of their mission to that of NDW, Owl hopes to establish a network/liaison with the group in her continuing efforts to foster ethnic dance appreciation and education as her role in NDW.

NE Colorado NDW Involves Denver School System

      RD for Northeastern Colorado, Gwen Bowen, is working with the Denver metro/Boulder school systems for her attempts to incorporate NDW into the academic lesson plans for NDW 2001. She already has in place plans for presenting/teaching a dance routine that will be performed throughout all schools by the children during NDW. Ms Bowen is also collaborating with a local composer, Michael Stanwood, to enlist his services for writing a song to be recorded/used for the Colorado NDW 2001 campaign and events.

VA Does the Tango

      Vittoria Natale, RD for Northeastern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC areas reports that on April 20th Viviana and Isidoro Levinson will sponsor The Golden Age of Tango. This will be a social dance held at The Chevy Chase Ballroom and will reflect the Argentine Tango of the 40's. People will come dressed in the styles of the 40's with prizes given to the best dressed couple attending the event. The winners will receive NDW-T-shirts and tickets to the Gala event on April 29th. During the week workshops will be held and the Gala, Latin Rhythmns and Dances of Diversity, will be held in conjunction with National Dance Day in Washington, DC at The Zanzibar with performances by local dancers. A Meet-the-Artists will take place following the performances when the floor will open for public dancing. A $1000.00 scholarship will be given to one of the top dance students at a local college.

Indiana Sees First NDW Liturgical Workshop

      Under the most capable leadership of RD, Terri Griffin, the state of Indiana will be the site of the first NDW Liturgical Workshop.  Ms Griffin produced this new program for both the public and professional sectors and offered a special Pastoral Workshop to area clergy as a means for enlightening the spiritual leaders to the biblical history of spiritual dance and developing a future for a dance ministry. She also included in the slate of events discussion groups, exercise sessions and learning periods.

Dance Consultants Support Local RD

      Doreen Orlich, RD for Southern New Jersey, reports that her event has been generously supported by UDMA member Dance Consultants of America. Whether the merchants are lending their backing to the local or national levels of NDW, they should be acknowledged for their generous participation.

Richmond, VA Sees New Ballets for NDW

      The Concert Ballet Contemporary celebrated its 25th birthday with an exciting project that gave Richmond, Virginia, a weekend of dance for everyone. For the National Dance Week Kick-off Event, company director Robert Watkins announced the 2001 celebration, which was comprised of five different dance events covering the weekend of April 20th through the 22nd. Classical ballet performances were presented on Friday and Sunday, the Storybook Series was held on Saturday featuring a Mad Hatter’s tea party for children and a modern program with the Concert Ballet Contemporary was presented on Saturday evening. Assistant Director, Scott Boyer, announced a dancer search was also conducted throughout National Dance Week in an attempt to bring out dancers and performers from student to professional levels. Three original works were commissioned especially for the NDW Kickoff program. Concert Ballet is supported in part by The Arts Council of Richmond.

Holden Unites Ohio RDs

      RD Margaret Holden reports the Columbus, Ohio, dance community joined together with Dayton dancers to celebrate NDW 2001. Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was in residency in Columbus U during NDW and a committee, spearheaded by Jackie Calderon, director for the Capacity Youth Arts program worked with Holden in planning the events. DCDC, founded by the late Jeraldyne Blunden in 1968, is one of the best-known small modern dance companies in the nation. The company is culturally diverse in its staff and repertory, which includes works from famous choreographers such as Merce Cunningham, Talley Beatty, Donald McKayle, Ulysses Dove and James Truitte, among others. The goals of the committee are to overcome boundaries by linking the Columbus and Dayton arts communities together and to inspire hundreds of students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the dynamic dance companies that are Ohio based.  The residency will consist of lecture/demonstrations and mini-performances at various area high schools. A liturgical dance workshop was also offered to the community on April 25th at AIMS. Debbie Blunden-Diggs, DCDC Associate Artistic Director and daughter of the founder, was scheduled to be the instructor. A community-wide potluck brunch and dance social concluded the week of activities on April 28th. The networking was accomplished by a notice which Ms Holden placed in the Ohio Dance Newsletter.

Lanteri Coordinates NDW and NYC Festival of Dance

      NDW Committee member, Joe Lanteri, choreographed and directed the opening ceremony for New York City Festival of Dance on April 16th at the Symphony Space Theater in NYC. The subsequent schedule of events were carried on throughout National Dance Week with appropriate recognition given to the national celebration.

CBV Honors NDW in Virginia

      PR Scott Boyer announced the Concert Ballet of Virginia celebrated its 25th birthday with an exciting project that gave Richmond a weekend of "Dance for Everyone." For the National Dance Week Kick-off Event, company director, Robert Watkins, announced the 2001 celebration as being comprised of five different dance events covering the weekend of April 20th and 21st. Classical ballet was presented on Friday and Sunday, the Storybook Series on Saturday featured a Mad Hatter’s tea party for children and a modern program with the Concert Ballet Contemporary was performed on Saturday evening. Additionally, a Dancer Search was conducted throughout National Dance Week to bring out dancers and performers aged nine through adult, from student to professional levels. Three original works were commissioned for the program especially for the National Dance Week Kick-off. The Concert Ballet is supported in part by The Arts Council of Richmond.

Utica, NY Strives for Longest Tap Line

      Jamie Sitera, RD for Central New York, has worked with Watson Williams School in New Hartford, NY, who will host "Utica's Longest Tap Line" for the fifth year in a row. This event helps the Mohawk Valley residents to kick off National Dance Week and they aim to top the 850 people who participated in the NDW 2000 event. Ms Sitera anticipates over 1000 participants for this year's event. Additional events for the week include the Leatherstocking Ballet's production of "Cinderella" featuring students from Utica City School's Performing Arts Magnet, Watson Williams.

Winners of Palmetta Award Announced

      Gail Glover, RD, South Carolina, has announced the winners of the Palmetta Dance Service Award will be Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates - posthumously, The Hon. John J. "Bubber " Snow and Brenda Pugh McCutchen. They will be presented with their awards at the opening ceremonies of NDW 2001 in Columbia, SC.

WV Site of Weeklong Events

      Anna Pishner, RD from Clarksburg WV, announced a full week of activities for the region’s NDW events. The Kickoff Festivities will begin with the Governor of WV and city representatives officially declaring NDW in WV with dancers performing from around the state of WV. This was followed throughout the week with Hip hop classes presented by Geoff Steele and Anna Pishner, Ballet workshops with Cheryl Workman, Tap workshops with Kim Richison and Geoff Steele and Ballroom dance and folk dance demonstrations by the Allegro Dance Company.

Richmond, VA Sees New Ballets for NDW

      The Concert Ballet Contemporary celebrated its 25th birthday with an exciting project that gave Richmond, Virginia, a weekend of “Dance for Everyone.” For the National Dance Week Kick-off Event, company director, Robert Watkins, announced the 2001 celebration which was comprised of five different dance events covering the weekend of April 20th through the 22nd. Classical ballet performances were presented on Friday and Sunday, the Storybook Series was held on Saturday featuring a Mad Hatter’s tea party for children and a modern program with the Concert Ballet Contemporary was presented on Saturday evening. Assistant Director, Scott Boyer, announced A Dancer Search was also conducted throughout National Dance Week in an attempt to bring out dancers and performers from student to professional levels. Three original works were commissioned especially for the NDW Kickoff program. Concert Ballet is supported in part by The Arts Council of Richmond.

Idaho and Washington Join Forces

      Under the leadership of RDs Isabelle Cook and Susie Scarcello, dancers in the states of Idaho and Washington combined their efforts to present the show, "Life of a Dancer," in conjunction with the Inland Northwest Dance Association (INDA). The program included over 200 performers from 12 separate studios.

Day of Dance Held at Pennsylvania Library

      Mary Ellen Shade Cicci, SR in Pittsburgh, PA, had her students perform for a “Day of Dance at the Library” and offered free classes throughout NDW for all levels, preschool through adults in her effort to bring dance to the forefront of her community's awareness.

South Carolina State Director Forges On for NDW 2002

      Gail Glover, State Director for South Carolina is taking her NDW activities to an entirely new level by continuing work with her committee members throughout the year as a part of their contributions to the annual NDW celebrations. Their latest project is a proposed book on Dance History in SC which they will research and author for their NDW 2002 campaign. Glover has managed to bring dance, art and business professionals together in a cooperative effort to foster the Mission Statement of NDW in unique and very public manners.