The year 2009 was quite the year for Portland chapter #1006. Learning from the previous year as to the falling attendances of our monthly dances, the board decided, in wanting to restrict that drop in numbers, to reduce the monthly to a quarterly dance, one every four months. Many points of interest were discussed and debated at our board meetings as to the merits, advantage-disadvantage of, the value, benefit of reducing the dances to four.

More studios opening up in the metro area, sporadic schedule at our usual venue of dance, lack of parking, a host of smaller items that factored in the decision to the quarterly dances.

We began with the April “Rain Dance”, a showcase of stars from the surrounding area. The “stars” being the students and their instructors, or sometimes just the pros themselves. This event was to highlight the talent that is in our world of dance. The students and/or the professional instructors from throughout the metro would all congregate in one venue to “showcase” their dance, the routines they have practiced so hard for , the patterns they have perfected, and the love they have for dance.

Then we had July, with our annual “River City Ball”, an all amateur dance competition. This dance comp replaced our former Spring Fling, normally held during May. Dancers from throughout the West coast and Canada competed. This was our third RCB with each comp an improvement over the last. We are officially sanctioned by USA DANCE for our next RCB in July of 2010! Bigger and better!

Every September brings us the National Ballroom Dance Week and our very own “Day of Dance”. Here we offer to our non dancing community six hours of free dance lessons! Local professional instructors donated their time and energy to any and all who so desire to learn how to dance, and dance well. With much thanks to the organizers of this event, Ramey Danielson and Stephany Reid, this years DoD was the best ever! A record turnout of beginner to intermediate dancers!

Our final dance of the quarterly dances is the December “Winter Wonderland Dance”. This is our formal evening where we impress on all to come “dressed up” in your best evening wear. Tuxedo for the men, formal gowns for the ladies. With special desserts and hors d’oeuvres being served, and a professional showcase to entertain the guests, this Winter Wonderland truly made for a special night that ended the year for Portland #1006.

The current board all look forward to serving our dance friends in the coming year and making that year even more exciting and successful! The board is always looking for and encouraging those with an interest in making a difference, to join our chapter. It is a lot of work, but it is also very rewarding.

Yours in Dance,
Roy F. Aveling, Pres.
Portland #1006