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In February of 1991 a group of approximately 60 interested people under the encouragement of Sue and Lenny Rogutski of Danville and Janet and Charles Nesbitt of Catawissa met to form a club "for those interested in ballroom dancing", i.e. "to promote interest in swing and ballroom dancing and to offer dance opportunities for club members and guests." The first dance, using recorded music, was held at Studio Brick on March 16, 1991. Initial club officers were Sue Rogutski, President; Margie Thompson, Secretary; and Dale Richard, Treasurer. Additional goals were "to educate the public in swing and ballroom dance [instructional] and to increase awareness of dance opportunities in the area." The Studio Brick music and dance facility at 118 Walnut Street, Danville, served as the initial dance location. Nancie Wagner, owner and operater of Studio Brick, provided instruction. The "yet to be named" dance club soon changed names--from "C'mon and Dance", to "Keystone"; then to the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancing Association (USABDA) in September of 1991. USABDA affiliation provided guidance and structure for the group. In October of 1991 the chapter held the "Harvest Moon Dance" at the Masonic Temple, in Danville, with music provided by "The Four Notes." Guests that night totalled 130 enthusiastic dancers. Membership stood at forty and the initial officers were Sue Rogutski, President; Carol Dunn, Vice-President; Marge Thompson, Secretary; and Dale Richard, Treasurer. Monthly dances were soon initiated and live bands have since included "Duplex", "Denny Hardock", "The Rick Jones Duo", "Vic Boris and Sound Expression", "Preludes", "Helmut Licht" and "Lee Vincent Quartet." |
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Some instructors have included Nancie Wagner, Todd Reichart, Edward Samborski, Erwin ("PR") and Beth Roux, Ben and Sally Austin, Bob Kettenburg, Greg Sipe, Joan Moyer Clark, and Bill and Lee Philips. Dance locations have included the Sunbury Social Club, Selinsgrove VFW, Front Street Station in Northumberland, and Willow Run Inn (Briar Creek) near Berwick. Late in 1997 the chapter reformed as the Susquehanna Valley Ballroom Dancers Association (SVBDA), dropping its formal affiliation with USABDA. Officers in this tenth anniversary year, 2000-2001, are: Carl Fedako, President; Darlis Varano, Vice-President; Joyce Fedako, Secretary; Ellie Fogarty, Treasurer; and Donna Wallace, Publicity Chairperson. The goals of the organization remain as originally intended but have expanded to encourage new members, beginners and singles (works best with an accompanying dance partner). Group dance instruction and "live" band music remain central to each dance event. SVBDA encourages those with dance interest to come out, experience an evening of ballroom dancing and instruction, and join the ranks. Dances are held usually the last Sunday evening of the month, September through May. |
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