Become a member today ...
Follow this link to register with USA Dance on line or to download a membership application form

http://usabda.org/home/membership_&_benefits/index.cfm

Click HERE to watch the USA Dance promotional video.

 
   

Thanks for being visitor number
Hit Counter
This site was last updated on
 01/03/09

 
 

Birmingham Ballroom Dance Association
USA Dance Chapter 6037

   
Home

Happy New Year

 
New Pictures of the BBDA 12/28/08 Christmas dance  have been posted.
 

picture gallery Other dances, dance lessons Newsletter Dance Styles Glossary Contact Us

   
what's on this page
Dance News 2008 Board Members and Standing Committee Members Membership information

Benefits of USA Dance membership

Interesting dance links Dancing is a great activity 2009 Dance Schedule Video clips
 

 

Join us at our January Dance


JANUARY DANCE

Sunday, January 25, 2009
2:00-5:00 P.M.

Music by Fred Gipson
Lesson at 2:00
 

Members $7,  guests $10, students with ID $5

Dress Code:
Nov-Mar: dressy (coat and tie, dress or dressy pants.
Apr-Nov: dressy casual
 

Dancers of All Ages are Welcome.

LOCATION
Homewood Senior Center

205-943-0018.

For information Priscilla Collums  205-873-1064 or priss522@aol.com or visit www.renez.com/birminghamballroom

 

Dance News

 

Video Clips
Watch some great instructional, competition or exhibition video clips at renez.com  .

 

BENEFITS OF USA DANCE MEMBERSHIP

BBDA is much more than simply a social Dance Club. It is a Chapter of USA Dance, Inc., which along with all the other chapters works toward bringing more dancing to people and more people to dancing to share all its fun and joy and the friendships to be made.


How does a USA Dance chapter stand out - what else does a chapter do beyond just social dances?

1. For only $25.00 national annual dues, you are part of the premiere national dance association. As a member you have an open invitation to the activities of any local chapter. In fact the schedule of most chapters is posted on the USA Dance national website. (www.USABDA.org) USADance has over 200 active chapters. When you travel you have instant dance friends and contacts in nearly every major city. Simply contact the Chapter at your destination and find out where you can go dancing. When you get there you get to attend the chapter functions at the lower member rate.


2. Members receive 6 issues of "Amateur Dancer" per year. With this magazine you can be informed about the world of amateur ballroom dance, dance products, and dance events.

3. You are invited to join dance cruises offered and organized exclusively for USADance members and guests.

4. There are large, statewide and regional social dances and dance weekends sponsored by larger Chapters for USA Dance members.

5. By providing dance exhibitions and lessons to all age groups we spread the joy of dancing.

6. Our chapters encourage skill improvement, and donate our time to encourage non-dancers to get involved in dancing. We encourage particular attention to students in schools and colleges.

7. Members may attend and enter USADance competitions as a social or competitive dancer.

8. USADance has been selected by the U. S. Olympic Committee to be the governing board for ballroom dance competition (known as Dancesport) in the USA. The goal is for dance competition will be included in future Olympic Games.


In doing all these things we and our fellow USA Dance members help to spread the awareness of how much dancing can enrich a person's life. Ballroom Dance helps people find new social contacts, better health, more fun, increased physical activity, and a more positive mental outlook. … Come join us!

For information about chapters in Area IV where BBDA is located, go to www.usadance6.org.

Shannon Ritchie

Election of Officers
Election results are as follows: Priscilla Collums, President, Woody Holloway, VP, Jackie Tally, Secretary, and Cecelia Ebert, Treasurer.  Board Members elected are: Ron Stutts, Carol Shubert, Cynthia Gravlee, Dan Cobb, Stan Digerness, Joe Wesley, Mary Ann McKim, Lee Martin, and Madrene Roberts. The annual meeting was held after the dance on Nov. 23 and highlighted the events of this past year


 

Santa for Soldiers Drive was Successful
We were notified by Vicki L. Glover, Alabama National Guard Readiness Support Assistant that our supplies and cards were sent to the 128th Medical Company at Camp Liberty, Iraq.  She added “thanks for your love and show of support for our troops.”  Ms. Glover had served in Afghanistan for a year and knows firsthand that supplies and well wishes from friends and family back home are eagerly received.


USA Dance National Chapter Conference to be held in Orlando

The first ever Chapter Conference sponsored by USA Dance will be held Jan 15-18, 2009 in Orlando.  Chapter officers attending this event are Priscilla Collums, President, Woody Holloway, VP and Ceal Ebert, Treasurer. There will be many workshops for chapter officers to attend and opportunities to network with chapter officials from all over the country.


BBDA Supports the Homewood Dance Marathon 

BBDA has been involved in organizing and supporting the Homewood Dance Marathon since it’s beginning in 2003. Our members, Jackie Tally, Priscilla Collums, Madrene Roberts, Curt and Wendy Johnson are on the Organizing Committee.  Many other BBDA members are involved in the work of producing the 6th Annual Ballroom Dance Marathon.   Mary Ann McKim, Ceal Ebert, Carol Shubert, Woody Holloway, Al Finley and Shannon Ritchie are just a few of the members who work to put on a great event.  Many others will work during the event, helping to set up, decorate, work registration, serve refreshments, and clean up. If you would be willing to work during the event, contact Madrene Roberts, Volunteer Coordinator at dmyroberts@yahoo.com and let her know you will be available to help.  It takes many hands to put on a successful event of this size.


BBDA Awarded 4 Youth Scholarships for the Marathon 

The Board of BBDA voted to award 4 youth scholarships for the Homewood Dance Marathon.  Woody Holloway contributed funds for 4 additional scholarships.  When you attend the Marathon, be sure to read the essays written by the scholarship winners. The essays were titled “What Dance Means to Me”.  The scholarship winners will be dancing during the breaks at the Sunday afternoon tea dance.  


Outreach Activity at the Birmingham Public Library 

BBDA has been asked to present a program on Ballroom Dance at the Brown Bag Luncheon sponsored by the Birmingham Public Library. This will be our 5th year to be invited for this program.  The event will be held on Wednesday October 15 at 12:00 noon at the downtown library.  BBDA will present a short program on dance, demonstrate the 6 basic dances and then teach a short lesson for the audience.  Contact Jackie Tally at jgtally@aol.com if you are interested in participating this year.  It is a lot of fun!!

 
 

Dancing is a great activity that providesphysical, mental and social benefits. Itis an enjoyable hobby that allows you to escape pressures of the work or schoolweek, as well as the chores and stressof everyday life.

Dancing is also a great way to exercise. Stretching your brain and your body. Even the slower dances cause the mind, muscles and cardiovascular system towork. It also provides an opportunity to meet new people and it creates a whole new network of friends. Dancing can also create a new arena for fun and pleasure with existing friends. It is a life skill that will enhance the rest of your years.

David Cox DanceQuest Studio Tupelo, MS

 

Membership Information

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF BBDA:  Contact Mary Ann McKim membership chair at mckimma@aol.com  or (205) 664-7517 or visit usadance.org for membership information.   We welcome singles and couples of all ages to our dances and to membership.  Annual dues are $25.00 for social dancers.

 

Interesting dance links
To learn more about dance related subjects and events be sure to visit these web sites

USA Dance - National
USA Dance - Region 6
Dancing with ReneZ
www.ballroomdancers.com
North Alabama Dance Club, Florence

The Ballroom Club, Montgomery
ACME, Birmingham
Curt and Wendy Johnson, Birmingham
Birmingham Swing Dancers
Homewood Senior Center, Homewood, AL

Outreach Program
As part of its continuing outreach program, BBDA members demonstrated various dance styles at the Brookwood Mall on May 28, 2008. Ray Newman provided the music.
 

 
 

Dancers of all ages are welcome.

Dress Code: Nov.-Feb.: Coat & Tie, Mar.-Oct.: Dressy Casual
Admission to monthly dances: Members:$7, Guests: $10, Students $5

For more information contact Priscilla Collums  205-873-1064 or priss522@aol.com


Directions to Homewood Senior Center

From I-65 South - Going south toward Montgomery:  Take the first West Oxmoor exit, Exit 256, about 2.5 or 3 miles past downtown Birmingham.  Turn right and merge into the center lane and then the left lane.  Take the strange left fork at  first traffic light, just past Country Hearth Inn & Suites (Old Holiday Inn) on right.  At 2nd light, turn left onto Oak Grove Road.  Go to first building on right.  At this light Weygand Surveyors is on left.  New Bogues Restaurant No. 2 (old Florida Grill) and old ice skating rink are on right.
  
From I-65 North  - Going north toward Birmingham:  Take Oxmoor Road exit, Exit 256.  Turn left.  Go under I-65 Interstate, and thru 2 lights.  Take the strange left fork at the first traffic light just past Country Hearth Inn & Suites (Old Holiday Inn) on  right.  At  third light, turn left onto Oak Grove Road.  Go to first building on right.  At this light Weygand Surveyors is on left.  New Bogues Restaurant No. 2 (old Florida Grill) and old ice skating rink are on right. 
 
Going South On Greensprings Highway - Pass Valley Avenue, then Oxmoor Road, then Lovoy's, Mazer's, McDonald's, KFC.  Turn right onto Raleigh Avenue.  Go until it deadends at Oak Grove Road.  Turn left and then turn into first driveway on right.
 
On 280 Going Toward Downtown Birmingham - Take Hollywood exit just past Hamilton Inn and Wendys on right.  Turn left onto Oxmoor Road.  Go several miles.  Go under I-65 Interstate, and thru 2 lights.  Take the strange left fork at the first traffic light just past Country Hearth Inn & Suites (Old Holiday Inn) on  right.  At  third light, turn left onto Oak Grove Road.  Go to first building on right.  At this light Weygand Surveyors is on left.  New Bogues Restaurant No. 2 (old Florida Grill) and old ice skating rink are on right. 

Map

Farewell Dance

At the December Christmas Dance, Madrene Roberts, our outgoing President, has a farewell dance with all the handsome BBDA dancers. From left to right: Larry Taylor, George Barton, Murray Echols, Woody Holloway, Madrene Roberts, Lee Martin, Lewis Chaney.


Click on the picture to see full view
 

 

Outreach - Birmingham Public Library - Brown Bag Luncheon

On Wednesday Sept 12, 2007, members of BBDA conducted an outreach program for the Brown Bag Series at the Birmingham Public Library.  This is the third year the Library has requested we entertain the lunch group with a lecture and demonstration of Ballroom Dance.

Madrene Roberts, president of BBDA, told the group present about the origins of 6 ballroom dances.  Demonstrating the dances were:  Curt and Wendy Johnson, Rene Zgraggen, Suzie Robbins, Stan and Brenda Digerness, Ron Stutts, Robyn White and Woody Holloway.


After the lecture/demonstration, Curt and Wendy Johnson taught the basic steps of three dances that were requested by the audience. They were Foxtrot, Cha Cha and East Coast Swing.

CLICK ON ANY PICTURE SO SEE IT FULL SIZE

From top left: Class, Class, Curt & Wendy, Rene & student, Ron & Robyn, Ron & student, students, students, Suzy & Rene, Suzy & Rene.

 
 

 Confessions of a Dance Junkie

By Wanda Fulton

National Dance Association Zone S Director

From National Teacher’s Association Newsletter

September-October 2008

 

“I am a dancer”…so goes the first verse of the song from Chorus Line.

 

Like many of you, dancing is not just what I do it’s about what I am.  Most people occasionally think about dancing and if the situation presents itself will take to the social floor and spend an evening moving to the music.  My life centers on dance.  I search for places and activities that offer a chance to dance. 

 

  • Whenever I hear the numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, I think dance.  When I walk down a long hall I practice waltz rise and fall, heel toe, toe, toe heel.  A tile or wooden floor invites a spiral turn attempt.  I stand in third position while in line at the store.
  • Rock, dip, tuck to me are dance terms as well as hammerlock, sweetheart, and barrel roll.
  • When I go into a new club or dance venue, the first thing I do is check out the floor, then look around for other amenities.
  • I drink bottled water or soda, not because of any concern about consuming alcohol.  I want to keep my dance skills as sharp as possible.
  • I always carry a pair of dance shoes with me, just in case there might be a dance.
  • I plan vacations by going online to find a place to dance near our destination.
  • I walk in time to the rhythm of the music being played in the grocery store and occasionally break into a step pattern.  I sway to the Muzak in elevators.
  • I have spent time and money traveling to dance events in other states and never ventured out of the hotel to see the sights.
  • I think of songs playing on the radio in terms of tempo and beat, what style dance.
  • When I watch a movie about dancing or where there is a dance scene, I get upset when the camera leaves the dancers to focus on the actors.
  • I would rather dance than eat, sleep, or watch TV.

 

When not dancing, I talk about dance.  Comparing steps and moves with other dance junkies, I have spent hours in Waffle House restaurants after a dance.  To show a direction or pattern we used our fingers on the table to represent feet and have on occasion danced down the isle to the amusement of the other diners and staff.  I recall waking up at three in the morning trying to remember a particular Tango pattern. I picked up the phone and called a fellow instructor and asked, “What is the foot position for the man in such and such number Bronze Tango pattern?  Being another Dance Junkie, my friend immediately responded with the step sequence.  Neither one of us thought that type of phone call was unusual.  Saying” thank you” I hung up.

I have participated in an activity I love, met the nicest people, and had some wonderful experiences.  As my body ages, the muscles and bones betray me and my dancing isn’t what it used to be.  I count my blessings that at least I may not always be on the floor but I AM A DANCER!

 

Wanda Fulton is a BBDA member who dances and teaches ballroom and country western style dance.  Wanda suffers from Parkinson’s disease. She says that dancing has kept her mobile and moving. Along with her medicine, dance is essential in the treatment of her condition. 

   

 

2009 Dance Schedule (4th Sunday unless otherwise noted)
Special events highlighed in blue.

Date

Time

Venue

Other detail

Jan. 25 2-5 HSC  
Feb. 22 2-5 HSC  
Mar. 22 2-5 HSC  
Apr. 26 2-5 HSC  
May 24 2-5 HSC  
Jun. 28 2-5 HSC  
Jul. 26 2-5 HSC  
Aug. 23 2-5 HSC  
Sept. -TBA DANCE MARATHON
Oct. 25 2-5 HSC  
Nov. 22 2-5 HSC  
Dec. 27 2-5 HSC Christmas party

 

Board Members and Standing Committee Members

2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President
Priscilla Collums
priss522@aol.com
664-3333

Vice-President
Woody Holloway
dobolero@aol.com
672-2252

Treasurer
Cecelia Ebert
rhinoceal@aol.com
669-9871

Secretary
Jackie Tally
jgtally@aol.com
585-2871

20008 BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE

Joe Wesley
wesley11@mindspring.com
256-362-3643


 

Carol Shubert
cshubert101@bellsouth.net
903-1526
Mary Ann McKim
mckimma@aol.com
664-7517
Ron Stutts
jronstutts@bellsouth.net
919-2139
 
  Stan Digerness
digerness@bellsouth.net
979-2637
 
Madrene Roberts
Past President Ex-Officio
dmyroberts@yahoo.com
252-7297

 

 

STANDING COMMITTEES CHAIRS 2008

Hospitality - Food
Lilly Eagleson
lillyeagleson@aol.com
956-6958

 

Hospitality - Name Tags, Dots
Carol Shubert
cshubert101@bellsouth.net

 

Lessons and Exhibitions
Cecelia Ebert
rhinoceal@aol.com
669-9871

 

Dance Hosts
Woody Holloway dobolero@aol.com
672-2252

 

e-mail publicity
Jackie Tally
jgtally@aol.com
585-2871

 

Memberships
Mary Ann McKimm
mckimma@aol.com
664-7517
Newsletter
Madrene Roberts
dmyroberts@yahoo.com
252-7297
Correspondence
Mary Ann McKim
mckimma@aol.com
664-7517
Directory
Wanda Fulton
adancr@aol.com
999-1928
Media Publicity
Dan Cobb
 

 

Outreach
Jackie Tally jgtally@aol.com 585-2871
and Carol Shubert cshubert101@bellsouth.net 903-1526
Name Tags
Carol Shubert
cshubert101@bellsouth.net
903-1526

 

Music/DJ
Fred Gipson
jfandtag@aol.com
988-3040

 

Webmaster
René Zgraggen
dancing@renez.com
334-263-5566
 

 

Dance Classes and other places to dance

The following newsletters and websites contain information about dance classes in and around Birmingham.

JBY newsletter - ACME newsletter - Birmingham Swing Dancers newsletter - Curt and Wendy Johnson

     
 

Contact

Priscilla Collums
205.664.3333
priss522@aol.com

 
     
   
 

Webmaster: René Zgraggen, Montgomery, AL
renez@renez.com

 

 

Since 02/25/05