On July 13, USA Dance North Coast, Ohio, Chapter #2063 added an exciting twist to its monthly ballroom event at the Painesville Park dance floor. The theme for the evening was “International Cuisine.” Members who brought dishes arrived dressed in colorful, traditional attire representing various countries, showcasing their culinary heritage with potluck contributions. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of dishes from France, Germany, Haiti, Poland, China, Mexico, and other regions of Eastern Europe, making the evening both culturally rich and lively.
The event, led by Chapter President Debbie Starchurski, was a great success. Her creative leadership consistently adds a fresh and engaging element to each month’s gathering. Special thanks also go to her husband for helping to attract over seventy attendees, which contributed to the vibrant energy of the night. The couple who traveled the furthest this year were the Lees, from Sarasota, Florida.
The potluck tradition has been gaining popularity among ballroom dancers in our community. It’s not just about food—it’s about sharing heritage, hospitality, and stories. Each month, we see more creative dishes and enthusiastic participation. This event was no exception.
However, not everything went as planned.
The group that rented the facility the night before left the dance floor in poor condition, with sticky spills and confetti that created significant safety issues for dancers. Ballroom dancers, who usually wear suede-soled shoes, found certain areas of the floor challenging to navigate—some spots were dangerously slick, while others were frustratingly sticky. Several patrons expressed their concerns, and one visiting dancer mentioned experiencing knee pain due to restricted movement caused by the sticky surface.
To make matters worse, during one of our scheduled spot dances, a group of line dancers—who were not affiliated with this chapter—entered the floor uninvited. Their disruptive behavior did not align with the etiquette expected at a ballroom event. Although this chapter always aims to be welcoming, it is essential to maintain the structure and purpose of our dances, which are dedicated solely to traditional ballroom dancing.
While these disruptions were beyond their control, the 2063 chapter wanted to acknowledge them openly. The chapter leadership took the situation seriously and offered apologies to our guests, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a high-quality experience. They expressed that they are working closely with the venue to ensure that clean-up procedures and floor conditions are prioritized moving forward.
Despite the bumps, the evening’s spirit remained strong. Good food, great music, and the shared love of ballroom dancing brought four chapters together once again, reminding us why we keep showing up, month after month.
The chapter thanked all our patrons for their understanding and looks forward to seeing them again at their next themed dance.
