Thursday 09 Sep 2010
| International Steppers Association (ISA) |
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**********OPEN INVITATION TO ALL STEPPERS ************ Vol. 1, Issue 2 ISA Inc. International Steppers Association Date: 21 December 2009 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS: BACKGROUND: The World Dance Council is the world authority of professional dance. Established in 1950 in Edinburgh, Scotland WDC Ltd. is the leading authority of dance sport and maintains the largest database and training programs in the world of dance. Likewise, the World Swing Dance Council is a service organization that governs, provides informational services and maintains record keeping for the Swing Dance Community. The WSDC complies with the guidelines set by the WDC. International standards, particularly in the United States, place ballroom dance in the American Rhythm category. Further delineation place some Swing dances in the night club category of dances. Steppin has yet to be officially defined and documented in either area. This is in part due to the lack of documentation and recognition in local, regional nor national archives/journals. The patterns, turns and movements in Steppin have already been documented, danced and perfected as a standard. It is up to Steppin now to articulate our contribution of style, customs and cultures that add to the body of dance. One of the primary goals of ISA Inc. is to classify Steppin under the Swing category along with its counterparts (Lindy Hop, West/East Coast Swing, Shag, Push, Balboa, etc.). Much like the predecessors of Steppin (Texas Tommy, Bunny Hug, Texas Trot, Ragtime, etc.) the legacy of Swing dance must be articulated by those who participate in the dance or it will be lost or interpreted by others incorrectly. The history of Swing dance has many historical trails and it is important to understand the foundation of Swing to fully communicate its impact on our society. The ISA Inc. and its members will be like the Vernon and Irene Castle of our time. The planning committee for ISA Inc. will meet in Dallas Texas on Saturday 13 February 2010 to continue the open dialogue to discuss forming a federally registered entity specifically to advocate on behalf of Steppers world wide (RSVP below for more details). This business and operational body of members will be open to all Steppers who are active and have a full paid membership. Each membership will constitute an equal democratic vote on various issues placed on the agenda by members. Each member will share evenly in the overall start up cost of the organization which will be supported by for-profit activities, marketing and advertising to maintain the organization status in accordance with state laws. The care and feeding of the organization will be supported by ISA Inc. bi-laws and constitution voted and agreed upon by charter and life members at the first business meeting. The location of the first business meeting will be determined by a voluntary city that will host the meeting not later than July 2010. The effort to establish the ISA Inc. is dependent on the grass roots of all Steppers. To some this effort is a good idea and for information only. To others it is an idea that is long over due. We trust that it will be digested as a call to action for Steppers with leadership skills, vision and a sense of purpose to finally place Steppin amongst its peers. Once the ISA Inc. is formulated we can then begin to realize the talents of our great dancers competed against other seasoned dancers (see link below). Or perhaps our instructors will be certified and begin to teach and on the payrolls of established studios. Wouldn’t it be great to hear the smooth eclectic mixes of the Steppin DJs in Prague, Hong Kong or Beijing because of popular demand. This is a call for action, leadership and join collaboration of all Steppers. Please forward this to your database of Steppers. Post excerpts from this notice on social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, and other Steppin websites for continued open discussions and conversations. As charter and life members you will be making a difference not only in documenting history but ensuring that the next generation knows that our generation took our responsibility seriously. NOTE: Please log on to the following website to view the exciting United States Swing National Championship event held in Anaheim California in November 2009. The Hand Dancers from DC were superb and represented in their traditional and Swing category amongst their peers. Hopefully, ISA Inc. can be a catalyst to ensure that Steppin is represented in 2010 and beyond. http://www.usopenswingdc.com/2009_division_winners.html The International Steppers Association Incorporated: fully funded, self-organized and operated association for Steppers and affiliate members interested in furthering the development and education of Steppin as a Swing dance forum under the World Dance Council and World Swing Dance Council. 2010 ISA overview draft agenda:
The current bi-laws and constitution are being drafted and developed however we need more assistance from Steppers from all areas (legal, bookkeeping, web design, administration, advertising, marketing, teaching). If you are interested in participating in this open dialogue or assisting with your talents and resources in the future please email the POCs below. You do not have to be present to participate as your vote and contributions will be honored via proxy. Contact: Timothy D. Wilson Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Geno Spears Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it See you in Dallas! |
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