6 June 2010 ISA Meeting Minutes

Date: 6 June 2010
The meeting began with opening prayer by Andrew W. Smith. The 23 May 2010 meeting minutes were approved without comment.

Overview: The mission of the ISA is to promote, educate, train and provide a standardized academic based curriculum of instruction for the youth and adult urban Swing international dance community that best represents the dance affectionately known as Steppin. As a legal non-profit entity our vision is to continually encourage and seek excellence in our effort to support our social culture internationally. The ISA will benefit from the participation and collaboration of major donors and like minded individuals who are interested in moving dance forward for the greater good of the community.

Members present:
1. Timothy D. Wilson, President - Washington DC **
2. Crystal Johnson, Treasurer - Virginia Beach, VA **
3. Anissa L. Guyton, Vice-President of Membership - Detroit, MI *
4. Andrew W. Smith, Sergeant of Arms - Miramar, FL *
5. Buford Collins - Detroit, MI *

Members absent:
1. Zakeeyaw Toney, Vice President of Public Relations - Las Vegas, NV **
2. Darryl Wilder, Vice President of Education and Training - Miramar, FL **
3. Patricia Alexander, Detroit, MI *
4. Tracey Sisco, Boston, MA *
5. Mary Laidler, Atlanta, GA *
6. Demaris Wooten, Washington DC *
7. Bonita Williams - Detroit, MI **

* Charter Member
** Life Member


Old Business:
• Constitution/Bi-laws: The constitution and bylaws will be ratified by ISA members on 26 June 2010. All legitimate organizations posses a legal system backed up by documentation. With an intact organizational structure we will be able to move forward and seek international support from the World Dance Council, UNESCO, federal and state level grants. ACTION: Executive members

• ISA chartering will be held on 26 June 2010. We are planning for 25 visitors to attend the ISA business meeting. Currently there are over 80 potential visitors who have signed up to attend. The Colony South Hotel, Clinton MD, is the host hotel. The negotiated rate is $99 single/double. The special ends on 11 June 2010. The promotional code is STEP2010. (see addendum)

o Members who will be inducted as founding members of the ISA are:

 Timothy D. Wilson, Washington DC
 Crystal Johnson, Virginia Beach, VA
 Zakeeyaw Toney, Las Vegas, NV
 Darryl Wilder, Miramar, FL
 Anissa L. Guyton, Detroit, MI
 Andrew W. Smith, Fort Lauderdale, FL
 Patricia Alexander, Detroit, MI
 Bonita Williams, Detroit, MI
 Buford Collins, Detroit, MI
 Tracey Sisco, Boston, MA
 Mary Laidler, Atlanta, GA
 Demaris Wooten, Washington DC

o The draft itinerary is:
 0800-1200 Business Meeting (Colony South Hotel, Clinton MD)
 1500 Charter Ceremony (Lunch/Dinner) – National Archives Complex (Chartering documents submitted to Library of Congress and National Archives)
 1900 Social Meeting and Dance (Washington DC)
 All Steppers are invited to participate in the historic occasion
 The minimum charge for entry is $50 membership fee
o (see weekend agenda below)
o Agenda Topics
 ISA Strategic Overview (Five year outlook)
 Ratification of Constitution and Bylaws
 Membership Committee
 Education and Training Issues
• August Intensives
• Steppin 101 (10 basic steps that define “Steppin”)
 National Dance Competitions (Couples and ISA Dance Troupe)
• Guest Lecturer (Joyce Szili and more)
 Youth Programs and Scholarship Programs
 Chartering Ceremony
• ACTION: VP of Public Relations Zakeeyaw Toney

• Membership dues: $35 (non-voting members), $50 (voting members), $200 (Life Membership). All fees are set until 26 June 2010. Membership fees will be reassessed after the ISA is chartered by majority vote. All membership fees pay minimum $10 towards youth scholarship programs. Log on www.paypal.com for payment to Dweylan@aol.com ACTION: Vice President of Membership, Anissa Guyton

• Codification: The ISA is sponsoring two dance intensives in association with the Golden Dance Teachers Association. Ms. Skippy Blair will be teaching on 6-11 August and 27-30 August respectively. The location is Downey California. These sessions are open to Steppers through ISA only and uniquely designed for those desiring certification by a nationally recognized body of instructors. The GSDTA is headed by Ms. Skippy Blair (WSDC co-founder, former Arthur Murray Dance instructor). The GSDTA class limit is 10 Steppers. Payment of $325 must be made through the ISA at www.paypal.com. Username is Dweylan@aol.com. The cost covers 1 year ISA membership as well as your registration with the dance intensive course material. ACTION: Darryl Wilder, VP of Education and Training and Buford Collins

• ISA is still in need of a Vice-President and Secretary to fill those vacant positions. Volunteers should contact the ISA committee at the email address below. ACTION: Vice-President of Membership, Anissa Leigh

• Business meeting: The semi-Annual meeting will be held during the World Swing Council meeting on Saturday 27 November 2010. This will be during the World Swing Dance Council National Competition weekend. ISA there will attend as observers in an effort to prepare for 2011 participation. ACTION: ALL

• Chapter affiliations are now being accepted. This will allow local and regional participation at the ISA level. Chapter fees are $100 per chapter. There must be seven (7) paid members per chapter. Chapters must be separated by 150 miles. The goal is to have on chapter per city distance and encourage local cooperation among Steppers. Each chapter will receive an associated level of delegate voting dependent on the size of each chapter membership. Official rules will be set at the Charter business meeting on 26 June 2010 by vote. ACTION: Executive Members

• Committees (Awards, Dance Competition, Scholarship, Youth, and Community) will be developed and promoted after all offices and officers have been filled in June 2010. At this time the priority is Executive and full membership before future programming is developed. ACTION: Executive Body

• Budget report: ISA has raised a total of $1525. ISA has donated $120 towards our youth scholarship fund. Fund balance is $1405. Banners, certificates and accessories will be purchased to assist with the chartering ceremony. ACTION: Treasurer

• ISA is looking for a local chapter to host the 2011 Annual Scholarship and Awards Convention. The chapter must be active (7 voting members) and provide a location, agenda and program to host the larger Steppin community. Orlando has expressed an interested in hosting the first annual convention thus far however any city can bid for the 1st Annual Convention at the 26 June 2010 chartering ceremony. ISA members will review their presentation and vote on one city to host the annual function. ACTION: Awards Committee Chair

The meeting ended with prayer by Ms. Andrew W. Smith. The meeting adjourned at 8:26pm.

The next ISA meeting will be held on Sunday, 15 June 2010 at 7 pm Eastern
Standard Time.


Sincerely,
ISA Planning Committee Secretary


Atch:

1. Chartering Ceremony
2. August GSDTA Steppers Intensive



OFFICIAL CHARTERING CEREMONY AGENDA
Friday, 25 June 2010
• 1pm ISA Officers begin arriving (Baltimore, Dulles or Washington Reagan Airport)
• 6pm ISA Reception and Happy Hour (The Park at 14th) “DC Business elite”
• 9pm ISA Members Meet and Greet (The Park at 14th) “DC Business elite”
• Alternates: Oya @ 9th and H, Zola & Coco Fala

Saturday, 26 June 2010
• ISA Registration: 7am-12 noon
• 8am-12 noon ISA Business Meeting (Colony South Hotel, Clinton MD)
• 330pm – 430pm Official Chartering Ceremony
Location: TBA (National Archives, Smithsonian complex)
• 7pm-until ISA Celebration Events (Steppers Set TBA)
Washington DC Historical U Street
Locations: Station 9, Club Tabaq (minimum required: 50 Steppers)

Sunday, 27 June 2010
• 8am Sunday Church Service - From The Heart Church Ministries (4949 Allentown Road, Suitland MD 20746)
• 1100-3pm ISA Brunch (Reservations required: $34.00 on your own)
• 1200-until ISA Officers Depart (BWI, DCA, Dulles)

Notes: Official hotel: Colony South Hotel
(1-800-537-1147 or 301-856-4500)
Group Code: STEP2010: $99 S/Dbl by 11 June 2010
Amenities: Free hot breakfast (6am-10am), Fitness Center/Pool, Wayfarer Restaurant, Wireless Internet



Steppers Intensive
 6-11 August 2010 or 27-30 August 2010 (Steppers only workshop)
 The Golden State Dance Teachers Association
 and Ms. Skippy Blair
 What you will learn:
 History of Swing
 Difference of all dances
 Fundamentals of all forms of Dance
 Annotation and Codification
 Essentials of the Universal Unit System ®
 Steppers 101 Curriculum
 Basic Six Beat Rhythm Patterns
 Proper foot positing you did not know
 Ladies body movement and why
 Leading by understanding
 Proper terminology
 Critical Timing vs Weight Changes
 How to become a judge, certified instructor and teacher
 Rules vs Tools
 Career vs Avocation

 Benefits:
 One year membership to ISA
 Earn points toward GSDTA Certification
 Gain creditability from professional and social participation
 Competition rules and procedures
 Development of standardized curriculum and training methods
 Gain critical teaching skills that are proven
 Student retention will increase at intermediate levels
 Dance methods according to music and dance theory
 Improves your professional and social development
 Clear and concise explanation of Steppin basic patterns and dance in general
 Books, CDs, Documentation, Universal Unit System ® cards
 Over 50 years of teaching expertise
 Cost: $325 (10 Steppers only)
 www.paypal.com (Dweylan@aol.com)
 Location: Downey, California
 Increased knowledge, teaching and social participation all in one intensive
 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
 7PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME
 1-218-862-1000 ACCESS CODE: 307375#
 (ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED FOR YOUR REVIEW)
 
ISA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART


The International Steppers Association: fully funded, self-organized and operated professional association for Steppers and affiliate members interested in furthering the development and education of Steppin as a Swing dance forum under the World Dance Council and World Swing Dance Council.
2010 ISA overview draft agenda:
• Establish administrative International Headquarters with full constitution and bi-laws
• Seek fully paid members with established membership and associated privileges (discounts, charter membership, life time members, localized and regional affiliate chapters)
• Provide full time information and media support (1-800 #, email, website and Post Office Box)
• Develop and promote a centralized website, activities and calendar of events
• Join and support the US Swing Dance Association programming (intensive judge and instructor training, international membership and affiliate chapters and international and national competitions)
• Document and establish historical references, terminology and definitions, standardized movements and techniques and publish efforts in official periodicals
• Develop and maintain full time youth and charity programs
• Establish legitimate annual and five year budget programs to obtain 501 c 3 membership
• Host annual conventions, business and membership meetings for paid members
• Advocate for Steppers on media, legal and public relations activities
• Provide venue for international members and affiliate chapters
• Develop centralized training curriculums for judges, instructors and teachers
• Seek and obtain grants and funding from private sector donors

The current bi-laws and constitution are being drafted and developed however we need more assistance from Steppers from all areas. If you are interested in participating in this open dialogue or assisting with your talents and resources in the future please email the POCs below.

Contact us at: internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.com
International Steppers Association Conference Call # 218-862-1000 Access Code: 307375#

11 April 2010 ISA Minutes

Date: 12 April 2010
The meeting began with opening prayer by Andrew Smith, Sergeant at Arms. The
21 March 2010 meeting minutes were approved by majority vote. The meeting hosted 7 callers.

Members present:
1. Timothy D. Wilson, President, Washington DC **
2. Crystal Johnson, Treasurer, Virginia Beach, VA **
3. Bonita Williams, Detroit, MI **
4. Buford Collins, Detroit, MI *
5. Anissa Leight, Detroit, MI (Guest)
6. Andrew Smith, Sergeant of Arms, Fort Lauderdale, FL *

Members absent:

1. Darryl Wilder, VP of Education and Training, Miramar, FL ** (Proxy)
2. Zakeeyaw Toney, Las Vegas **

* Charter Member
** Life Member

Current Officers
• Timothy D. Wilson (Organizer) Email: Dweylan@aol.com
• Geno Spears (Public Relations) Email: info@onegsteppers.com
• Darryl Wilder (Education/Training) Email: onmygrindprodz@yahoo.com
• Crystal Johnson (Treasurer) Email: petuniaisback@aol.com
• Wendy Brewster-Maroun (Secretary) Email: marounlaw@yahoo.com
• Andrew Smith (Sergeant at Arms) Email: dru1060@yahoo.com
• Vice-President of Membership Vacant

• Old Business:
• Membership dues: $35 (non-voting members), $50 (voting members), $100 (Charter Members), $200 (Life Membership). All fees are set until 26 June 2010. Membership fees will be reassessed after the ISA is chartered by majority vote. Membership numbers (Charter/Life Membership) will be based on payment date. All membership fees pay minimum $10 towards youth scholarship programs. ACTION: Executive Body

• Codification: The ISA is sponsoring two dance intensives in association with the Golden Dance Teachers Association. Ms. Skippy Blair will be teaching on 6-12 August and 27-30 August respectively. The location is Downey California. These sessions are open to all Steppers and uniquely designed for those desiring certification by a nationally recognized body of instructors. The GSDTA is headed by Ms. Skippy Blair (WSDC co-founder, former Arthur Murray Dance instructor). Ms. Blair and her team of Swing professional and amateur ranked participants have assisted in the codification of Steppin by utilizing the Universal Unit System®. Basic patterns such as the extended right, roll up roll back, spins and turns are a part of the basic elements of the beginning curriculum which is currently being taught by the GSDTA. Movements are now associated with the music providing sound explanation of the dance as well as the music. The GSDTA does not teach weight changes or arbitrary labeling methods (8 or 6 count) as it does not represent music or dance theory. In addition, the use of the Universal Unit System dancers can now annotate, document and explain all movements to the students based on sound principles. This system will be taught to all participants during the August intensive. The use of the rolling count improves overall understanding and clarity of movements and positioning of Steppin. Critical timing also accounts for all beats of music and in your dance pattern. Perspective participants who desire to attend the ISA/GSDTA intensive can find out more information by calling in on Sunday 18 April 2010 at 7pm. Questions and concerns will be answered accordingly. ACTION: Darryl Wilder, VP of Education and Training

• AUGUST DANCE INTENSIVE TELECON: Conference Call # 218-862-1000 Access Code: 307375# TIME: 7PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME


• ISA Chartering: The chartering planning and ceremonial dinner is being scheduled for 26 June 2010 in Washington DC.
o The draft agenda is:
 0900 Business Meeting
 1300 Charter Ceremony (Lunch/Dinner)
 1900 Social Meeting and Dance with Metro Steppers and Guest
o Guests from the broader dance community will be invited to participate
o ACTION: President and VP of Public Relations Geno Spears

• LLC and 501 C 3 activities are under way and will be completed by 1 June 2010. ACTION: Crystal Johnson, Treasurer; Timothy D. Wilson, President

• Marketing and Advertisement: ISA now has a Facebook and Yahoo account. Internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.com. ISA will be adding an e-Commerce and e-Marketing capability shortly. ACTION: VP of Public Relations; President

• Business meeting: The semi-Annual meeting will be held during the World Swing Council meeting on Saturday 27 November 2010. This will be during the World Swing Dance Council National Competition weekend. ISA there will attend as observers in an effort to prepare for 2011 participation. ACTION: ALL

• Upcoming Swing competitions: Steppers are invited to participate in all national competitions. Participation in these events will add to overall points which will allow Steppers to participate in the annual US Swing Championships. Participation will also add to the credibility of the dance. The basic 6 beat pattern allows for an ideal parallel to partner dances. Please view the informational and competition schedules below.
i. http://www.atlanticdancejam.com/winners.htm
ii. http://www.americasclassic.com/
iii. http://www.usaswingnet.com/top_dj_tunes.htm
iv. http://www.usaswingnet.com/
v. http://www.swingdancecouncil.com/

• USA Grand National Dance Championship Celebrating the 16th year as the Premier Shag/Swing Event, offering the best in Competition, Social Dancing and Accommodations. "Sweet Sixteen" Less Than 2 Months Away!!!! ****It's going to be GREAT! Memorial Weekend May 27 - 31, 2010. Don't forget to book your rooms and purchase tickets early. Tickets will be available only at the door after MAY 17th. Entry fees increase after April 27th. Contact: 770-953-4500 www.usagrandnationals.com

• Constitution/Bi-laws: The constitution will be submitted and reviewed from 1 May 2010. Once all amendments are completed we will vote the constitution by majority vote. ACTION: ALL

• Chapter affiliations will be offered in the upcoming bi-laws and constitutions. This will allow local and regional participation at the ISA level. Chapter fees are $100 per chapter. There must be seven (7) paid members per chapter. Chapters must be separated by 150 miles. The goal is to have on chapter per city distance and encourage local cooperation among Steppers. Official rules will be set at the Charter business meeting on 26 June 2010 by vote. ACTION: Executive Members

• Committees (Awards, Dance Competition, Scholarship, Youth, and Community) will be developed and promoted after all offices and officers have been filled in June 2010. At this time the priority is Executive and full membership before future programming is developed. ACTION: Executive Body

• Budget report: ISA has raised a total of $1200. ISA has a surplus of $175 after all identified expenses are paid (Social networking sites, legal, insurance, administration). We have a total of 9 paid members. The official ISA logo is paid and is legally trademarked. ACTION: Treasurer

• ISA is looking for a local city chapter to host the 2011 Annual Scholarship and Awards Convention. The chapter must be active (7 voting members) and provide a location, agenda and program to host the larger Steppin community. Detroit and Miami are 3 members short of having the first chapter in ISA. If you have questions, please email us. ACTION: Awards Committee Chair

• Market potential data: Future date will include competitive dance participation on national and international scale. Data is informational in nature only.
1. Chicago 192.1
2. Los Angeles 29.2
3. Atlanta 14.9
4. Detroit 4.5
5. Cleveland 2.5
6. Milwaukee 2.4
7. Oakland 0.8
8. Miami 0.6
9. New York 0.5
10. North Carolina 0.4


• Marketing assistance needed: The ISA is looking for new members who have a foundation in advertising, marketing and social networking in the international arena. We would like to branch out to the international dance arena. If you are interested please email us.

The meeting ended with prayer by Andrew Smith and was adjourned at 8:00 pm.

The next ISA meeting will be held on Sunday 25 April 2010 at 7 pm Eastern
Standard Time.


Sincerely,
ISA Planning Committee Secretary





ISA ORGANIZATIONAL CHART


The International Steppers Association: fully funded, self-organized and operated professional association for Steppers and affiliate members interested in furthering the development and education of Steppin as a Swing dance forum under the World Dance Council and World Swing Dance Council.
2010 ISA overview draft agenda:
• Establish administrative International Headquarters with full constitution and bi-laws
• Seek fully paid members with established membership and associated privileges (discounts, charter membership, life time members, localized and regional affiliate chapters)
• Provide full time information and media support (1-800 #, email, website and Post Office Box)
• Develop and promote a centralized website, activities and calendar of events
• Join and support the US Swing Dance Association programming (intensive judge and instructor training, international membership and affiliate chapters and international and national competitions)
• Document and establish historical references, terminology and definitions, standardized movements and techniques and publish efforts in official periodicals
• Develop and maintain full time youth and charity programs
• Establish legitimate annual and five year budget programs to obtain 501 c 3 membership
• Host annual conventions, business and membership meetings for paid members
• Advocate for Steppers on media, legal and public relations activities
• Provide venue for international members and affiliate chapters
• Develop centralized training curriculums for judges, instructors and teachers
• Seek and obtain grants and funding from private sector donors

The current bi-laws and constitution are being drafted and developed however we need more assistance from Steppers from all areas. If you are interested in participating in this open dialogue or assisting with your talents and resources in the future please email the POCs below.

Contact us at: internationalsteppersassociation@yahoo.com
International Steppers Association Conference Call # 218-862-1000 Access Code: 307375#