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Vol. 16, No. 1
Winter 2015
From Our Instructors
UPCOM ING
DA NCES
Social Dance Etiquette
March 13
Ap ril 10
May 8
June 12
Social dancing is one of life's opportunities for
pure fun. However, it is important to remember
that dancing is a social activity which requires
personal as well as physical grace. Being a
considerate and thoughtful dance partner can
ensure a wonderful experience. Dance
courtesy is just as important as dance technique and like
technique it can be learned. Here are some helpful hints.
MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
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Dance lesson starts at 7:30; brief
review of previous month’s lesson
starts at 7:15; open dancing from
8:30 to 10:45. Bring your favorite
finger foods to share, and/or a door
prize (value not to exceed $10-12),
and enjoy an evening of fun and
fellowship.
And don’t forget to
invite a friend – our monthly dances
are a great introduction to ballroom
dancing!
Inside This Issue
Editor’s Notes ....................... 5
From the President ............... 3
From Our Instructors ............. 1
Media Library ....................... 4
Membership ......................... 4
Photos .................................. 6
Dance Calendar .................. 5
By Vence Jelovchan
Rejection stinks! -- When you ask someone to dance, you
want them to say “yes.” But sometimes, without even
knowing it, you can do things that make people never want
to dance with you again. Because the dance scene is
usually friendly, partners will be forgiving if the rules you
break are not too bad.
How to ask? -- When asking someone to dance, make eye
contact, offer your hand, and ask clearly, “May I have this
dance?,” “May I have this Waltz / Rumba / Foxtrot/ etc,”
“Would you like to dance?” or simply, “Shall we dance?” In
the past it was tradition that men asked women to dance
but, this custom has since changed. Today, women should
feel equally comfortable asking a partner for a dance.
What to say -- When someone asks you to dance, your
response should be, “Yes, Thank you, I'd love to.” In a social
dance environment, it is customary to say “yes” when asked
to dance. In order for dancing to be a cheerful activity, it is
important that social dancers be supportive and kind to
each other at all skill levels.
Being declined -- The first thing to do if one is turned down
for a dance is to take the excuse at face value. A typical
social dance can be two to three hours long, and some do
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Winter 2015
PBDC Newsletter
Continued from previous page
not have the stamina for non-stop dancing. Everyone has to take a break once in a while, and
that means possibly turning down one or two people each time one takes a break. Do not get
discouraged if you are turned down once or twice. However, since social dancers are generally
nice and polite, being repeatedly declined can be a signal. In that case, it is a good idea to
examine one's dancing, social interactions and personal hygiene to see if anything is wrong.
On the other hand -- Dancers seek those who say “yes”. Being turned down for a dance is never
fun. If you decline dances, or if you look stern, or hard to please, your chances of being asked to
dance will be reduced.
You dance divinely! -- During the dance, be sure to be aware of your partner. Smile and make eye
contact, but don't stare. It is fun to dance with a partner who is gracious and appreciative.
At the end of the dance -- When the dance has finished and before parting, ALWAYS say “THANK
YOU” to your partner and begin to escort them off the floor. The proper answer to “Thank you!” on
the dance floor is: “Thank you!” The point is that “thanks” is not due to a favor, but to politeness.
If you enjoyed the dance, let your partner know. Compliment your partner on her/his dancing. Be
generous, even if he/she is not the greatest of dancers. Be specific about it if you can: “I really
enjoyed that double turn. You led/followed that beautifully!” If you enjoyed it so much that you
would like to have another dance with him/her again, this is a good time to mention it: “This Waltz
went really great! I'd like to try a Cha-Cha with you later.”
Leaving the floor -- When a song comes to an end, tradition requires the gentleman take the lady
back to her seat at the end of the dance.
Demeanor -- Be personable, smile, and make eye contact with your partner. Try to project a warm
and positive image on the dance floor, even if that is not your personal style. Many of us lead
hectic lives; having a difficult and tiring day, however, is not an acceptable excuse for depressing
or unpleasant behavior on the dance floor. Once one asks or accepts a dance, it is important to
be outwardly positive, even if you are not particularly feeling very upbeat.
Circulating -- In a social dance situation it is appropriate to dance with a variety of people. Some
people prefer certain dance partners, but this should not prevent them from accepting an offer to
dance from a new person. If the same person asks you to dance repeatedly, for several dances in
a row, it is acceptable to tell that person, “thank you, but I'd like to meet and dance with some
other people for a while. I'll be happy to dance with you again later in the evening:'
Parting thoughts…
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Today's beginners will be the good dancers of tomorrow, so be nice and dance with them.
Do not decline a dance unless you absolutely have to. Having declined a dance, you
cannot dance the same song with someone else.
Smile, be warm, be personable and most of all be nice. Be determined not to let small
things spoil your evening of dancing. To make friends while dancing, you would be surprised
how far a smile and hello can go.
And lastly, men, be a gentleman and escort the lady back to her seat!
See you on the dance floor!
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Winter 2015
PBDC Newsletter
From the President
To begin this note, I want to thank everyone for all the work they did for the wonderful
Christmas dance in early December. Many say that the dance is what starts their holiday
season. Our caterer did a fabulous job. The performances were well well done and
added such a special touch to the evening. Likewise, our Valentine “Sweetheart Dance”
was a huge success. We have had the great fortune to have many guests lately who have
joined our club—welcome to all!!!!
I love to see everyone walking through the door of the Leatherman center; and then,
when they leave, to see smiling faces. There are so many ways that dancing benefits a
person—memory, kindness, exercise, social interaction, personal accomplishments and
couple accomplishments. My wish for 2015 is that we continue to see the club grow, keep
those smiling faces, minimize the hurting feet, and dance, dance, dance.
P au l ine Je lov ch an
Club President
Happy Valentine’s Day to All From Your President
(As shared by Pauline at the Valentine Dance)
It is the day for saying “I Love You” and if you are
here, then I love you because…
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You are members from year one.
You served on the Board.
You serve on the Board.
You come regularly.
You took dance lessons from us.
You play music.
You bring food.
You bring door prizes.
You decorate.
You store the decorations.
You teach.
You buy the paper products.
You manage the website.
You travel to get here.
You help set up.
You stay and clean up.
You take pictures.
You are new to us.
You are long standing members.
You produce our Newsletter.
You wash the tablecloths.
You send out reminders.
You have performed.
You are my sister at heart,
or my friend to the end.
And most of all, you have been my
husband for over 44 years.
Recipe Corner
We have a lot of great cooks in our club, as evidenced by the delicious treats we enjoy at our monthly dances. From time to time, we’ll feature a recipe in this
space. If you’d like to share your favorite, send it to [email protected].
Creole Corn & Crab Bisque
Recipe Contributed by Sandy Adams
Ingredients:
½ cup flour
¼ cup butter
1 quart heavy cream (optional)
1 quart milk
1 cup stock
Cajun Seasoning to taste
1lb Crab meat (claw)
2 Cup chopped green onions
24oz. whole corn with liquid
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley (for garnish)
Salt to taste
Directions:
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Combine milk, heavy cream and stock. Bring to a
boil then reduce to simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
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Make a roux with equal parts of butter and flour to
the desired color; add in to your simmering pot. Stir
in your corn with liquid, crabmeat and simmer for
another 5 minutes.
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Gradually add in half (1/2) your green onions, salt
and Cajun Seasoning to taste.
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Note: use the other half of your green onions and
parsley for garnish.
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**** Makes 6-8 Servings****
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Winter 2015
Club Leadership
2014-15
Officers & Board Members
President: Pauline Jelovchan
[email protected]
Vice-President: Jane Snipes
[email protected]
Treasurer: Janice Flowers
Secretary: Andrea McKenzie
PBDC Newsletter
Media Library
Big news! We have just added a Salsa DVD to our
instructional library! We also have DVDs in: Waltz, Cha
Cha, Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, East Coast Swing, Bolero
and Samba. These DVDs are available for loan to
members of the PBDC. If interested, please see Janice
Flowers who is responsible for maintaining the library. We
ask that DVDs be signed out for only one month at a time
to allow other members access.
- Vence & Pauline
[email protected]
Decorating Help Wanted!
Standing Committees
Dance Theme & Decorations:
Marilyn Mong
Music and Band:
Vence & Pauline Jelovchan
Pauline: [email protected]
Vence: [email protected]
We can always use help decorating the Leatherman Center for
our monthly dance. If you have a flair for decorating, this is your
chance to get involved! It does not require you to spend any
money for we have an inventory of decorations available.
If you’d like to help with decorating, please call Marilyn Mong
at 665-7513 or email [email protected].
DJ - Eddie Collins
[email protected]
Dance Instructors: Vence and
Pauline Jelovchan
Assistant Instructors: Rich and
Donna Gerner
Newsletter: Dorr Depew
Door Prize Chairpersons: Rich
and Donna Gerner
Video Librarian: Janice Flowers
Club Membership
The PBDC tries to make it as easy as possible to experience
ballroom dance in the Pee Dee. The PBDC is the only ballroom
dance club within 60 miles. We as members must constantly
recruit new dancers in hopes that they will join our club. In the
past 6 months, many members have moved away, missed
attending due to medical issues, etc. Pass the word and let‘s
boost attendance this year.
Please renew your membership promptly when due. Our
club depends on your dues to help pay for the hall, DJ and
special treats throughout the season. If you have not renewed
your membership, we urge you to fill out and send the form in
this newsletter, along with your check, to the address shown.
Webmaster: Bruce Blumberg
VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
[email protected]
For the very latest info about PBDC activities, including
lots more photos and plenty of information, visit the club
Web site: http://www.palmettodanceclub.org
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Winter 2015
PBDC Newsletter
2015 Dance Schedule
for the
Remainder of 2015
Editor’s Notes
Dances are held on the second
Friday of each month, unless noted*.
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March 13
April 10
May 8
June 12
No July Dance*
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 4*
Dear Friends,
Here’s a quote to ponder:
“…when winter comes, can spring be far behind?” Poet
Percy Shelley said it very well, didn’t he? Seems like the
groundhog was right this year…winter’s been hanging
around! But spring is just around the corner!
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well, and I
look forward to seeing everyone at our next dance.
Dance Lesson from 7:30 to 8:30
p.m. (review of previous month’s
lesson at 7:15).
Open Dancing from 8:30 til 10:45
p.m.
Admission - $5 for members of
the PBDC and $10 for nonmembers.
Dinner/Dance - $10 for members,
$15 for non-members.
Dance Location: The Palmetto
Ballroom Dance Club meets at The
Leatherman Center, Freedom Blvd.,
Florence, SC.
The purpose of the PBDC Newsletter is to provide members
and friends with news, features and information about
ballroom dance in the Pee Dee. In this edition, you’ll find a
variety of articles about dancing, along with photos from
our most recent dances. Your comments, suggestions and
articles of interest for the newsletter are welcome and
encouraged. Try your hand at writing a brief article about
your dance experience!
You can email me at [email protected], send items
via regular mail to 400 Church St., Cheraw, SC 29520, or
call me at 843-910-2283. The newsletter is published four
times a year. We encourage all club members to contribute
news and information for the newsletter. Please submit
items for the next issue as soon as possible! Thanks!
Palmetto Ballroom Dance Club
Membership Application
Name(s):
Address:
Phone: Home
Email
Work
Cell
Annual membership dues are $20 per person.
Mail to: Palmetto Ballroom Dance Club, 410 Eastburn Ct., Darlington, SC 29532
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Winter 2015
PBDC Newsletter
Thru the
Viewfinder
Photos From Recent Dances
Check the Club Website for more!
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