Hopefully, all of you are enjoying this summer and are getting ready for NASSPDA's upcoming 2019 USA Championships at the New England Open on September 21, 2019, in Needham, MA ( http://www.bostonopendancesport.com/new-england-open.html). This event promises to be again an excellent occasion to meet everyone and have fun together, enjoying each other's company and lots of dancing. I'm looking forward to see you all there!

'Getting ready' and just simply 'getting there' presents often the biggest conundrum for a competitor, whether rank beginner or accomplished dancer, since it takes financial resources to make that happen. There is the price of lessons and/or floor fees, the cost of costumes, the fees to register for an event and then the expenditure for travel, accommodation and food. This often makes us shy away from even considering getting into this sport or attend more than one event per year that isn't local. And often, we have to take off time from work, using up vacation time or forgo income.

In order to help on that end, NASSPDA has established a scholarship fund, which gives out annually approximately 5 to 6 scholarships to applicants, which has been set at the amount of $400 per applicant this year, reimbursing any expenses, and a free one-year membership with NASSPDA ( https://nasspda.org/scholarships/). NASSPDA is very grateful to its member Meredith Stead, who initiated this scholarship fund in 2012 with a generous donation, and all its other members for continue contributing.

In addition, there are other ways to make participating more affordable. For the rank beginner, group lessons, which are much more affordable, can be sufficient to learn enough for competing in a single dance category or in the D- or even C-level in a graded event, which are restricted to being knowledgeable in three dances and just one for Argentine Tango. It is also important to remember that a competition in itself is one of the best training grounds to grow in one's own dancing by pushing one's limits and getting feedback from the judges' marks, fellow competitors and the audience in attendance.

What we wear to compete, our 'costume,' doesn't have to be 'outshining' everyone. There is typically something in our wardrobe or that of a friend's that matches in shape, style and color something our dance partner has or that can be complimented with an inexpensive purchase to make it clear that we are a couple. Anything that allows us to feel comfortable, represents who we are, moves well with us, enhances our 'moves,' makes it clear that we're a 'couple' and is pleasing to the eye, a queer eye, will do! Ultimately though, your dancing skills are judged, not your looks. It should also be noted that 'spectacular' outfits may catch everyone's attention, but can also highlight the lack of skills.

The more people are involved in Dancesport, our beloved sport, the more likely are sponsorships of events, which in turn will allow organizers to keep registration fees at an affordable level. Since word of mouth is still the strongest and most effective form of advertising, it is up to all of us to spread the word, encourage our friends, friends of friends, co-workers, etc. to pick-up dancing, speaking about the physical and mental health benefits, the sheer joy and great community it presents. The more often and openly we talk about our love for dancing, the more people will be reached and might be inspired by our enthusiasm for this sport. And, NASSPDA gives out four activity grants per year ( https://nasspda.org/grants/) that are designated to help any individual or group in promoting our sport on a social as well as competitive level. The Board of Directors welcomes all applications for this grant that propose activities which aren't for the benefit of one individual alone, unlike the scholarship (see above).

The expenditure of travelling and accommodations seems to be the most daunting. If the event is local or in a drivable distance, one possibility is to carpool or even public transportation, at least to get there, since you most likely will find someone to get you back home. For events further away, we are dependent on finding affordable flights, which is much related to when we decide attending an event and whether direct flights are our only or preferred options. Determining the right time to book a flight is an art in itself and there are many sites on the Internet that can advise you on that issue (even the day you search may alter what price you can lock-in). At times, I have been lucky and had a friend work for an airline (even once my own dance partner), which offered me the opportunity to fly on a 'buddy pass.' Then there is the search for accommodations, which follows similar 'searching rules.' But one should also consider that many of us are more than willing to host other dancers, if the event is taking place in our area, or we know of someone, who would be willing to open their house. Most of the time it takes though our own initiative to ask or to offer. In most instances, based on my own experience, the possibility of hosting didn't even occur to folks until they were asked. One can either reach out to fellow competitors, post a request on NASSPDA's Facebook page or contact the organizer asking for help. My spouse and I have hosted many dancers over the years and had the pleasure being hosted by others all over the world. The rewards are countless and the inconvenience is minimal!

Ultimately, the affordability of course depends on many factors, but mainly our own initiative as with so many other things in life will make the difference, which naturally is fueled by our own enthusiasm. Hopefully, you find some of this inspiring or even helpful!

HAPPY DANCING!