| Monthly Newsletter | August 2020 |
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Editor's notes
Happy Summer everyone!
We are living in very stressful times - a pandemic, political unrest and social injustice, election times, no social events, no dance competitions and even studios closing. It is not the easiest of times.
That said, there is hope.
With online dance tutorials, Social Zoom gatherings, or busying ourselves with gardening and baking, we are making the most of this 2020 summer.
We have picked up some of the dancing presented online to brighten your day and boost your dance training:
Abdiel Cedric Jacobsen - NASSPDA's North American Champion, dancer and LGBTQ activist - find his dance classes on his website:
Eddie Alba's Century DanceSport - NASSPDA's North American Champion and Board member, IFSSDA World Latin Champion and studio owner
Julianne DiBacco Daniells - North American Champion, Pro-Am teacher and Pro competitor, same-sex dancing advocate, studio owner
Michal Litke - Latin European and Vice World Ballroom Champion
Country Western- Free Virtual San Francisco Stompede
Announcements
Ambassador Program
In need of broader visibility, better promotion in the DanceSport world and advocating for same-sex competitive dancing, NASSPDA is looking to engage Ambassadors.
As many North American DanceSport organizations have changed their definition of a dance couple, we are witnessing interest and participation of newly formed same-sex, reverse role, and gender-neutral couples at their events. Many of those couples haven't been introduced or exposed to NASSPDA as an organization; hence, they also do not know the benefits of being a member of NASSPDA.
Description and details available on the website. Application FORM is available HERE
To our members
The Board of Directors of NASSPDA are writing to thank all of you, members of NASSPDA, for your participation in partner dancing, same-sex as well as other configurations of partnering, and your support of our organization, as we have endeavored to promote, sponsor and celebrate equality as well as excellence within our community through classes, events and competitions across Canada, the USA and Mexico.
This year, of course, we are all in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has resulted in the cancellation of competitions and closing down of dance studios, and may continue to thwart these activities for some time to come, as we strive to comply with state-directed restrictions and act with compassion and caution toward ourselves and our fellow citizens in order to get this pandemic under control.
We want to recognize your ongoing support in a tangible way, and thus, for anyone who was an active member as of January 1, 2020, we are extending (or re-instating) your membership for a full 12 months, at no additional cost to you.
NASSPDA Membership Directory
Have you checked out the NASSPDA Membership Directory? This is a resource to allow NASSPDA members to connect with others in the community. Please contact Horace Luong (hluong@nasspda.org) if you'd like to be added to the directory (this is available to NASSPDA members only).
Donation
Consider donating to NASSPDA!
Donations made to NASSPDA will be used to help the organization advance its mission of promoting same-sex partner dancing. Donations to NASSPDA may be tax deductible however, the extent is dependent on your country's tax laws.
Now NASSPDA's website has a button to donate right there:
Thank you for your generosity!
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Competition Calendar
Competition Committee
All NASSPDA competitions for the rest of 2020 has been canceled. Stay safe and healthy!
Upcoming NASSPDA sanctioned competitions in 2021
Floorplay LA
Los Angeles, CA, February 27, 2021
April Follies
Oakland, CA, April 24, 2021
New England Open
Boston - Needham, MA September 2021
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Membership Information
Membership Committee
Join NASSPDA TODAY! Please complete the membership form and make your membership payment directly through our website (www.nasspda.org ).
If you have problems, or want to help us improve the website (parts are still under construction), please write to Horace Luong, our website administrator, at hluong@nasspda.org.
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Outreach and Media
Promotions Committee
ACTIVITY GRANT FUNDING PROGRAM
NASSPDA would like to encourage its members and our community at large to engage in various fun activities that promote same-sex dancing. We recognize that many of our members may have a creative idea and NASSPDA would like to contribute in a small financial way.
Up to 4 grants of $250 each will be awarded per calendar year on a first-come first-served basis to applicants who can demonstrate that the proposed activity will advance NASSPDA's mission of promoting and expanding social and competitive same-sex partner dancing.
The proposed event should also be in alignment with NASSPDA's following goals:
* Support functions and venues for social same-sex partner dancing.
* Provide a resource for same-sex partner dancers.
* Aim to raise the level of same-sex partner dancing
* Encourage the inclusion of dancers from diverse backgrounds with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age, [dis]ability, gender identity and/or expression.
Some ideas for events and organizers to receive grant support:
- Same-sex dance classes
- A social dance mixer with actively inviting and encouraging same-sex dancing or "alternative lead and follow"
- An excursion to a local competition, introducing dancers to the concept
- A welcome party before one of NASSPDA's sanctioned competition
- Setting up a booth at a local street fair promoting same-sex dancing
- A neighborhood or community event promoting partner dancing and the inclusion of same-sex dancing
- Involving studios to promote same-sex dancing
- An event in conjunction with a city's Pride activities
These are just a few suggestions. To apply for financial support from NASSPDA's $250 Grant Program, please visit our website at www.NASSPDA.org, click on the 'Scholarships and Grants' bar and then 'Grants" to read more for more information. You can also email us at promotions@NASSPDA.org with any questions.
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