ISA Newsletter July 2010

Volume 1

Edited by: Timothy D. Wilson

13 July 2010

International Steppers Association (ISA) solidifies Steppin history with official ceremony in the Washington DC Metro areaChicago’s urban based dance movement is movingClinton, MD, June 26, 2010: The ISA is now officially recognized as an organization with the Steppin community in mind. Now a legal entity the organization provides administrative oversight and direct support to 14,000+ urban dancers who travel annually. With over 145 social instructors in its mist the ISA now wants to professionalize and integrate into the larger body of dancers and entertainers. From this concerted effort the dance, its members and fellow Steppers will achieve a richer level of integrity from the international community. The growing population encompasses over 33 cities where over 2800 Steppers dance on any given day nationwide. The collective economic spending base is roughly $1.2 million dollars annually and $42,000 on any given weekend. The cradle of Steppin is in the United States Midwest region. Over 55% of all Steppers live within a two hour flight of Chicago’s million dollar mile. This equates to over$400,000 in tickets sales annually. Further research by the ISA revealed that there is much more spending power from souvenirs, clothing items, accessories, and music product sales. By organizing the community can benefit from ensuring that federal benefits, educational programs and community services are provided for members. “Now that we are formalized, our members can take advantage of tax benefits as full members. We have a collective economic power base and we want to make sure our community is taken care of deliberately from our hard work,” says ISA Treasurer Crystal Johnson.The ISA primary objective is to train, educate and certify social dancing under one single curriculum that defines Steppin, recognizes its social culture and traditional movements. Not much different from the six beat rhythm patterns of West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Hand Dancing and many others, Steppin combines its basic pattern with an added flair and style unique to its own.For more information on upcoming activities or membership activities, please contact:President: internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.comMembership services: isa.vpofmembership@yahoo.com

Founding members of the ISA are:1) Timothy D. Wilson, Washington DC2) Crystal Johnson, Virginia Beach, VA3) Zakeeyaw Toney, Las Vegas, NV4) Darryl Wilder, Miramar, FL5) Anissa L. Guyton, Romulus, MI6) Andrew W. Smith, Fort Lauderdale, FL7) Patricia Alexander, Detroit, MI8) Bonita Williams, Detroit, MI9) Buford Collins, Ferndale, MI10) Tracey Sisco, Boston, MA11) Mary Laidler, Atlanta, GA12) Demaris Wooten, Upper Marlboro, MDOn 26 June 2010 a pivotal date in Steppin history was established. ISA members gathered to ensure efforts were made to formalize a group of Steppers who are committed to standardize, educate and train an international cadre of members. A constitution and bylaws was ratified and forwarded to the US National Archives and Library of Congress. Efforts will continue to legalize the organization as an entity for legal protection and to obtain corporate status. With the proper documentation in place Steppers will now be able to maximize participation beyond the classroom. For ISA members, all expenses related to Steppin are 100% deductible. Thismeans approximately 35% of our members annual spending dollars will be returned to them annually. Members are asked to consult their accountant for details. The cost to join is just $50 for general membership or $300 for life membership for the financial year 2010-2011.JOIN ISA TODAY- ENJOY THE BENEFITS 100% tax deductions of all Steppin related expense for ISA members (Education and travel expenses, competition accessories, professional services) Annual and Life membership discounts Support youth, adult and community based programs Earn points toward GSDTA Certification Gain creditability from professional and social participation Only professionally qualified judges with stated rules and procedures Standardized Steppin curriculum and training methods Gain critical teaching skills that are proven Increase intermediate and advanced student retention Learn academic based dance methodology according to dance theory Improve your professional and social development by meeting peers Help document Steppin based books, DVDs designed by ISA members ISA is funded by Steppers on behalf of all Steppers internationallyGSDTA Stepper’s IntensiveHave you purchased your ticket to LAX to date? Hmm, the prices are going through the roof while you wait. Skippy has set aside a very special dance intensive just for 10 Steppers. We have 1 of 10 signed up so we have to increase our ISA effort so we can be sure that this effort happens. Likewise, she has articulated ISA progress and requested for identification of Steppin to the World Swing Dance Council. The board of directors put it on their upcoming agenda item for discussion. Our work has been recognized and we need to keep the energy moving forward. This is a kudo to the hard work of the men and women who are members and supporters of the ISA. Please encourage others to sign up for the course in Downey on 27-29 August 2010. The cost is $250 for current members and $325 for all other members who have not established an ISA account. The intensive course and associated expenses are 100% tax deductible for ISA members. Please consult your tax accountant for details. Please send payment: http://www.paypal.com/ Keyword: Dweylan@aol.com .Chicago 24-26 June 2011The next ISA annual business meeting is scheduled for June 2011 in the Windy City. This will be a return to tradition and culture during Chicago’s annual “Taste of Chicago” weekend. This will be a great opportunity for ISA to encourage others to find out more about ISA mission, goals and objectives to internationalize Steppin. We will begin setting the annual meeting agenda on 25 July 2010. Members and local volunteers in the Chicago local area are encouraged to participate as the ISA visits the local city to continue formalizing future strategic planning efforts. More to come on the formal agenda and location which is being discussed now.Upcoming Steppers ActivitiesJuly 2010Sunday, July 25, 2010 Monthly ISA TeleconDial: 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#August 201027-29 August 2010: GSDTA Steppers IntensiveDowney CaliforniaNovember 201025-28 US Swing National Championship –Anaheim CaliforniaJune 201124-26 June 2011 ISA Annual Business Meeting –Chicago IL