Hello DMA Members
I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy and in full swing of
preparing for your year-end recitals. I also hope that you are getting
excited about the 136th National Convention at Disney’s Coronado
Springs Resort. I don’t know about you, but Mickey and Minnie just
have a way of bringing out the “Kid” in all of us.
Our convention theme is “The Magic of DMA” and we truly hope
you feel all the love and magic we are bringing to you. We have so many
wonderful things planned for the convention starting with a three-day
Jazz/Ballet intensive. Followed by the President’s Reception cocktail
party “Once Upon A Time”, the Welcome Party “Hogwarts School of
Dance” wearing your best Harry Potter attire, incredible faculty for
convention classes and last but not least, concluding with the Awards
Banquet “Be Our Guest”. Don’t forget to register any interested students
for the Welcome party Opening Number. There is a 12 & under group and a 13 & over group that will kick off the Welcome Party. The registration form is on the DMA website. We are also changing the classroom format on the day of Grand National Announcements so that no one will miss class or announcements. With so many great suggestions coming from our board meetings last year, we are excited for implementation and receiving feedback.
Also new this year, we have decided to use the Richard Risley/Beth Gaynes funds by having a yearly drawing of 5 chapters to receive $1,000 each. Nationals will send a check to the selected chapters to be awarded to a deserving student in their own chapter for college funding. Each year 5 new chapters will be selected until all funds are distributed and all chapters have received $1,000 each. These are the winning chapters for this year, #s 3, 8, 36, 35 & 40, CONGRATULATIONS !
We are also hoping to implement a new level of Membership that will give each chapter the ability to create incredible growth. Look for more information on this and many other new and exciting events at the National Convention.
This year has proven to be a testament to the unity of your Executive Board members and I could not be more proud to be part of such an incredible group of strong women. Everyone is always willing to step up for the love of DMA and get the job done. I can never thank them enough for their strength and support during our roller coaster ride. Charleen, Dody, Penny, Ruby, Kathi, Patricia, Jeannie, Valerie, Brenna, Erin and Charlene, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I cannot believe my two years as President is coming to an end. My wish is that you felt the love that I have for DMA and in some small way helped you see “THE DMA DIFFERENCE”. Just because my Presidency is ending doesn’t mean I am finished. There are still so many great ideas in the works that will be carried on by the ones to follow. I know that I am leaving you in GREAT hands. In the words of Ellen “Be Kind To One Another”, a simple smile can mean the world to someone that is having a bad day. See you in Orlando !!!
Much Love,
Cindy Larsen
Dance Masters of America
National President
