Dear Randy and Sue, 

     First, we'd like to wish each and everyone a Happy Holiday Season and may your 2010 bring you much joy and happiness.  Remember to take a moment and reflect on the Reason for the Season!

     So speaking of Happiness and Joy...OMG you should have been at the US Open Swing Dance Championships this past week-end in Anaheim, CA.  In the 6 years we've been coming the OPEN, this year, by far was the most spectacular and amazing of all times!

 


     Highlights of the week-end ...I was here.  That was my highlight but 
Friday night Paula Abdul was in the audience watching the Showcase Division ....pretty cool!  As the week-end progressed, calls, emails and facebooks from those watching back home on GlobalDance.tv, you were one of 3000 + people who logged on from just one of many countries including, Sweden, UK, France to name a few...

     Each division was jammed packed with competitors.  Even though there wasn't a Shag Team competing (first time in 5 years) we were able to scrap a Strictly Shag Division.  Michael and Leann were dazzling as always and the special treat was Shag Hall of Famer, Ellen Taylor competed SHAG for the first time at the US Open dancing with Brennar Goree!  Brennar and Ellen performed a traditional pure shag dance showing how important it is for the Legends of our respective "Swing" Dances to mix with our young.  In attendance at the Open this year were other Legends of Swing as well like Norma Miller from the Hand Dance Community and of course Skippy Blair. 

     I'd like to take a moment and reflect on the Hand Dance Community.  Back in July, the National Hand Dance Association came together and raised money to send 3 young couples to come compete in the US Open with all expensed being paid.  They had many competitors in several divisions well representing their dance form, DC Hand Dancing.

     The US Open Swing Dance Championships, though winning a title here is a big honor and prestigious, the larger spirit at hand is this competition presents an arena where every form of swing can come together and show off their respective forms of "Swing".  As Robert Royston said, they are ALL Swing!  Shaggers, I challenge you.  Let's make more of a presence here at the open next year.  In the Young America/Adult division every other Swing dance form was represented, except Shag (although there was a Boogie Walk and Stutters seen)

     May your Holiday's be blessed with family and friends creating cherished memories!

Cindy and Larry Black
Shag N 4 U
(edited)