For information, registrations and inquiries on all NDW events, activities, classes, workshops, seminars and programs listed in the following updates, please refer to the listed Delegate for contact addresses, phone numbers and email addresses as included on the Delegates page.

Remember that any words in blue are "clickable" links to take you to more information, or if it's a person's name, it will enable you to send them an e-mail.

NDW 2002 Spokespersons Announced

     Ben Vereen was announced National Celebrity Spokesperson for NDW 2002. Jo Rowan was named as National Education Spokesperson for NDW 2002.

NDW 2002 Dates Set

     The dates have been scheduled for next year's NDW celebration as April 26 through May 5, 2002. This announcement should allow all to now begin their preplanning phase in booking auditoriums and other venues. Remember to notify all concerned parties for your events of the dates well in advance and send reminders at a later date.

NDW Committee Formed In Georgia

     The newly assigned StateDirector of Georgia, Huldie Townsend, has formed a State Committee for NDW to oversee all events and activities held in honor of NDW. Their 32 events for 2002 yielded a participation from almost 600 dancers who performed for audiences totaling 1258 people. Ms Townsend has also managed to replace her former position as Regional Director for Northeast Georgia with Dr. Susan Vardeman who has worked alongside Ms Townsend and comes to her new role with strong experience and expertise. The NE Georgia events for 2002 ranged from classes in all types of dance as well as Pilates classes and College Informational sessions and there were also seven different performances.

Three Thousand View St. Louis Event

NDW 2002 at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri

Missouri State Director, Linda Green, and 2002 Education Spokesperson, Jo Rowan

     The State Director of Missouri, Linda Green, found herself facing the need to form a "waiting list" for those performers who wanted to be a part of her NDW event this year! With 48 dance companies and the illustrious NDW Education Spokesperson, Jo Rowan, as Guest Artist, the program, held at Union Station in St. Louis, was viewed by an audience of 3000! The event has grown each year of Ms Green's leadership to where dancers are now vying for a slot in the program. Sponsorship has also grown with support from such business luminaries as: Weissman's Designs for Dance; Gateway to the Web; KETC Channel 9; Donna Collins Events; Mr. Video; Audio Activee Projects Corp.; Vinyl Images; Aalim Dance Company; Head to Toe Dancewear; Brava Bodywear; Brenda Shoss Advertising and; Edison Theatre. Ms Green also has the volunteer services of KFUO Radio's Jim Connett as the MC and Dance Injury Specialist, Dr. Bill Russell, as the House Doctor. As in the past, other Guest appearances were made by the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders and the reigning Miss Missouri 2001, Jennifer Hover.

Indianapolis Committee for NDW Formed

     NDW State Director for Indiana, Terri Renae Griffin, was strongly involved in establishing the Indianapolis Committee for NDW while still serving as a Regional Director and accomplished the feat in conjunction with the Indiana Chapter of Liturgical Dance Ministry Network located in her state. Sharing a "common purpose of dance education and praise worship," the two groups hosted their Second Annual Liturgical Dance Workshop this year with a phenomenal response from dance ministries from across the United States. They've already begun preparations for their 2003 event and look to a growing participation from this increasingly visible community within the American dance world.

California Dancers Join Tobacco Free Project for NDW 02

Students take NDW "Tobacco Free Pledge" in Corona, California

     Due to the astute efforts of RD, Karen Lowande, the Corona/Norco area of California saw an even greater visibility from the NDW dancers in their fourth annual celebration presented in conjunction with the Chad Walker Walkathon and Carnival. Four local dance groups, totaling 50 performers, offered their talents to the publkic at a free event sponsored by area merchants. There was also an activity table/booth at the event wherein a presentation board was mounted with pertinent inforrmation on NDW as well as photos from past performances. Our brochures were passed out and the visiting children were given the opportunity to learn various animal walks fromthe attendant dancers, then given the craft supplies to make appropriate hats to correspond with their selected animal. A unique and worthy innovation for this year was the Pledges Signing undertaken by Ms Lowande's group and offered in conjunction with the Tri County South Regional Tobacco Free Project. All dancers took the National Dance Week Pledge to "lead a healthy life for mind, body and spirit, tobacco free." Polaroid photos were taken of each individual's pledge signing and presented to the dancer along with a NDW magnet. Last of all, all artwork and poems on dance submitted by the participants were laminated and made into a quilt which was then placed on display. Ms Lowande and her professional peers have gained great success and extended the NDW Mission Statement by working hand in hand with community groups and their events, an example worthy of emulating.

Danceauction.com Announces Photography Winners

     The third annual NDW Photography Contest sponsored by Danceauction.com yeilded the most impressive high "quality and quantity of entries" to date, according to the company's President, Caroline Macatubog. The grandprize winner was Bob DeWeese of DeWeese Arts for his hand manipulated SX-70 Polaroid photograph of Indiana University ballet major, Courtney Fraga. The winners of the contest may be viewed on the www.Danceauction.com website or at www.deweesearts.com website. They will be moved to the NDW website at a later date. We are presently searching for a sponsor to produce an official NDW 2003 poster which could possibly feature the DeWeese photo and are in high hopes of being able to offer this to all delegates and friends of NDW for next year's celebrations.

NDW In NYC

     Cassandra Meroe-Wimbs, RD for NYC, managed to accomplish a great deal on a small budget derived from her personal funds, only, in New York City. She was a NDW Activist in the Big Apple by scheduling a Press Conference, Video Screenings, a Dance Poetry forum and Cha cha Boogie with the Black Group Line Dancers and customers at the Lafayette Grill and Demonstration Classes at various locations. Ms Wimbs also became involved and active with the Dance Health Day and James Brown Tribute events as well as the Ancestor Observance at the African Burial Grounds, all the while continuing to be a presence for NDW and its Mission Statement. Another NDW RD for NY, Jamie Sitera, held media interviews, discussion groups, poster projects and meetings with local New Hartford arts organizations in her efforts to bring NDW to the greater awareness in her community.

Dance Class Goes to Schools

     RD, Dawn Haas Rhude, in Southeastern Pennsylvania, offered as her National Dance Week celebration a program whereby her students composed presentations which they then took into their academic classrooms to instruct and inform their classmates about NDW and dance. They prepared short written presentations, made posters and collages and gave demonstrations of dance. Since the workshop to prepare these presentations was also a 'sleepover party' in their studio, they played dance games, watched videos, and enjoyed a light snack, making the entire project a fun as well as educational experience. The students rehearsed their presentations with their parents as their audience before presenting the programs in their schools. Another local participant in Ms Rhude¹s region, Bonnie Downie's Dance Studio, had a "Moms in Dance Class" event where the Moms and other family members of the students were invited to join class with their children throughout the week.

From Georgia to Wyoming

     Cathy McDaniel, RD in Georgia, regularly sent out emails to all on her mailing list to keep them updated on latest developments in NDW. She also employed the direct-mail form of advertising for her event and, through such efforts, was able to enlist the presence of more than 500 performers with an audience of over 1000. Across the nation, Leslie Connaghan, RD for Wyoming, working in collaboration with RD Elizabeth Tolerton, arranged for a Press Conference to be held in the Mayor of Cheyenne¹s office for the Cheyenne Patrons of the Dance. Ms Tolerton¹s studio was celebrating it¹s 51st year of teaching and was able to tie in the NDW festivites through the able assistance of Ms Connaghan.

National Dance Week Regional Director Awarded Honor by NY's 50th Senate District

     Barbara Thuesen, a National Dance Week Regional Director in New York, was presented with the honorary title of State Woman of Distinction by Senator James L Seward on May 21, 2002, in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany, NY. In being presented with the recognition, Ms Thuesen joins the ranks of women such as Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth and Lucille Ball. This is a program founded in 1998 as a part of the state¹s celebration of Womens History Month and honors exemplary women from New York whose professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and accomplishments have merited such an award. Ms Thuesen's work as a dance educator as well as her involvement in National Dance Week and other community endeavors in Ithaca, NY, earned her the nomination which was gleaned from the thousands submitted from throughout the state of New York.

Oregon Sees NDW Action for Scout Troops

     The events produced by Professional Rep, Kathy Forrester, in Oregon, included five separate presentations that ranged from a Dance Workshop for Girl Scouts to Movement Sessions and Performances. The Middle Eastern Dance Guild of of Eugene, OR, was the official sponsor for the events which included a total of 190 participants.

Georgia RD Mounts 8 Day Celebration

     When it comes to newcomers, RD Cathy McDaniel, is a unique and powerful delegate who not only mounted a most successful campaign but wowed her region with eight days of events involving the entire area¹s dance community as well as the public. Each day had a specific dance schedule representing many dance styles, exhibitions, free dance lessons and open dancing for all ages. There were more than 180 performers and instructors, eight area studios and fourteen dance associations and clubs involved in the events and Ms McDaniel managed all this with no outside funding other than the donation of the Ballroom and Sound System by Dream Weavers, an Atlanta Senior Citizens Dance Organization. Banners were displayed along with the distribution of the NDW brochures and informative literature and printed certificates to all participants along with a published schedule of events; Information Booths were provided with 4'x4' displays outlining NDW and Dance History for various dance styles. This was a most impressive premiere presentation for NDW in the Atlanta, Georgia area and it yielded strong interest from both the regional dance community and public alike.

SD Reports Extended Studio Celebrations in CT

     State Director of Connecticut, Donna Bonasera, reported that regional celebrations for NDW 02 included Dance Workshops for Kindergarten students at the Litchfield Center School. These educational programs were presented by Kim Fisher from the Litchfield Dance Academy in an outreach effort to the community.

Kansas PR Dedicates 15th Anniversary to NDW     

     The new Professional Representative, Mary Ann Van Dine, from the Kansas City Public Schools, District #500, announced that the 15th Anniverssary production of the dance ensemble group, Releve, will be presented in honor of NDW on May 4, 2002. Ms Van Dine has begun our presence in her state with this prestigious program and a heightened fervor for spreading the Mission Statement of NDW and looks forward to continuing her role in NDW for 2003.

Rowan Gives Phone Interview to Media in AZ

     RD, Helena Saraydrian, of Phoenix, Arizona, observed National Dance Week this year with the "Celebration of Dance" performance on April 28th at the Herberger Theater Center. Ms Saraydrian and her committee worked hard to bring a heightened presence of National Dance Week to their local media coverage and arranged for a phone interview between an Arizona newspaper and National Education Spokesperson, Jo Rowan.

SRD Active at Edinboro University

     Lorren Pallone, SRD at Edinboro University, donated a book on dance to the local campus library in honor of NDW. She also developed plans, with a committee of fellow students, to present a workshop for all students in the local elementary and middle school. There were to include stations such as Step in Paint and Dance to the Finish Line, See Yourself as a Dancer with a mirror set up and provision of old costumes for props. A local professional ballerina was to attend the sessions to speak with the students and time was allowed for photo sessions with her and the students. Their plans included provisions for wheelchair bound students so that they could fully participate. For the college students, other workshops were scheduled in jazz, yoga and pilates. Ms Pallone distributed copies of the NDW lesson plans to the local academic teachers and students in the Education department at EU. High school students were given the option of attending the collegiate workshops or volunteering to assist at the elementary school workshops. A performance was planned for the last day of NDW with the university's dance teams and local students performing. Ms Pallone has intentions of taking her NDW events program into the NDW 2003 celebration and has already begun preparations for it.

Holden Expands Day of Dance in Ohio

     Margaret Holden, RD in Ohio, planned her annual Day of Dance program with fourteen area ensembles, including the newly formed Ohio NDW Dancers, a group made up of teachers, dancers and former dancers. It was held on May 5th at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights. The three-hour free performance contained presentations in ballet, musical theatre, jazz, hip hop, modern and multi-cultural. In addition, three of the Presenters agreed to offer workshops prior to the performance in African Dance with Akil Marshall of Dance Afrika Dance, South American Dance with Ana Dumett of Nueve Gente, and Classical Indian Dance with Kalpana Patel of Cleveland Cultural Alliance. Ms Holden also received a Proclamation from the Governor of Ohio declaring April 26-May 5 to be National Dance Week as an official state observation.

Indiana Alley Cats Join NDW

     Christina Ray, RD for Northeast Indiana, produced the 4th annual NDW celebration performance on May 3rd at the Allen County Sheriffs Reserve in Fort Wayne. Eight area studios participated and the Alley Cats, a senior citizen tap group, were the Featured Guest Artists.

Senior Citizens Network With Youth

     Working with other Regional Directors, Barbara W. Thuesen, RD for NY, produced a program held on May 5, 2002, with numbers in Chinese, Indian, Belly dancing, ballet and jazz. "The Aging Gracefully through Dance and Wearing Purple" group, one comprised of senior citizens, also gave a presentation to an area ballet club of students.

National Spokesperson Appears In PA

     When Ben Vereen was unable to appear at the event produced by Lori Pergament, SD for PA, she found she had a Guardian Angel in the person of Education Spokesperson, Jo Rowan! This great and gracious lady agreed to be the Featured Guest Artist and the substitution turned out to be a wonderful plus for all who attended the event since any and all classes with Ms Rowan are certain to bring quality performance and high satisfaction to the participants!

Student RDs Extend to Community

     Anne Devlin, SRD for PA, arranged for a tour of the elementary schools with a program of Dance and Exploration. Her college Dance Troupe presented excerpts from their concert program and added a swing and tap dance numbers. They also acted out an abbreviated version of Beauty and the Beast through dance with large props of forks, spoons, and teacups which were incorporated into the choreography. I hope the kids like it! On April 26th, a performance was given as a cancer benefit at the Indiana Theater by various area dance groups. In Moon Township, PA, SRD Caitlin Conroy, combined her NDW work with her Senior Project, a required element of her graduating year. She conducted classes in Liturgical Dance for area students and choreographed presentations for several parish liturgies throughout the months leading up to NDW. Another Pennsylvania SRD, Meghan Kelly, arranged for a Poster Contest at an area dance studio and distributed NDW Goodie Bags to all students and faculty alike which included the official NDW t-shirts and pens. In Erie, PA, as SRD Michelle Logsdon, formalized her plans for NDW, she was able to gain sponsorship from the the Mercyhurst College Dance Department's Tauna Hunter. Together, they scheduled the activities for NDW to include an April 29th hip hop class, free of charge to both the college and the Erie communities. It was held at the Recreation Center on campus. On April 30th, a pilates class was offered, again free of charge and open to the public at the Mercyhurst College DanceSpace. A dress rehersal of "Carmen" and "Paquita" was scheduled for May 3rd and was open to the public free of charge. Two performances of "Carmen" and "Paquita" were scheduled for May 4th and 5th. During the entire week long celebration two display cases were set up in the library and in Zurn Hall at Mercyhurst. Posters and signs were mounted throughout the campus for heightened awareness. Lastly, during the week, students gathered to do pointe shoe decorations, a clever and unique manner for celebrating NDW wherein old and no longer usable pointe shoes were donated and their shoes and decorated for display during the week at the Performing Arts Center.

Education Spokesperson Travels Far on Behalf of NDW

     Within the actual dates of NDW, our incredible National Education Spokesperson, Jo Rowan, put in at least five personal appearances ranging from teaching to speaking to performing. The dedication and devotion as well as generosity of this wonderful woman is deeply appreciated and applauded by all in the NDW task force. From her performance in St. Louis for Missouri State Director, Linda Green, to her teaching at the event produced by State Director of Pennsylvania, Lori Pergament in York, Ms Rowan expended her energies and intellect, experience and wit to most receptive and adoring audiences. On her own Oklahoma City University campus, the graduating Seniors from the School of American Dance and Arts Management dedicated their graduation performance to NDW and brought a new and refreshed presence of our annual endeavor to new heights and one that others in the collegiate communities could and should now emulate.

Liturgical Dance Reaches Out to Community

     Amanda Standard, PR for MD, in light of the fact that liturgical dance has continued to experience growth, broadened interest and wider acceptance and participation, chose to focus on this aspect of dance for her NDW observance. Dance has been recaptured in the worship services of the local churches, she reported that, across the DC Metro area, dance troupes can be found actively participating in Sunday morning services on Sunday morning and weeknight services. Building on this and in an effort to take Liturgical dance into the community, the Outreach Dance Concert was presented in conjunction with NDW on April 28th and included: Randi Innis, MD Dance n' Praise; Karen Farnum, NYC Allen Litugical Dance Ministry; Thera Ward, NYC Perfecting Faith; Marvin Richardson, MD Church of the Lord's Dicsciples; Reginald Cole, MD Greater Mt. Calvary; Jawana Litchfield, DC Greater Mt. Calvary; Brian Hawthorne, NYC Allen Litugical Dance Ministry and; Rev. Stephanie Butler, Jamaica West Indies, Christ for the Nations.

Mehron Cosmetics, NDW and NJ

     The Mehron Cosmetic company showed an especially strong support for NDW this year and is to be greatly commended for their numerous contributions. In New Jersey, RD Doreen Orlich, received tote bags and samples from Mehron which she was able to distribute to all the participants in her fourth annual NDW Dance Fest event. Ms Orlich also conducted a NDW Coloring Contest for area children and erected NDW displays in local libraries as well as volunteering for a Dance storytime and Craft Session. Mehron went one step further and offered all NDW Delegates an online opportunity to receive a Sample Makeup Kit for use as a prize in the delegate's event. As if this were not already generous, Mehron extended their donations to include provision of tote bags and sample products which were specifically designated as Thank You Gifts to the official NDW Delegates. These will be distributed within the coming weeks and we would ask all to send a personal note of apprreciation to the Mehron company for their continuing interest and participation in NDW.

Weeklong Workshops and Programs in WA

     On April 26th, Free Line Dance Lessons were presented at the Black Angus in E. Bremerton, Washington under the direction of PR, Sa'ida. The regions NDW celebration continued with the Official Kickoff Party at the Silverdale Mall on April 27th followed by the Sufi Movement Workshop by Karajan Kalacay in Port Orchard on April 28th. The Kickoff Party will have as a guest speaker the Kitsap County Commissioner, Jan Angel, and will include performances by fourteen area groups and will have an after-show party for all participants. Beginning on April 29th, the week-long area events included a Cultural Renaissance Studio Open House hosted by Aurea Shiri; a Bellydance, Stretch and Tone class with Sa'ida and a Folkloric 101 lecture and Pot Luck Social at the Pacific Northwest Costume; the South Kitsap Dance Association's Company Showcase in Port Orchard; a performance by the Mas Uda Middle Eastern Dancers at the Lacey Fun Fair; Hasani's Hafla at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club; an Egyptian Dance Workshop with Astryd deMichele, and; various Hafla Dance presentations.

New Haven Ballet Honors NDW in CT

     Spurred on by CT State Director, Donna Bonasera, the New Haven Ballet's Community Performance at the Shubert Theater, under the direction of Philip M. Otto, Artistic Director, was presented in honor of NDW on May 5, 2002. Exerpts from Sleeping Beauty with guest artists from American Ballet Theatre are included in the program with additional performances by Vincent E. Mauro Elementary Dance Classes, ECA Dancers, Dances for 2, and the Elm City Girls' Choir.

From Washington State to Washington DC

     Isabelle Cook, RD from Washington and Susie Scarcello, State Director for Idaho, collaborated to bring ten area studios to present "United We Dance" at North Idaho College, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In Washington, DC PR Camila Karam conducted a Samba Workshop at the University of Md-Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on April 27th.

Rd Donates to WV Library and Board of Education

     Anna Pishner, RD WV, donated books along with the books purchased by the Cultural foundation to her area Library. She also made a presentation of a book, Dance Education, to the President of the Board of Education with the intent of supporting Dance Education in the region's school system.

Community Wide and Week Long Events in Atlanta

     All dance classes, workshops and performances showcasing various dance styles have been scheduled at CBS Presidential Conference Center in Atlanta and will be offered free of charge during the National Dance Week 2002 celebration. A community-wide party is scheduled Saturday evening, May 4th, open to the public where they will be able to observe and/or take a dance lesson in dance styles ranging from ballet to jazz, modern to ballroom, Carolina Shag, Swing, Hip-Hop, and clogging to line and country dance. An information booth will be available for all area studios and groups to promote their dance association. display business cards, flyers, etc. RD Cathy McDaniel, who has produced this community event, has scheduled eight separate events throughout the week ranging from the Opening Night Just Try It! Workshop to the Closing Night Dance Explosion! community-wide dance party.

Santa Fe Features Dance on Film

     The PR in New Mexico, Sue Breslauer, has announced her NDW celebration in Santa Fe will feature a showing of "Dance on Film at the Lensic" on May 3rd with 2 showings of "Singin' in the Rain" and the Santa Fe Premier of "Backstage at the Kirov". There will also be a reception with Derek Hart, producer & Ludmila Lopukhova, Kirov ballerina .

SR Offers Free Classes to All

     Mary Ellen Shade, SR in Pittsburgh, PA, is offering her students the opportunity to take any and all classes during NDW as a way of sampling the different styles of dance. She has also arranged for a dance performance at her region's Brentwood Community Room which will be open to the public as well as the students' families.

Washington Sees Multicultural Event

     The Kickoff Party & Multicultural Dance Presentation produced by RD Sa'ida is scheduled for April 27th at the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale. Other events for the Washington state celebrations include Beginning Belly Dance & Folkloric class on April 28th in Bremerton, South Kitsap Dance Assoc. Company Showcase in Port Orchard on May 3rd, Claudine's Teen Dance Workshop in Bainbridge Island, Egyptian Dance Workshop at and Hasani's Hafla, both at Gig Harbor Yacht Club and all on May 4th.

Press Conference in NYC

     NYC PR, Cassandra Meroe-Wimbs, has informed NDW she will hold a press conference for NDW on April 9th at which time she will also announce the award program, "Keeper of the Flame Preservation Pioneer Award,² to be presented on International Dance Day, April 29th by the Harlem Arts Alliance. Meroe is also encouraging all with whom she networks to join the efforts of the Presidential Sports Awards in the Dance Category.

Nine Events in Atlanta

     Cathy McDaniel, RD in Georgia, is producing a slate of Free dance instructions, workshops and performances as her NDW Œ02 celebration, showcasing various dance styles. The nine separate events will be held at the CBS Presidential Conference Center in Atlanta throughout NDW dates. A community-wide party is scheduled for May 4th, free to the public. Those who attend will be able to observe and/or take a dance lesson in a broad range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, modern, ballroom, Carolina Shag, Swing, Hip-Hop, clogging, line and country dance. With two large dance floors, Ms McDaniel has extended invitation to all area teachers to act as instructors. There will also be an information booth for promoting the regional dance associations.

RD Uses Ads to Reach Public

     The RD in South Dakota, Carolyn Knutson, has chosen to take advertisements with her local newspaper in a special section called Outlook 2002 (Sports, Recreation and Entertainment) announcing NDW and informing them of the links between the events across the United States, the unity of the American dance community and the role dance plays in our society.

Danza Magazine Supports NDW

     The Spanish magazine, Danza, is including an article on NDW in its April issue with photos from past NDW events as well as a plea to its readers to join in the annual celebrations.

NDW Chorus Line in Ohio

     In Ohio, RD Margaret Holden is sponsoring her annual NDW Day of Dance. This year it will be on May 5th at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Thirtteen ensembles will be performing and, for as a first-time-ever, there will be a chorus line of "NDW Dancers" performing. These are people who have auditioned for the ensemble and the lineup consist of dancers, dance teachers and former dancers. The performers who will be participating in the event include representatives from ballet, Irish, Classical Indian, Classical Spanish, Tango, Jazz, Modern, African and have a variable age range.

State Director Receives Grant

     The State Director of Michigan, Christine Sickle, has received a mini-grant from the "City of Detroit Cultural Affairs Department and Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs" for my "Dearborn Dance Festival for National Dance Week" workshop and performance.

Spokepersons Continue Support

     Former NDW Educational Spokesperson, Gus Giordano, dedicated and scheduled his internationally known Choreographers Showcase for 2002 to the National Dance Week effort this year. We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support, he and other past Spokespersons lend to NDW and applaud their own generosity of spirit and contributions. Those who have been chosen to lead the American dance community over the years are, indeed, the paragons of our artistic endeavors.

Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Support NDW

     Through the efforts of Lisa Fane from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, NDW is now being espoused and honored by this world-knowned group of dancers. They are distributing flyers at all the auditions being held across the USA and, especially, at the New York City Auditions which are to be held during National Dance Week (April 29-May 2). In addition to producing the top grossing live show in the country, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Entertainment is working with top directors and choreographers, as well as new and exciting dance forms and styles for the Rockettes. From hip hop to salsa to tap, the Rockettes are moving in new directions, which will be evident in a new production entitled the Radio City Carnivale Spectacular launching in May, 2003. As the Rockettes represent a cross section of America, they encourage women from all corners of the country, representing all backgrounds and nationalities, to audition for the Rockettes. Radio City will be holding its 2002 auditions for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for Rockettes, as well as for Male and Female Dancers and Children, in Dallas (April 23 and 24), Chicago (May 7-9), Los Angeles (May 13-16) as well as the New York City dates cited above. Rockette candidates will have to be between 5'6" and 5'10" tall and will learn jazz and tap combinations. For specific audition times, locations and roe requirements, please visit www.radiocityauditions.com or call the Radio City Audition Hotline at 212-485-7399.

Missouri State Event Grows Again

     Missouri State Director, Linda Green, announced they will have 50 companys performing at the State Event and applications continued to arrive long past the deadline date. All of their sponsors have continued their support with Weissman's being the major contributor. Highlighting the day¹s program at Station Square in St. Louis will be a perormance by ATREK Contemporary Dance Company, St. Louis Ballet, Diadie Bathily and a personal appearance by Miss Missouri, Jennifer Hover.

April 19th Is International Dance Day

     On the 29th of April, as every year since 1982, International Dance Day will be celebrated all over the world. The CID has prepared the following guidelines as a useful checklist for dance directors. This general term is meant to include all people institutionally involved in the wider field of dance: teachers, choreographers, group leaders, journalists, researchers, associations, suppliers, organizations etc.

Object

     The main purpose of Dance Day events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance. Special emphasis should be given to addressing a new public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year.

Events

     Dance Day events may be special performances, open-door courses, public rehearsals, lectures, exhibitions, articles in newspapers and magazines, dance evenings, radio and TV programs, visits, street shows etc.

Organizers

     Events are primarily organized by dance companies, amateur groups, schools, associations and other institutions active in dance. Wherever possible, it is better for events to be organized jointly with a non-dance institution such as a government agency, a public school, a municipality, a business enterprise, a trade union.

Content

     Organizers have full freedom to define the content of the event. Make sure that you include general information on the art of dance, its history, its importance to society, its universal character. This can be done in a short speech, a note in the program, a text distributed to those present. By adding this dimension you make the event different from dance activities taking place any other day. Read a message from a prominent personality, a poem, a passage from a text by a famous author.

Coordination

     In order to achieve maximum success, it is important that preparations start early enough. It is imperative to inform the press and generally the media about your event. Notify an organization holding a central position at regional or national level, which should publish a list of events planned for Dance Day. Entrance to events should preferably be free, or by invitation. Invite persons who do not normally attend dance events.

Location

     At best, events should take place in new places, such as streets, parcs, squares, shops, factories, villages, discotheques, schools, stadiums etc. By setting the event in original surroundings you stress the fact that this is an event dedicated to the universal family of dancers. For further information, you may email cid@unesco.org or visit the website at: www.unesco.org/ngo/cid

CT Celebrates NDW With Classes and Shows

     Connecticut State Director, Donna Bonasera, has announced a week-long slate of events for her NDW offerings this year. On April 16th, 1000 school children will attend the prelude to NDW performance of "Our Cultural Heritages" at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT. The performance, "Broadway Revue," will be held on the 26th and 27th of April at CDT Studios in Watertown, CT and on May 3rd an eclectic performance will be presented at the Barnes & Noble store including numbers from the "Broadway Revue." "Peter and the Wolf" will be In-School Performances at Bunker Hill Elementary School and Danbury Elementary School on May 9th.

Dance Magazine Poster Contest Winners Announced

     Dance Magazine now has the winning NDW posters and their creative artists' names mounted on their website. The First Place awards will be given as follows: Ages 6-10 - Carmen Salley Ortiz of Dance Arts Studio in Shreveport, LA; Ages 11-13 - Zachary Canter of Agoura, CA, and; Ages 14-18 - Jessica Ostermann of Jody Phillips Dance Company in Leawood, KS.

PA Student RD Reaches Out to Studios and Schools

     Meghan Kelly, Student Regjonal Director in the Keystone Oaks School District in Pittsburgh, PA, is personally sponsoring contests through a local area studio with a coloring contest for preschool, kindergarten, and Dance I classes and a poster contest for Dance II and Dance III students. Prizes for the winners include a basket for each level with age-appropriate dance related items. Every participant will receive a "free sundae coupon" compliments of the local Dairy Queen. Ms Kelly also presented each of the studios' main teachers with a NDW T-shirt. At the KO elementary school, she furnished the display case and library with NDW and dance-related items and donated two books in honor of NDW 2002.

NDW Hits Mercyhurst College Campus

     Michelle Logsdon, SRD at Mercyhurst College announced The Mercyhurst Dancers, in conjunction with the Lake Erie Ballet, will present their spring show during and in honor of National Dance Week so we plan to advertise those two events together. This is the first time the Erie, Pennsylvania college has seen the NDW celebration as an official and active participance although Ms Logsdon has plans on it becoming a continuing annual celebration.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Supports NDW

     In western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust lent NDW its support this year by distributing our brochures in their programs for all the presentations of the Pittsburgh Dance Council. Meetings for a more involved support and participation between the PCT and NDW in 2003 are scheduled for this spring. Buddy Thompson, Director of Education for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Academy, also demonstrated a show of support for NDW by making the brochures available to the school's entire student body and families.

Michigan PR Unites Studios in NDW

     Linda Busche, PR from Michigan, has invited each area studio, school and dance group to participate in a series of performances sponsored by the Dancer's Choice store in Jackon Crossing, Michigan Eight different studios selected a representative coordinator to work as part of a Jackson Area National Dance Week committee. A Fashion Show was also scheduled to be held at the local store featuring the latest in dancewear styles and a Lecture presentation was featured wherein a history of Dance in the Jackson area was presented. Each studio was given the opportunity to display a presentation board about their classes and activities. history and programs. A special program was also scheduled for a Salute to Susan Vaughn, a program to publicly honor the area teacher for her more than three decades of promoting and teaching dance in Jackson. Additionally, Make-up Seminars are to be offered with local theater make-up artists as presenters. Letters from dance students are also being solicited wherein they are to describe their individual experiences in the study and performance of dance. A Kick-off Dance-a-thon was planned as a JSA Fundraiser. Ms Busch was approaching local businesses to join the celebration as potential sponsors and initially received the donation of ad space from the Jackson Citizen Patriot as well as support from WKHM, Family Life Radio for Albion & Spring Arbor. She is seeking coverage by the local television and radio stations.

Pennsylvania and Ohio Events Abound

     Pennsylvania RD, Trisha Hileman, has scheduled a NDW Dance Workshop for April 27th to be held in the Moon Township area west of Pittsburgh, PA. In the Northeast region of Ohio, RD Margaret Holden is producing the Day of Dance on Sunday, May 5th in Shaker Heights, OH, for which invitations are being sent to all area teachers to participate in a Kickline event. Ms Holden has also managed to generate interest from a local television station.

NDW Comes to Harlem

     RD for NYC, Cassandra Meroe Wimbs', NDW campaign will include a week long array of events occuring in Harlem and featuring: Artist Church Service and religious dance performance on April 28th; an International Dance Day Awards ceremony on April 29; Free demo classes, video and lecture presentations; Ancestor dance showcase party; The James Brown exhibit at the Powell State Office Building; A Day of Dancers' Health, Massage and Dance and Music Therapy; a Tour of the Performance Branch of the NY Public Library; Master and private classes and; Proclamations from local elected officials. The performance event has been entered into Unesco's International Dance Listings and participants have been invited to Rome for a festival.

Illinois Has NDW Events Throughout April

     Nicole Bishop, RD for Illinois, has announced that Dance Tapestry and Image Ensemble Performance Company will be hosting a month long celebration to promote NDW. A series of 21 dance workshops, class sessions and related seminars will be held in South Holland, Illinois, including Hip Hop with David Beck; a Nutritional Seminar with Cheryl Mangan; Liturgical workshops with Emily Yovich; a Salsa session and; Modern Dance workshops with Roberta Cassidy.

NDA Supports NDW

     Dr. Nancy Kane, PR for NDA, announced that the Eastern District Convention of AAHPERD contributed a full page advertisement to NDW in the program for their Dance Gala. Under Dr. Kane's direction, the SUNY Rockland Community College scheduled their spring dance concert as a celebration for NDW and has now established the premise that the annual event will heretofore be observed during NDW each successive year in honor of the national celebration.

Middle Eastern Dance In Oklahoma

     Shaida Dahlal, RD in Oklahoma, has announced that her Dance Conservatory is hosting a Middle Eastern dance workshop & show on April 27th in celebration of NDW. It is being promoted as the "National Dance Week Kickoff Event" in conjunction with the MAGIC Chapter of MECDA (the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association). Also performing will be the Purple Roses of Cairo Professional Middle Eastern Dance Company and the Nawar Tribe Ethnic Dance Troupe.

"Dance United" Theme for NDW in Georgia

     Events planned for Northeast Georgia's NDW '02 will address a wide array of interests according to RD, Huldie Townsend. The Art Zone, a fine arts education center in Young Harris GA, will host "Dance United," on April 27th, at the Young Harris College campus. Events will include: 5 - 1 hour master classes for experienced dancers; a Young Dancers Experience for dancers ages 5 to 8 and; breakout seminars for dancers, parents, and teachers. Topics to be covered are: how to audition, creating a resume, what is competition, business management for the studio owner, and a variety of "what is ?" (clogging, irish step dancing, square dancing, hip hop, etc.)demonstrations. A Musical Theater Production of "Peter and the Wolf" will be presented by the Mountain Classic Dance Co.and a second presentation will be the "Evening Feature Performance by Special Guest Artists." Additionally, there will be a full day of exhibition performances by area dancers and a College Fair and other information for the serious dancers. Ms Townsend will be distributing this information to 350 studios in the surrounding area of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Michigan Senate Resolution Obtained for NDW

     The newly appointed State Director for the state of Michigan, Christine Sickle, has received the Michigan Senate Resolution No. 166 (dated February 13, 2002) observing April 26 to May 5, 2002, as National Dance Week in the State of Michigan. This resolution was offered by Senators Hart, Peters, Dingell, McCotter, DeBeaussaert, Scott, Young and Miller. Ms Sickle who is producing the third annual "Dearborn Dance Festival for NDW" is also awaiting the receipt of a local proclamation from the City of Dearborn, where the festival is scheduled to be held.

Popular Photography Magazine Notices NDW

     The NDW 2002 Photography Contest sponsored by Danceauction.com has been given coverage in the Popular Photography magazine. This is a "first" for NDW but an accomplishment long desired, gaining mention in publications read by the general public. Other than the press releases and articles in local newspapers and last year's feature article in The New York Times, we have had no such notice from the commercial media. It will always require a unique, clever or specific point of interest to catch the "eye and ear" of those who write for such publications and is a point to keep in mind when beginning your planning phase for the 2003 celebration's events.

Ballet Clinic Set For Minnesota

     Debra Bahr, who was recently reassigned as RD in Minnesota, has scheduled a local poster contest as a part of her NDW 2002 celebrations. She also has a guest artist contracted for a ballet clinic and a middle school dance performance to promote NDW.

Liturgical Dance and Michigan

     Terri Griffin, RD for Indiana, reports that the Oak Grove A.M. E. churchin Detroit, Michigan will host their first annual Liturgical Dance Worshop in celbration of NDW for the Detroit area. "Glorifying the Anointing" will be held April 26 through 28, 2002. The Detroit Liturgical Dance Network is sponsoring the events to provide information and technique for all denominations involved in or developing a Dance Ministry.

Washington RD Working With Kitsap County Arts Board

     S'aida, RD for Washington,has arranged a working relationship with the Kitsap County Advisory Arts board to cosponsor the NDW Kickoff which will be held at the Kitsap Mall. A major multicultural Showcase will be presented on May 3rd at the Parkwood Community Center in Port Orchard. Sai'ida is working with Karen Carlson of the South Kitsap Dance Association to draw in other dance studios from the Puget Sound area to join in the programs and they have chosen Kitsap County Commissioner, Jan Angel, to be their Honorary Chairperson.

NDW Dialogues With NYC Committee To Celebrate Tap

     Efforts have begun between Al Heyward of the NYC Committee to Celebrate Tap Day to establish a networking relationship between his group and NDW. Our brochures were distributed at a March 1st event held in New York City as well as at the NYC Celebrate Tap Day program at the same locale on May 26th. All New York delegates are requested to support this group's events either by volunteering their assistance and/or attendance at the May event. This will be a most important show of our desire to become partners in our mutual endeavor to raise the public consciousness to the benefits of dance and its place in our American society. You may call Mr. Heyward to volunteer or for more information at: 718-862-7952. Email may be sent to him at: tapmusic@aol.com.

New Mexico and NDW 2002

     NDW will be celebrated in Las Cruces, New Mexico again for the second year, according to RD, Linda Reeder-Sanchez, with free Dance Awareness classes to be held at the New Mexico State University as well as Mesilla Park Recreation Center. Classes will be offered on different types of Belly dancing or Dance Oriental. They have joined together to form a dance cooperative in the area to invite other dancers and teachers together to unite in dance awareness under the aegis of Desert Wind Dance Co. which hosts area dance workshops, shows and classes. The finale of NDW 2002 will be in Truth or Consequences, NM, with Desert Wind and Roots of Rhythm as well as several music and drum ensembles performing during the Ralph Edwards Fiesta in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo holiday on May 4th. Several dance and drum performances are hosted during the day as well as workshops and a final evening party/hafla.

North Carolina SD Joins NDW and Project Action Foundation

     Approximately 1500 public and parochial school students in North Carolina will benefit from a tour for NDW this year. Produced by State Director, Janis Owl, a Morris Dance group and the Young Harris College Renaissance Dance Ensemble have joined in the educational venture which will explore with the students an historical view of dance in society. Ms Owl is also producing a dance-a-thon for NDW in conjunction with the Project Action Foundation, a group which strives to serve "at-risk" youth by involvement in the arts. They will also complete a season long master class series during NDW.

Cultural Foundation Joins in For West Virginia NDW

     Harrison County, in West Virginia, will see a stronger showing for NDW this year, thanks to RD Anna Pishner. On April 26th, a performance will be presented at the 120 Linden Ave Studio Theater and a Proclamation declaring the Dance Week will be presented to Ms Pishner at the Harrison County Courthouse on April 29th. Twelve free Dance classes will be held throughout the week with Cheryl Workman from the Oglebay Institute as Guest Artist. Ms Pishner, has also made arrangements for the local library to have available Ballet videos and books through a liaison with The Cultural Foundation. A great break thru here in WV.

Students Take NDW To Massachusetts Schools

     Susan Friedman, SR for Southeast Massachusetts, is continuing in her fine tradition of producing a major NDW event for 2002. Dance/Lecture series will be on April 28th covering a variety of subjects. New for this year is a National Dance Week Healthy Snack Bar, a booth being managed by a group of senior dance students. They will design a healthy menu with dance names for the foods offered. Another innovation will be the "It's Shoe Time Contest" wherein students of all ages will use an old dance shoe to create an unusual and creative work of art. Students are also assigned to take on the role of "NDW Ambassador" for their respective schools and will coordinate all activities including announcements, poster, library displays, dance demonstrations,etc.

South Carolina SD Receives Grants

     State Director for South Carolina, Gail Glover, has announced the winners of the Palmetto Dance Service Award are Mr Robert Ivey, founder of the Robert Ivey Ballet, and Mr. Mitch Barkoot, (posthumously) a significant figure in the area of Shag dancing, the SC state dance. The awards will be presented on May 4th at the "Celebrate Dance Celebrate Life" NDW showcase featuring fourteen separate dance groups. Television personality, Beryl Dakers, will serve as MC and Columbia College will host the program at the Cottingham Theatre. The Richland & Lexington Cultural Council, South Carolina Arts Commission and Central Carolina Community Foundation, have all given a grant to support this years activities.

Ben Vereen Guest Presenter For York, PA NDW Event

     Pennsylvania State Director, Lori Garling, announced that Ben Vereen will be attending the NDW event in York, PA on Friday, May 3, 2002. He will be presenting a motivational lecture at 6 p.m. which will be followed by master classes in tap and jazz/hip hop. Sponsorship for the day's program was given by the Greater York Center for Dance Education group and invitations will be issued to all Pennsylvania dance educators. Information may be obtained by contacting Ms Garling at the addresses and phone number given in the Delegates listing on page 2 of this newsletter. This is the first time a National Celebrity Spokesperson has been scheduled to appear at a local level event and we are hopeful all will be supportive of the day's program. Let's convince America that Dancers are United!

Dance Manager/Dance Press Benefits NDW

     Through the generosity of the Dance Press and Dance Manager companies, NDW was presented with an inventory of the "Jazz Danceology" book by Marcus Alford and Marsha Cohen and has been able to offer it to the public at a 20% savings with all proceeds going directly to NDW. Delegates can order this excellent educational publication either through the website or by calling 1-800-304-UDMA. We are pleased to recommend the book as an outstanding addition to the dance educator's library in that it offers an updated and fully applicable syllabus for the jazz class as well as a replete history of the art form. Be sure to not miss out on this great buy and help your national level of NDW at the same time.

Acknowledge Dance Tradespeoples' Support of NDW

     Missouri's State Director, Linda Green, and Regional Director in Colorado, Gwen Bowen, know well the importance of having sponsorship from the dancewear tradespeople since their events are strongly sponsored by Weissman's and Liberts, respectively offer these two NDW Delegates a strong support and backing. This is indicative of the role UDMA members can and do play in the annual NDW celebrations and all delegates are encouraged to mention their appreciation to those companies who do contribute to NDW. This is especially true for those who make donations on both the local as well as the national levels and should be recognized by those who have dealings with them. If a company with which a delegate has dealings, is not among those given recognition as one of our sponsors, it would not hurt to mention your own interest in, contributions to and support of NDW as well as to ask whether they could give consideration to pledging some type of support, themselves.

Many Thanks for Permitting NDW Booths

     We would like to thank the Dance Olympus, Joe Tremaine and Encore convention/competition groups for allowing us to have a presence at their events last month. California RD, Morwenna Assaf, manned a NDW booth at the San Diego convention of Dance Olympus while Chicago RD, Karen Clayborn, manned a booth for NDW at the Encore Productions competition in Illinois. Studio Representative, Shelly Beech, went beyond her studio's confines to man a NDW booth at the Joe Tremaine convention in Oklahoma. Our appreciation goes out to them all!

Bay Area Committee for National Dance Week Announces Final Slate of Events

     The 3rd annual Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week is planned for another great celebration with a 10-day extravaganza of FREE classes, performances, events, and open rehearsals by the greater Bay Area thriving dance community. From the San Francisco Ballet to ethnic arts and underground,experimental work by independent artists, the Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week is an unprecedented opportunity for dance enthusiasts of all ages to participate in, or observe, a broad range of movement styles, including Ballet, Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Butoh, Hawaiian Hula, Modern Dance, Bellydancing, West African Dance, and much, much more. Observe a class in one of the Bay Area's many dance studios; take in a free, outdoor performance at the Palace of Fine Arts or in downtown Oakland; listen to a panel discussion; participate in an online chat; watch a company class or a free performance. With over 140 events to choose from, the Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week is the largest event of its kind in the country. This is the second largest dance community, outside of New York, in the United States and, despite the studio closures, artist displacement, and shrinking resources that characterized the effects of the the dotcom boom/bust over the past two years, the local artists have faced these adversities with creative solutions, aplomb and a renewed commitment to the proliferation of dance in the Bay Area. Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week is, in itself, a tribute to the powerful spirit of this vibrant dance community. Their official spokesperson, Joe Goode, invites the public to The Marsh for a showing old favorites and new work hot out of the studio. Activities are planned from sunrise to sunset with the main event, the Planetary Dance Earth Run, due to start at 11am. The Earth Run is a dance of prayer and dedication. For detailed directions to the location call (415) 461-5362. Voice of Dance is Bay Area Celebrates National Dance Week's official website. A free, complete schedule of events will be posted on www.voiceofdance.org.

WDUQ Sponsors NDW in Pittsburgh, PA

     Professional Representative, Beth Addis, has managed to bring in the public radio station, WDUQ, in Pittsburgh, PA, as a local sponsor for NDW 2002 and will be distributing public service announcements to other public broadcasting stations across the United States on behalf of NDW. Ms Addis also has begun an out-reach program to professional companies and Arts groups to engender heightened interest from the area's dance community for mounting a City-Wide Event for NDW 2003.

Online Delegates' Training Classes Scheduled for NDW 2003

     Professional Representative, Jennifer Kirsch, will be assuming a new NDW title when she launches the "first-ever" Online Training Sessions for NDW Delegates on the Internet. As founder of and Facilitator for this new program within NDW, Ms Kirsch will be presenting a much needed forum through the program she's developed as a part of her Master degree program at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She will be inviting those who have held a long-standing presence in NDW to participate and share their experiences with both returning and new members of the NDW Delegates ranks. Included in the program will be online chats, assignments, forums and assessments with subjects ranging from how to mount an event to how to publicize and present your activities. More details will be forthcoming and the program should be ready for access by late summer/early fall of 2002. The single stipulation will be access to a computer and the Internet and all delegates will be informed once the program is ready for registrations. With Ms Kirsch's own background as a former Regional Director, an academic educator and a dance performer and teacher, she comes to her new position with much valued experience and knowledge. She is presently teaching middle school classes for the North Hills School District in Pittsburgh, PA while completing her Masters degree at Duquesne University.

BACNDW Continues Strong Tradition

     The Bay Area Committee for NDW, under the leadership of Leyya Tawil is continuing its previously years' accomplishments for mounting a record number of events. There will be 50,000 copies of their Event Guide distributed throughout the bay area. This publication lists all the many events and activities being held throughout the region during NDW and serves as a resource for dancers and the general public alike. At the last reporting, there were already 141 events scheduled including 15 performances, two online chats and several forums. Two angles have been devised as their presentation to the press: a 2-part Forum to the Black Performing Artists Network to generate a discussion with the African-American dance community in the bay area, and; networking with new and growing area dance studio segment. BACNDW's theme for NDW 2002, Jump In, Feet First! is being publicized by Brechin Flournoy with an emphasis on welcoming the public to join in on the festivities. Currently, the Izzies are scheduled to perform as a prelude to NDW on April 22, at PALM; the Opening Event will hook to an already programmed event for Friday, April 26th and Mini-Kick Offs will be held throughout the bay. All presenters are set to promote BACNDW during their shows that week via Event Guide, Posters, Intermission spokesperson, etcetera. The Isadora Duncan Awards will also be held in conjunction with NDW at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on April 29th.

Workshops, Library Programs and Dance Festival To Be Held in Massachusetts

     RD, Susan Friedman, of Massachusetts, has scheduled the 4th Annual Cape Cod Dance Festival,which features many local studios and performing groups and will be held at the Cape Cod Mall on May 4, 2002. Prior to this program, performances of "Angelina Ballerina" will be given at area libraries, bookstores, and schools. This is a cleverly devised program wherein Ms Friedman reads aloud the popular dance-related book while a tiny ballerina (a student) performs the actions as described in the recitation. The book, by the way, can be readily obtained by accessing the Books and More page on the NDW website. Ms Friedman has also planned for week-long dance workshop presentations for fourth graders at the Hyannis Elementary School in Hyannis, MA. A Students' Choreographers Showcase will be held on April
27 to kickoff the Eastern Massachusetts NDW events.

UNITY to Join UDMA

     The members of UNITY, the dance education umbrella organization for America, have voted to join UDMA in the continuing sponsorship of NDW. This collaborative action will bring to the annual celebration a greatly enhanced and strengthened base group to foster and develop the Mission Statement and goals of NDW since the two associations are representative of two most influential aspects of dance in America today, business and education.

Colorado RD Requests Information

     Gwen Bowen, RD from the Denver, CO, area would like to hear from any individuals who may know of or be connected with "Dance Centres" in the United States which are not connected with a professional ballet company or private studio but which are sponsored/managed by a community group and/or endeavor. Ms Bowen is, herself, working in such a dance environment and would appreciate a networking with similar professionals. Her contact data can be found in the Delegate listing on page two of this newsletter.

Workshops in Oklahoma To Lunchtime Shows in Indiana

     The RD for Oklahoma, Shadia Dahlal, has scheduled a "One Day Workshop with Miabella" as her kick-off event for NDW '02 and presently mounting her campaign for media coverage of the classes. Meanwhile, Karen Clayborn, RD for Indiana, has reserved the Artsgarden in Indy for NDW lunchtime shows and a gala on Sunday, May 5th.

Meroe-Wimbs Continues With Strong Preparations for NY Events

     Cassandra Meroe-Wimbs, RD for NY, has begun to set plans in motion for an Artist Service to be held the first Sunday of NDW 2002, plus a religious dance presentation including presentations of Orisha and Liturgical dance that will be open to the public and arts professionals and media. One day would also be devoted to African-American traditional dances. An observation of the International Dance Day will be held with a concert on April 29th followed by a gala soiree. Other activities include plans for people to attend a tour of the performance branch of the New York Public Library, video presentations at CCNY/CUNY, through the African Dance Association and tentative plans for an event at Lincoln Center. Ms Meroe-Wimbs has already made a submission to the New York Foundation for the Arts regarding her plans for NDW '02 and is asking all musicians to join in the Musicians for Dancers group whereby they could be promoted and identified as being the types of musicians that is dancer oriented. She has also set up a site at www.partydirectory.com/pages/NDW-CMW.htm and is encouraging all coalition members to register there. Meroe-Wimbs urges all NDW delegates to participate in the Presidential Sports Award in the Dance Category. One of the goals of this program process is to professionalize ethnic dancers as much as possible. A press conference is planned for the second week in February if there is no conflict with other major AFrican-American History Month Celebration events. Lastly, she is working with SAME TV of CCNY/CUNY to cover her events and is pursuing a contact at Manhattan Cable TV for the same.

Dearborn Dance Festival Offers Classes, Performance and Booth Displays

     Christine Sickle, RD from Michigan, reports that her Dearborn Dance Festival for NDW is set to include a presentation of fourteen different workshop classes along with a performance of all participants to kick-off the week's celebration on April 27, 2002. She is also sponsoring a Dearborn Dance Festival Poster Contest and has made arrangements for all Michigan studio and company Directors to display their brochures and literature for dance workshops and/or information on their various programs.

Oglebay Institute Continues Support of NDW in West Virginia

     The RD for West Virginia, Cheryl Workman, announces that her plans for NDW 2002 include the stipulation that all classes held at Oglebay Institute will be open and free to the public from April 28th through May 5th. These class schedules are available online at www.oionline.com or by calling 304-242-7700. Another scheduled event is the Clinic to be held by the West Virginia University Dance Team at the Stifel Fine Arts Center on April 28th. Local Dance and Drill Teams are being invited along with all area dance studios to perform in the opening ceremonies and at a Dance Showcase at the Stifel Fine Arts Center on April 28th. Still in the planning stage is a Master Class at the Stifel Fine Arts Center with The Pittsburgh Ballet School tentatively set for May 5th. Oglebay Institute is also featuring a Prelude to NDW with a Liturgical Workshop taught by Anna Pischner to be held at the Stifel Fine Arts Center and Afro-Modern Workshops taught by the Normas Jean Barnes of Xpressions Dance Company from Pittsburgh, PA, both scheduled for March 16, 2002. As a Follow-up to NDW, Ms Workman, herself, will be teaching Appalachian Clogging at Millsop School in Weirton WV on May 9th for all the physical education classes in her attempt to get dance into the schools of the Northern Panhandle.

Mid-West and Western States Gearing Up

     State Director for Missouri, Linda Green, is once again producing the State Event which will take place on April 27, 2002 at Union Station in St. Louis. Performing together will be many of the state's dance companies, professional and non professional, to comprise an all day dance program that is free to the public. Weissman's Dance Supplies will continue their traditional support of this event by being the local sponsor.
     RD in Southwest California, Karen Lowande, has announced her event as being planned for April 13th, and is once again in conjunction with the "Corona/Norco Day of the Child." Dance groups from throughout the community will perform at this free outdoor festival.

Liturgical Dance Ministry Network Joins Indianapolis Committee for NDW

     The Indianapolis Committee for National Dance Week, headed by Terri Renae Griffin, RD for Central Indiana will join with the Indiana Chapter of the Liturgical Dance Ministry Network to host the 2nd annual Liturgical Dance Workshop and Worship Service on April 26 - 27, 2002. The Worship Service will be held at the St. Luke United Methodist Church while the Dance Workshop will be held Saturday April 27th, at the Old Bethel United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN. They expect to far exceed the 79 dance participants at last year's event and, additionally, have already begun preparations for NDW 2003.

Pennsylvania State Kickoff Grows In Strength

     Janice Brougher (RD)and Lori Garling (SD) are hard at work on Pennsylvania NDW State event which will be held at the state capitol's Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, PA. On April 27th, there will be a Dancer¹s Showcase followed by the Capitol Kickline on April 28th on the steps of the state capitol. Workshops will be conducted on the afternoon of April 28th and Ms Brougher has plans for bringing in Master Teachers for classes with hopes for a coup in her Surprise Guest of Honor. Lori has sent out a state-wide questionnaire to all Pennsylvania dance educators in her effort to establish a strong networking program in her state. If you are aware of any who have not received this mailing, it is requested that you so inform Lori at her email address as notated on the Delegates Listing on page 2 of this newsletter. She and Janice are hopeful there will be a strong representation of dance teachers from across their state for the state kickoff event this year.

Assaf Plans Workshops in CA

      RD in Northern California, Morwenna Assaf, plans to start off National Dance Week art with the Dance Academy Complex in conjunction with The Sunshine Brooks Theater in Oceanside, CA. She will present Nourhan Sharif of NYC in a 2 day workshop and concert covering the mechanics of doing theater stage performances including presentation, costuming, staging, sound and lighting. Following this and in the works are workshops and concerts in Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Assaf works under the auspices of C*E*D*A*R Productions & the Arabic Danse Academie and her work may be viewed at www.DancerAndDrummer.com as well as at www.DanceAroundTheWorld.org

PR Jennifer Kirsch Developing Website for NDW Delegate Training

     Professional Representative, Jennifer Kirsch, from Pittsburgh, PA, is developing a training program for NDW delegates as a part of her studies in the masters' degree program at Duquesne University. Once finished, she will be able to conduct training sessions on the internet for all NDW delegates through workshops, seminars and chat rooms. All levels of delegates will be welcome and invited to participate with the more experienced being enlisted to offer valuable guidance and advice for newcomers to the ranks. A major effort will be exerted to encompass one and all facets of our endeavors in this new aspect of NDW and we expect it will be the answer to the long-requested national meetings for our delegates. For information on or interest in becoming a part of this program, click on Jennifer's name above to send her e-mail.

McDaniel Networking In Georgia

     Cathy McDaniel, RD in Georgia, reports that several major malls in the metro Atlanta area have committed to host dance presentations for the entire 10 days of NDW 2002 and has arranged for the local WSBTV to air coverage of the events on their People 2 People program. McDaniel will mail out over 150 invitations to local dance studios urging their participation and a press release has already been sent to 40 area newspapers covering 13 counties. She's also sent announcements to each county school district for distribution within the public schools inviting participation in NDW events for '02 and is hopeful for a concerted networking effort to evolve.

Brooklyn Academy of Music Brings In Israeli Group for NDW '02

     A new Professional Representative for 2002 is Fateema Jones who is also the Senior PR Manager at Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, NY. She has already engaged the Batsheva Dance Company from Isarel to perform as a part of BAM's NDW endeavors. Their performances will begin on April 30th and run through May 5th.

New Delegate, Cassandra Wimbs, Heads for Success

     Cassandra Meroe Wimbs is a new Professional Representative for NDW this year, but has already begun to mount strong efforts to produce some impressive events for the 2002 celebration. Located in Jamaica, NY, part of her program will be a presentation of the Traditional Dances of the African Diaspora, sponsored by the ROOTS Institute for African Diaspora Folklife and the West African Dance Club of CCNY/CUNY. Ms Wimbs is currently nominated to receive the President's Sports Award in the Dance Category for the Olympics and has hopes of including NDW in her endeavors in that arena as well as her work with UNESCO. She also brings a strength to her endeavors with the Freedom Prize Award she received from Coretta Scott King. As a part of her efforts as a Professional Representative, Cassandra is also working on forming a coalition of NYC area dance groups and individuals to hold the NDW event. Proposed activities will include presentations and discussions of the rarer forms of traditional dances, a video taping by SAME TV at CCNY with subsequent airtime of the same and presentations at the African Art Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, National Black Theatre and The Caribbean Cultural Center. A major focus will be placed on what has been passed down from our ancestors and that which is not usually known to the general populace. If any NDW delegate is interested in applying for the President's Award in Dance and the other 50+ categories, they may email Ms Wimbs at her address in the Delegates' Listing. Wimbs is also associated with International Dance Day, to be observed on April 29, 2002, and for that, refers others to: www.unesco.un.org/ngo/cid.

BACNDW Still Going Strong

      The Bay Area Committee for NDW is continuing with its incredible hard work, dedicated endeavors and potential success by mounting the same week-long program for their region in NDW 2002. Tanya Calamoneri, the representative from their sponsor, The Dancers' Group, announced their decision to continue on despite reduced funding limitations. They have received a grant for $30,000 but this amount falls short by more than half of what the previous years events cost BACNDW. Because of such cut-backs, the group is in more need than ever for assistance and offers for volunteer workers. Leyya Tawil will be the Project Coordinator for Dancers' Group and can be reached at 510-918-2057 or by email at: dg@dancersgroup.org. While there may be some lessening in the types of events, it is doubtful that the number will be greatly diminished from their record of 300 for NDW 2001! Maintaining the Open Studios format will be a major focus as in previous years. For further information on the plans of BACNDW, refer to their website at: http://www.voiceofdance.com.

West Virginia Already Set To Celebrate

     The Clarksburg, WV, area has plenty of events on tap for NDW '02. RD, Anna Pishner, is planning a Celebration Showcase with dancers from around the world. Mexico, Italy, Thailand and many other countries will be represented during NDW with the participation of local foreign exchange students presenting their many musical and dance talents. Pishner will also be hosting an open house at her own studio throughout the week where one and all may register and participate in dance classes FREE for that week and the Allegro Dance Company will be giving away 2 complimentary tickets to their May Concert in recognition of NDW.

Soissons Working to Bring Greater NDW Presence in Florida

      Tonda Soissons, RD from Florida reports that Gulfcoast Dance, Inc. and Florida Dance Association have already planned a Spring Showcase to be held during NDW and she is presently attempting to organize a kickline from one end of Ft. Myers Beach to the other in the hopes of gaining greater media recognition and coverage. Soissons is especially excited about the selection of Jo Rowan as the Education Spokesperson for NDW '02 since she was once awarded by Rowan a scholarship to attend OCU.

Invitation Extended By Ithaca, NY RD

      RD for Southern New York, Barbara Thuesen, is planning to include a performance or gathering of various dance disciplines for a joint celebration on either Sunday April 26th or May 5th as part of her NDW '02 events. The show will be held at the Community School of Music & Art and she has sent out an inquiry to all other area teachers to join her group in this presentation. If there is anyone interested in such participation, they may contact Theusen. For additional information, check out www.musicinmotion.com.

Tulsa Will See Bigger Things

      In Tulsa, Oklahoma, PR Shadia Dahlal is planning for the appearance of guest instructors to teach throughout NDW 2002 and will also feature a weekend workshop with an out of state teacher. Not all plans have been finalized but having relocated to a new studio setting should enable her to expand on her events and activities for the coming year's celebration.

Hadia to Perform In Oregon

      Our PR, Kathy Forrester, from Oregon, is working with the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene to sponsor dance workshops and a show on April 27th, 2002, with "Hadia of Calgary" in her celebration of International Dance Day and National Dance Week. Hadia will be teaching Tunisian dance, Arabic dance, and Flamenco-Arabic fusion. To register, contact kathyf@ori.org.

National Education Spokesperson Helps Honor Tap Legends

      Our very own Jo Rowan, Education Spokesperson for 2002, has worked with the Board of Trustees at Oklahoma City University to bestow Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts degrees on nine American Legends in the field of tap dance. Cholly Atkins, Bunny Briggs, Buster Brown, Jeni LeGon, Henry LeTang, Fayard Nicholas, Leonard Reed, Jimmy Slyde and Prince Spender will all receive the honors in February, 2002, at OCU. Rowan was largely instrumental in the development of the College of Dance at OCU, one of the most prestigious schools to offer the most in-depth study of the dance arts in America today. For this as well as her many other accomplishments, Jo has, herself, been the recipient of countless awards, including the honor awarded her last year by the Tap Heritage Institute. For more information on these points, refer to: www.eDionysus.com or www.okcu.edu/dance_amgt/faculty.html.

List Your Events On Dance Magazine Website

      If you visit the Dance Magazine website (www.dancemagazine.com), you'll find for those who are sponsoring professional events, events may be listed on their dalender pages. When entering the front page of the website, click on "Community" then proceed to the "Calender" pages and "List Your Event." This is a great advantage for increased exposure for all in NDW 2002.

Free Subscriptions For Seniors

      Dance Magazine, in celebrating their 75th anniversary, is offering FREE one year subscriptions to all people aged 75 years and older! This could be a clever bit to include in all your own press releases for NDW 2002: "keep up on the latest NDW happenings through a free subscription to Dance Magazine." At the same time, newspapers are giving space to NDW!

Hanna Writing Sheds New Light On Dance Education and Potential Role of NDW Delegates

      Since many of those in the ranks of NDW Delegates are teachers, the writings of PR, Judith Lynne Hanna, are recommended readings. Of particular interest and significant value is her article titled, "Bringing Magic Into Your School." The information presented by this author is that which can illuminate one's view of their own teaching career as well as give a new perspective on explaining dance and dance education to the public-at-large. Hanna is a senior research scholar at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her latest book, Partnering Dance and Education: Intelligent Moves for Changing Times (Human Kinetics: 1999), is currently available. (Click on the book title to get more information or place an order through amazon.com, or you may access www.principals.org for additional information.)

Mid-West and Western States Gearing Up

      State Director for Missouri, Linda Green, is once again producing the State Event which will take place on April 27, 2002 at Union Station in St. Louis. Performing together will be many of the state's dance companies, professional and non-professional, to comprise an all day dance program that is free to the public. Weissman's Dance Supplies will continue their traditional support of this event by being the local sponsor.

Another California Event

      RD in Southwest California, Karen Lowande, has announced her event as being planned for April 13th, and is once again in conjunction with the "Corona/Norco Day of the Child.". Dance groups from throughout the community will perform at this free outdoor festival.