A letter from the National President

September 2020

Dear Members,

2020 has been one of the most challenging years as we faced the

unprecedented pandemic of Covid-19 which brought our country to a standstill.

Together, just as we have done in other times of trouble and hardship, we rallied

and will ultimately come out stronger. Members across the country are in for the

long haul, and knowing what we have overcome before, TOGETHER I know we

will persevere.

Since January, the National Advisory Committee and National Area Directors

have had several zoom meetings discussing a variety of topics, and for the time

being we will continue to meet this way.  In May the decision was made to cancel

the 136th National Convention, Teachers Training School and the

Student Honors Intensive Program.  This was a difficult decision, but one that was

made with everyone’s safety being the top priority.  The National Advisory

Committee and National Area Directors quickly jumped into action, connecting

with our chapters and their members via zoom meetings.  It was important to us to have the opportunity to check in with everyone, help with reopening plans where we could, and ultimately just letting everyone know they are not alone and TOGETHER we will persevere.  These were awe-inspiring conversations filled with compassion and determination, and it was evident that Dance Masters of America is more than just an International Dance Organization, it is family. Thank you to those who participated, these meetings were evidence that distance cannot prevent us from keeping our momentum going.

Since I came on as National Second Vice-President, the National Advisory Committee and National Area Directors have been faced with many obstacles, but together as a TEAM we were able to jump the hurtles and overcome those obstacles.  On August 31st, 2020 President Cindy Larsen resigned her position as National President, moving her to Immediate Past President, myself to National President and Penny Koza-Lemansky to National First Vice-President with Charleen Locascio remaining as National Treasurer. I want to assure everyone that this was just a change in title for all of us, as we all remain committed to working TOGETHER to move this prestigious organization forward.

Thank you to our Immediate Past President Cindy Larsen for all you have done to lead our organization over the past two years as our President.  Your love and dedication to the organization, as well as your incredible leadership has kept DMA strong and thriving!

We are hopeful that on January 14th-17th we will be able to come together at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN for the 2020 National Solo Title Scholarship Competition.  Please be sure to check the website (https://www.dmanational.org) frequently for updated information on this event.

We are also hoping to be able to see each other at the following 2021 Dance Masters of America Events we have planned:                             

• 2021 National Convention - Dallas, Texas

• Intensive July 1 - 3

• Convention July 4-10

• 2021 SHIP New York - arrive July 23 – depart July 29

• 2021 TTS - arrive July 29 – depart August 4

With the great success of the spring chapter meetings via zoom and the uncertainty of travel this season, we’ve decided to continue to stay connected by joining your chapter meetings in a virtual manner.  Additionally, your National Area Directors will be reaching out to ask for valuable information that we need to continue our forward momentum. We do not intend to let this virus stop the valuable work of this TEAM.

In closing I want to again assure all members that Cindy, Charleen, Penny and I, along with the National Area Directors: Jeanne, Patricia, Erin, Valerie, Charlene, Brenna and Kathi, will continue to work as a TEAM for the betterment of this 136 year-old organization.

Sincerely,

Dody Flynn

DMA National President