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LOS ANGELES SWING DANCE CLUB, INC. (LASDC) Bi-Monthly Newsletter for SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Volume 50 – Number 5 Our Club was Founded in 1970
L.A.S.D.C. is a non-profit club for those interested in West Coast Swing dancing for pleasure & recreation. Website: www.laswingdanceclub.com
Visit & ‘Like’ us at: www.facebook.com/LASwingDanceClub
The U.S. Department of Labor’s official tribute to U.S. workers on Labor Day:
“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the
world has ever known, and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic
and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the
creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”
NATIONAL DANCE DAY - SEPT. 19, 2020
This groovy day was created to help encourage Americans to enjoy the art of movement, as a creative
outlet to promote a healthy lifestyle. Hitting the dance floor is not only an artistic outlet, but helps to
improve muscle tone, bone density, balance, flexibility, and strength. It was officially launched in 2010,
by national dance fans — both politicos and dance extraordinaires. Up until 2019, the day was observed
in July; however, 2020 will be the second time that it will be officially observed on the third Saturday in
September. Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” and the co-founder of
American Dance Movement, partnered with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to start this
holiday 10 years ago. Congresswoman Norton introduced National Dance Day as a resolution, with the
goal of promoting artistic expression and exercise. It's fun to learn about our favorite hobby, Dance.
Halloween is a Holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a t ime to honor all saints. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick -or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes & eating treats.
September 7, 2020
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EDITORIAL PAGE
L.A.S.D.C. BOARD MEMBERS
President Linda Davis (562) 619-6603 [email protected]
Vice President Vacant (123) 456-7890 [email protected]
Secretary Fran Tassin (714) 826-6712 [email protected]
Treasurer Karen Smith (714) 403-2125 [email protected]
Entertainment Director Larry Kroeze (562) 533-4378 [email protected]
Ways & Means Martine Whitford (562) 426-4338 [email protected]
Newsletter Editor Daniel Snyder (213) 800-1450 [email protected]
Membership Chairperson Gerry Bordelon (714) 606-6480 [email protected]
Ambassadors-at-Large: LeRoy Pendray: (562) 433-8977 Joanne Harrold: (949) 675-1255
Webmaster: Larry Kroeze Dance Teacher: Linda Davis
L.A.S.D.C. WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK
For more information about our club, other places to Dance, and additional Dance news, please visit the
LASDC Website, www.laswingdanceclub.com It is maintained by Larry Kroeze, our Dancing
Webmaster, and includes photos, special events, places to dance, our current Newsletter, and More!
Also, Please Visit & “Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LASwingDanceClub for the latest
news. To sign up for a Facebook account, enter your name, birthday, gender, and email address into the
form on www.facebook.com. Then pick a password. After you complete the sign-up form, they will send
you an email. Just click on the confirmation link to complete the sign-up process. Now all you need to do is
search for the LosAngelesSwingDanceClub and click on the "LIKE" button. You will then be notified
automatically when we post something new to Facebook. You can also post YOUR pictures or news
directly to our Facebook Page! It is easy to do, and your photos could be appreciated by all!!
Please enjoy our ONLINE "Photo Wall" of many past and present LASDC Dancers!
This is an ongoing project; feel free to upload your own Dance Club photos or Videos for our
Members to enjoy! If you need help doing this, you may ask for help from a Computer savvy
friend, email or send them through www.wetransfer.com to a Board Member. We will gladly
upload them for you. Thanks! SEE OUR Online Dancers Photos at: (Ctrl+Click) LASDC Photo Wall
Hello Members; Another two months have come and gone and we still haven't had the opportunity to
gather together and dance. This has been a year like no other. Our L.A.S.D.C. Board hopes that everyone
is staying safe from contacting Covid-19 and staying cool in this extreme heat. If you are able, please
reach out to other members and friends to say hello and let them know they are not alone. If you know of
a member who is sick, please pass that information on to one of our Board members. We care about each
and every one of you. You are part of our Dance Family. Our Board members are in constant contact with
each other and are saying on top of the current changes and look forward to gathering with our
members and dancing. When it is safe to return to dancing at the Elks, notices will be sent to our
members by email, regular mail, and will be on our website (www.laswingdanceclub.com). Until
then, please follow the order to wear a mask in public, do social distancing and wash your
hands often. Please stay safe and hydrated until we meet & dance again. Linda ..
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SEPTEMBER
1 Mary Beth Treen
10 Juliana Caniz
12 Frank Kanahele
17 Jackie Cobb
18 Christy Kindig
22 Richard Upthegrove
28 Bess Rodriguez
28 Setsuko Hayata
29 Margot Taub
OCTOBER
5 Joe Picconi
8 Jack Willingham
9 Dawn Manganelli
18 Manny Torres
19 Andree G. Grantham
24 Al Tyner
24 Rochelle Kaplan
26 Frenchy Martinez
27 Don Hirsch
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
WISHES to our
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER L.A.S.D.C. ACTIVE MEMBERS!!
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Remember these Halloween Good times...and Happy faces?
We've had many fun years of Celebrating Halloween, this year it will be done Safely!
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Some Good News...
And Some Sad News...As We bid Farwell to some long-time Dancing Friends.
Congratulations to Michael & Carol on their Wedding! Michael Pierceall & Carol Hogue were Married on July 25, 2020 at a private Estate in Sierra Madre. Attending their ceremony were a variety of family members and a few friends. They met several years ago in Pasadena at a Ballroom Association Dance. They are very well suited for each other, on and off the Dance Floor. They attended our last Dances at the Buena Park Elks. Michael said that Carol is a wonderful person, and we expect they will spend many years together in Marital Bliss! If you would like to extend your Congrats, please send an email to: [email protected] Best wishes to you Both, and we look forward to seeing you again on the Dance Floor soon!!
Molly Prager celebrated her 90th Birthday in June with a friendly drive-by and horn blowing by her friends. Family members handed out cupcakes to those that made the trip to help Molly Celebrate! Our Dance Club was well represented in making the trip to see her.
Bud Harrison lived until August 23rd, with his wife of 44 years, Lenora, at
the Sun City Golf Course in Roseville, CA, just Northeast of Sacramento. Bud and Lenora both grew up in Southern California: Bud in Lomita, Lenora in Lawndale, and they met at a dance in Long Beach. Bud worked in Law Enforcement, and in 1964 He was appointed by the Governor of Arizona to do security detail for Barry Goldwater. Bud also worked security for the Space Shuttle at Cape Canaveral, Florida. When they moved to Hawaii, he worked with the Police, Fire and Airport Departments in Barking Sands, Kauai. While there, he also obtained his Bachelor’s Degree. They lived in Hawaii for six years, and then relocated to Washington State where he became Deputy Chief of Police for Bangor, Washington. When Bud decided to retire, they chose to move to Sun City in 1996. Bud loved to play golf often, and Lenora works in real estate.
From Lenora: "We both had fond memories of days back when" Her friends may send an email to stay in touch: [email protected] A CaringBridge Site was created for Bud. It‘s a caring social network to help people stay connected with family and friends during a health event. Visit Bud‘s site often to stay updated and share messages of encouragement and compassion. Site Link: https://www.caringbridge.org/public/budharrison Site Name: budharrison
Gary Humphreys; A message from our Dancing friend,
Las Vegas Valerie: "I'm sorry I must relay some very sad news. My beautiful husband Gary, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8th from Lung cancer. I'm working on some pictures for FB and the telling of his amazing life as soon as I can. I'm in and out of unrelenting sadness, but keeping in mind that he's no longer in pain, gets me through. Dear god, let us get back to the celebration of life that'l do our hearts good. Please take care now, Valerie" Our Thoughts are with you.
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ONCE UPON A TIME
------In a magic swingdom, the boys and girls would dance and play. Oh, the girls were lovely and the
boys were handsome. The evenings were long, the floors were fast, and the bands were wonderful.
Lightly sprinkled across this nostalgic confection was the magic dance wax of youth.
Was this as memory serves? Perhaps not. But, you’ll have a hell of a time convincing the old-timers.
Recently, while attending one of the long established swing dance clubs, one noticed there were no
strangers in the room. Each person was greeted as an old friend, as indeed they were. The music was
dated, and yes, the dancers were doing the steps of forty years ago, but none of this mattered -- the room
was suffused in the warm glow of comradeship.
Why? They share a history. What defines a long-term marriage or being a family member? Shared
history. The room was filled with dancers known. not for years, but decades. During these years they’ve
seen others less dedicated join their group and fall away. Members have drifted away through marriages,
raising families, and career moves. But, then one day, perhaps years later, they come walking through the
door and its as though they’ve never been away. They’re reabsorbed into the family and the beat goes on.
“Way cool, old dawg. But I’m young, I’m hot, and I can really put em’ down.”
Yes, you’re young and you’re good. Some of you are so good it sends shivers of delight through the
“old-timers” who once occupied the spotlight you now enjoy. The older dancers, and particularly, the
dancers who were prominent rejoice in the abilities and successes the young dancers so justifiably
celebrate. The older dancers harbor no resentments or envy. The wonderful world of dance doesn’t
separate us – it unites us.
Older dancers realize it’s the nature of human activity to improve. This the young dancers do through
formal training, endless practice, professional choreography, and that most necessary ingredient:
dedication. When they perform it’s a barnburner! Former competition dancers have been heard to say:
“These kids are better on their worst day than I was on my best.”
The older dancers were true street dancers. They picked up the basics of swing by watching others
and asking a million questions in the parking lots and rest rooms of a thousand dreary little clubs. They
had no formal training so they begged, borrowed, and shamelessly stole steps from each other. The guys
danced in their Florsheim’s and the gals in their Sears bargain-racks. If asked, they would have sworn a
pair of Capezio’s were Italian twins.
The initial motivation was for guys to meet gals, and vice-versa. However, as they became better
dancers, friendships and relationships formed. They found they were part of an activity web bound in
union by a love of dancing. As time passed, ripples from one group intersected with others and thus was
born “community.” The community endured. Anecdote became legend. Each member’s participation
wove the fabric of shared history and became – family.
So, to the wonderful young dancers now creating their history: when you see we “geezers” stumbling
about the dance floor and mumbling over our tables, it’s okay. We really do see ourselves as we are. But,
through the prism of our history, we so very clearly remember the way we were – once upon a time.
THE END
Bert Anderson (951) 282-3555 [email protected]
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L.A.S.D.C. This 'n That with Sunshine! Thank you for the updates Fran!
Announcements: The California Swing Dance Hall Of Fame Dance has been rescheduled for September 2021.
At the Buena Park Elks Lodge: Every Friday 5p.m. Patio Dinner $10. Call Pat for Reservations. (562) 673-0012.
Anna Walters is still recovering from an operation. She is now doing pool workout therapy a few days per week.
Bob Valarik, our past Club President, is resting with some health challenges, and we wish him well. Be strong Bob!
Jane Coday commented how much she misses LASDC dances. She likes the Newsletter Links to the Internet also.
Joe Piccone recovering from stroke at home w/help from his son, would love to hear from friends (562) 493-7563.
Another advantage to receiving this Newsletter online, is that YOU can Ctrl+click on BLUE links to see things online!
Dance & Music Links
All about West Coast Swing online in L.A.: www.westcoastswingonline.com/west-coast-swing-los-angeles
All about West Coast Swing, with videos: www.dancetime.com/dance-styles/west-coast-swing/
Desert Swing Dance Club: Links to their Calendar, Dances, Newsletter, etc. www.desertswingdanceclub.com
Dancing around the U.S.A. www.swingdance.com/clubs/usaclubs.html
Swing Dance Hall of Fame: www.csdhof.com Their next Awards Gala will be September ?, 2021 at the Golden Sails
US Open Swing Dance Competition information: www.usopenswing.com
Video Jukebox: www.1959bhsmustangs.com/VideoJukebox.htm#
150 1950's & 60's Songs with Lyrics!: carolynspreciousmemories.com/50s/sitemap.html
And from our LASDC Webmaster: www.laswingdanceclub.com (Thank you Larry!)
There have been a few more photos and Videos from our dance history uploaded
to our ONLINE Photo Wall for you to enjoy! (Ctrl+Click) LASDC Photo Wall While I fully understand that the Corona Virus is a real situation that has turned the world upside down, I also know that it is very important to Be Good to each other, be Careful, be Safe, & Stay Healthy. Doctors from numerous Medical fields also agree; Maintain a Sense of Humor!
Corona confusion? This Should Help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVs5AyjzwRM
Email or Snail Mail Updates? Please tell us if you change your address, or create/change your email address so we can be sure you get this Newsletter, etc! It is more fun by email, with all of the links, and our costs is less!
We will again provide you with a Great location for West Coast Swing Dancing, by
Professional Band Musicians playing a variety of music; good friends, old & new!
Dee Cheston - Says: How are you? - haven't heard from you lately. Dee is anticipating hip surgery, and She has a great attitude. Her friend Ray Conkel (pictured with Dee) had hip surgery awhile back. We extend our wishes for you to stay well, and good luck with the hip!
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The Fun Zone - An email Newsletter feature! It's all about Staying Healthy, Learning and more Productive time at Home
A brief history of West Coast Swing - Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrm9kJiJr2g A brief history of West Coast Swing - Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ejSm7V1Qks A brief history of West Coast Swing - Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= fkPIruvV5bA
The History of West Coast Swing (80 min.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8itxUb_BtU:
So let's get some exciting and heart pounding music to you for some cardio exercise! Dean Collins - Swing Dance - Sensations of 1945: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6jOAipYTng&t=75s
Born to Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=582cgiuHZ2Q
Wartime Dancing - WWII: https://youtu.be/xS5oCLXrQLs?list=RDmHANNkKBSNU
Swing Dance 1941: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8R-UPfEYRI
Swing Dance 1942 with Irene Thomas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAxptYgefwI
Swing Dance 1943: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXYyq6bXKSA
Tea For Two (1950) – Charleston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRuoaXDRFMU
Summer Stock (1950) – Barn Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEVS7opoyI4 Hooked On Swing Dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHANNkKBSNU
Louis Prima - Sing,Sing,Sing, With a Swing: https://youtu.be/TOPSETBUgvQ?list=RDmHANNkKBSNU
Swing Dance 1956: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOtNTOCPq5w Rock & Roll Dance 1956 (Earl Barton & Lisa Gaye : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDIIt-WsdM8
Rock & Roll Dance 1956: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOwVsXzFEWs Top 5 Boogie Woogie Piano Performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiHuKsxHwLw Elvis Presley - Trouble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfkLnZhhoTY Best of MGM Musicals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeyzYXbD6fQ
Old Time Rock'n Roll Dance Show: https://youtu.be/SycWWeB8grY?list=RDmHANNkKBSNU
Rita Hayworth Is Stayin' Alive: https://youtu.be/mz3CPzdCDws?list=RDmHANNkKBSNU 2016 Boogie Woogie Competition, Rock That Swing: https://youtu.be/Bx743aah7o8?list=RDmHANNkKBSNU 2019 –Twisting The Night Away: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofBp0Mvt3S8
1990s West Coast Swing Jam with Kenny Wetzel, Phoenix: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzoSCb4Q8ww&t=125s
1995 US Open Classic Finals - Barry & Beata: https://youtu.be/J6Hsm3NPHyw?list=PLD928AE20A6E37F93
1998 Dallas Swing Dance: Tatiana, Jordan, Jessica etc.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UdQPt7CgyM 2020-Jordan & Emeline - 1st Place Jack & Jill - Budafest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIawVClaMgI
There is a common bond among our Dancing Friends. It transcends time and distance. The happiness we feel when we see each other again, is based on the love we have for the Dance that brought us together.
Dance on the floor, Dance in your Dreams, Love the Movement of the Dance!
Good Health is elusive and can be maintained well by keeping your brain and your body moving! Eat Healthy and Balanced meals, 3-5 small meals per day, DRINK WATER, and minimize your time in front of the TV and/or Computer. Walk a few blocks or a few Miles daily. Take ONLINE classes for Gardening, Cooking, Art, Exercise, or Dancing! Do word games, play cards, explore the Internet Call/Video Chat with friends and have meaningful conversations! Practice Dancing at home to keep in shape, and ready for our comeback!
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WEST COAST SWING DANCING for Los Angeles & Orange County!
WHEN WE RESUME, WEST COAST SWING DANCE LESSONS from 2-3 p.m. are included
with the price of admission. Live Band Dance or DJ Music is played from 3-6 p.m.
FUTURE Events are held every 1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays of each month from 2:00–6:00 p.m.
Members $10 (with membership $30/year) and Non-members $12 The lowest prices in town, and great Swing Dancing Music!
Visit our Website: www.laswingdanceclub.com “Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/Los Angeles Swing Dance Club
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP OR RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP? IF NOT, PLEASE DO IT NOW! BENEFITS: A DISCOUNT PRICE AT THE DOOR, A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DANCE WITH FRIENDS
TO GREAT MUSIC, SPECIAL DRAWINGS FOR MEMBERS, 50/50 RAFFLE, AND THIS BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER!
L.A. SWING DANCE CLUB, INC. P. O. Box 2415 Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2415 www.laswingdanceclub.com
ADDRESS-CORRECTION REQUESTED
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