Spring has finally arrived here in Orange County and, with it, an exciting time of the year for your favorite dance studio!  As 2012 has unfolded, there have been some exciting developments at the studio: from new staff members to big wins at competitions to our typical array of exciting coaches and door-busting social events.

Let’s start with a big win for South Coast Dancesport at the just-completed San Francisco Open.  Competing with students Karen Knauth and Barbara Grossman over the weekend of March 23rd-25th, studio owner and instructor Matt Gregory played a huge part in bringing home our first ever Top Studio trophy!  This annual dancesport competition is held at the beautiful San Francisco Marriott and included plenty of competitive Latin and ballroom dancing, several opportunities to get out and enjoy the City by the Bay and a fabulous trophy!  Come by the studio and check out our pretty little piece of hardware.

The first several months of 2012 have seen a few changes in our staff.  We’ve said goodbye to some familiar faces (our evening receptionist Geri Cook and Office Manager Tera Davis—we wish you both well!), but welcomed several incredible additions to the South Coast Dancesport team.  Sarah Spellman is the new smiling face you greet in the evenings.  On her way to a long career in the ballroom dance world, Sarah is the perfect fit for our busy weekday evenings on the phone and in person.  As the studio’s Operations Manager, Candice Cullum brings years of business experience to her post.  Sporting a degree from UC Berkley and an MBA from Boston University, we are understandably thrilled at the prospect of Candice sinking her teeth into our fast-growing studio.  And finally, as instructor Philip Gott completes his recovery from his difficult ankle injury, we have enjoyed watching instructor Todd Hansen make his mark on the studio.  Please welcome these new members of our studio family.

This Friday night (April 6th) is our April Practice Party.  If you are new to your dancing or looking for an opportunity to practice what you are learning on your lessons, the studio’s parties provide a fun, laid back environment in which to do so.  Expect some great wine and snacks, a chance to meet our new staff, several great demonstration dances from students, plus a great group lesson taught by Liza Hillman in preparation for our Country Western Night Out on the Town. 

In fact, if you didn’t know already, the following Friday (April the 13th) is your chance to throw on your boots, dust off your cowboy hat and do some 2-Step and Line Dancing with a huge group from the studio.  Right now, we’re anticipating 40 or more people from the studio meeting for barbecue and a beer before carpooling to In Cahoots in Fullerton for a great night of dancing.  At only $65 for dinner, drinks and dancing, it looks to be one of the most enjoyable nights out we’ve ever put together.  Ask your teacher for details, or give us a call to sign up.

Our Summer Showcase Off Broadway is well under way and have we got a show coming together!  As each of the teachers gets their routines going, we all agree that this Showcase looks to be one of the most enjoyable and entertaining performances in which any of us have participated.  Choreographer Wendy Johnson has put together truly epic routines that we expect will pack the house for both performances on July 21st.  She’s back in the studio April 11th and 12th to give the performers the next portions of the routines and to maybe finish a few off.  Check with your instructors to ensure you are on Wendy’s schedule.  Additionally, one of the studio’s favorite outside coaches, Heather Smith, will be back Thursday, April 26th to help provide some last minute instruction for any of our students who will be participating in this year’s Emerald Ball Dancesport Championships.  Held at the LAX Hilton in Los Angeles, the Emerald Ball is one of the year’s largest and most enjoyable competitions.  After our success at the San Francisco Open, we are excited to see what kind of energy we can bring to this event.

Our desire is that The Coaster will help you stay on top of all things dance-related in your life. If you'd rather not receive this monthly newsletter or were mistakenly added to the list, please click the 'unsubscribe' link on the bottom of the page. But we hope you'll stay subscribed and join us at any of the events listed above. See you on your next lesson! Have a great month dancing!