Welcome to the May Edition of the Chapter Chatter!
Stronger Together: How Inter-Chapter Support Can
Revitalize Your Dance Community
In every thriving dance community, there’s one secret ingredient that keeps the energy high and the dance floors full—connection. While each USA Dance chapter plays a vital role in promoting ballroom and social dance locally, the real magic happens when chapters support each other. By fostering inter-chapter collaboration and encouraging members to attend neighboring events, we can create a more vibrant, resilient, and exciting dance scene for everyone.
The Benefits of Inter-Chapter Support
When chapters come together, the positive ripple effects are undeniable:
1. Better Attendance = Better Dances
One of the biggest challenges chapters face is maintaining strong attendance at social dances. Encouraging members to travel to nearby chapter events brings fresh energy, fills the floor, and helps avoid the dreaded “small crowd” feel. A well-attended dance boosts morale, attracts newcomers, and makes every event more enjoyable.
2. Fresh Faces, New Friendships
Interacting with dancers from other chapters introduces variety—different styles, new partners, and expanded social circles. This keeps dancing exciting and helps members feel part of something bigger than just their local group. Many lifelong friendships (and dance partnerships) have started with a simple visit to a neighboring chapter’s event.
3. Sharing Resources and Ideas
Collaboration doesn’t stop at attending events. Chapters can share:
DJs and instructors
Marketing strategies
Decorations and themed event ideas
Venue recommendations
Pooling resources can reduce costs and spark creativity. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from each other’s successes?
4. Stronger Regional Identity
When chapters support one another, they strengthen not only their individual groups but also the regional dance community. This sense of unity can lead to larger joint events, regional dance weekends, or even collaborative travel to national USA Dance events.
How to Foster Inter-Chapter Connections
How to Foster Inter-Chapter ConnectionsBuilding these connections doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention. Here’s how your chapter can lead the way:
1. Coordinate Calendars
Avoid scheduling conflicts and maximize participation by sharing event calendars with nearby chapters. This ensures members have a steady stream of dance opportunities without overlap.
2. Promote Each Other’s Events
Include neighboring chapter events in your newsletters, social media posts, and at your own dances. A simple announcement or flyer can remind members that great dances are happening just a short drive away.
3. Offer Reciprocal Discounts
Encourage travel by offering discounted entry to members from other chapters. A small gesture like this can motivate dancers to visit—and they’ll likely return the favor.
4. Organize Group Road Trips
Make attending another chapter’s event a fun social outing! Arrange carpools or convoys to nearby dances. Not only does this boost attendance, but it also strengthens bonds within your own chapter.
5. Plan Joint Events
Team up with neighboring chapters to host larger themed dances, workshops, or weekend socials. Shared planning reduces the workload and creates a bigger, more exciting event that draws dancers from multiple areas.
6. Create a “Dance Passport” Challenge
Gamify inter-chapter travel by encouraging members to collect “stamps” or check-ins for every different chapter event they attend. Offer small prizes or recognition for those who visit the most chapters in a year.
The Big Picture: A Thriving National Community
The Big Picture: A Thriving National CommunityWhen chapters collaborate, everyone wins. Members enjoy more dynamic events, chapters grow stronger through shared support, and USA Dance’s mission to foster ballroom and social dance flourishes nationwide.
So, next time you’re planning your chapter’s calendar or promoting your next dance, remember—we’re stronger together. Reach out to a neighboring chapter, invite them to your floor, and encourage your members to explore beyond their home base. One dance at a time, we can revitalize our communities and keep the joy of social dance alive and thriving.
At Your Service,
Ken Pandozzi
Vice President of Social Dance
USA Dance, Inc.
Chapter of the Year Application Extension
Due June 1, 2025
Money Matters
We will have another MONEY MATTERS Zoom meeting on Saturday, May 31, at 2pm EST, hosted by Esther Freeman, National Treasurer and Karen Chaleki, Assistant Treasurer.
We will send out the Zoom link on the Friday before. This is your meeting, so please send any questions you may have to Karen, AssistantTreasurer@usadance.org, by May 26th. If you don’t ask, we don’t know!
We look forward to another great meeting.
Esther Freeman and Karen Chaleki
Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
USA Dance, Inc.
Note: Chapter Rebates were mailed in April and should be with the Chapter Treasurer.
National Ballroom Dance Week is Sept 14-20, 2025. Please remember to document all your dance activities and send us your photos and videos for potential use in American Dancer and on social media. Stories and dance photos can be submitted directly to American Dancer Editor Rose-Ann Lynch.
AMERICAN DANCERAre you reading American Dancer? You should! | |
