Club Notes

     For her showcase, Anya presented numbers started by the very young, finished by the more advanced in age and skill level. First on were Anna and Konstantin Karyukin (maybe five years old) dancing the Cha Cha and moving off the floor as older youths, Liel and Jake, danced their own Cha Cha. Then teenagers Tonya Pevzner and Chad Crader wowed the crowd with their North West Junior and Youth Championship "Fun Jive". The final dance of the show started with Sesame veterans, brother and sister, Anna and Alex Selchow (maybe eight years old?) dancing the Rumba until unto the floor came Alex Poryadin and Anya Klimova-Preston with a dramatic continuation of the Romantic Rumba. A wonderful show!

     February 5th was the first night of Sesame adding a second dance floor, the upstairs Lodge Room at the Norse Hall, to our dancing space. About a dozen couples joined Lynn and Randy Hitz enjoying the extra space for different parts of the evening.

     On February 19, 2010, Tim Bennett taught his ever popular East Coast Swing lesson and gave his much appreciated lecture on dance floor etiquette. Go Tim! His showcase, not quantity but very high quality, featured Amy Wing dancing with Tim their truly beautifully done Viennese Waltz to the music of "Real Live Girl". Thank you Tim and Amy!

     Also on the morning of Feb. 19th, Garrett Lumens of the University of Idaho Ballroom Dance Team notified us that they were leaving Moscow, Idaho, and would arrive at the Sesame Club dance at about 10:30PM. They arrived, some earlier, some later, twenty seven strong, for an hour of dancing. They started their weekend of dancing in Portland at Sesame Club.

     On January 1, 2010, we could not have started the new year a day earlier. The Sesame Dance Club opened 2010 with a well attended dance on January 1st. There were some decorations left over from the New Year's Eve dance at the Norse Hall the night before.

     MaryAnn Carter taught Rumba for our pre-dance lesson, then, later, she presented a showcase of some of her students. First a very well executed Tango by a junior couple, Mia and Bryson. Then the drama of a lovely lady in a ball gown, strolling through a cafe, seeking a dance partner. The lady took a whirl around the floor with Jim Duignan, then with Ray Harran (Ray's dancing was also shared by Resa and Cindy Filer who crashed the show to add to the fun). Finally, the bartender, Vidar Moen, turned into a tux attired partner for the lady, Cindy Ogden. They danced bronze Waltz and Quick Step showing the style that is keeping them winning in competitions.

     On January 15, 2010 we crowded into the upstairs ballroom at the Norse Hall and had a very good time. Craig Boyer taught his popular Hustle lesson - from basic to beyond. That fit the room well. Our showcase featured the versatile Lynn Winkle dancing a freestyle Jazz Swing with Richard Basi and a Salsa (costume changed) with Jason Bettles. Lynn and Richard have danced Lindy for us in the past. Lynn is multi-talented - she dances, sings, and plays the saxaphone in her fathers band.

     Our DJ for the January dances was Daniel Hutchison.

     December 4 2009 was the date of the Sesame Dance Club's Holiday Ball. This is as close as Sesame comes to having a formal affair. This year formal attire was not in the majority but adequate to give a special dressy look to the crowd. The beauty of the Norse Hall Ballroom was enhanced by a large, colorful Christmas tree.

     Jim and Michele Gray opened the event with an International Foxtrot lesson that went very smoothly and was well performed and enjoyed by the huge class.

     Uptown Ballroom presented a fine showcase of three dances in the formal spirit with the ladies in beautiful ball gowns. Michele Gray danced a Cha Cha with Bryce Peters, Jim danced the Quick Step with Leiliani Nakagawa. and Jim and Michele performed their Tango.

     The Dick Saunders Ballroom Dance Band provided the music for this special evening. Dancers used to dancing to recorded music adapted to the differences of live music as the band made beautiful music. Dick Saunders played saxophone, clarinet and flute and provided the vocals. Tony Pacini was the pianist; Dave Captein played the upright bass; and Donny Osborne was on the drums, and Justin Franzino provided the rich music of his accordion.

     On November 6, 2009, Gail Boger taught her annual Lindy Swing lesson at the Sesame Dance Club. She was assisted by Jay Gilberg. Sesame's DJ Daniel Hutchison played an ample amount of swings throughout the evening for our ballroom dancers to practice their "Lindy" moves. The showcase on that night was presented by The Ballroom Dance Company. First on the floor was the Junior Formation Team with their popular Cheer Leader routine. Several members of this group competed in the Fall Festival in October. This dance was choreographed and coached by Shawn Gardner who directs the extensive youth program at The Ballroom Dance Company. Their adult formation team, coached by Chad Brooks, with several new members, performed a Quick Step routine. Chad also choreographs this group's dances and works with Shawn on the Junior team. The showcase was completed by a dramatic Viennese Waltz danced by student Haley Wayt with Chad Brooks. Haley performed also in the formation team Quick Step. Sesame club board member Ron Johnston was our master of ceremonies.

     Anya Klimova-Preston was our instructor on Nov. 20, 2009. She taught a basic Tango lesson that focused on body positioning and styling - so that a Tango looks and moves like a Tango. Recorded music for the evening was provided by Daniel Hutchison. The Oregon State University Ballroom Dance Troupe - "Cool Shoes" - came from Corvallis for their annual Fall semester show for Sesame. We really missed The Cool Shoes coach on staff at OSU, Cathy Dark, who was unable to attend. The team of about 16 dancers was a lesser number than previously, but their formation team dancing was of their usual high quality. They performed a well received Tango- blending Argentine and American - and a Lindy Hop Swing. Sesame Club board member Peter Lynch was our master of ceremonies.

     Before we leave 2009, we take note of past leaders of the Sesame Dance Club. One of our former prresidents, Bob Peebler, died at the age of 89 in July, 2009. Bob and his wife Joyce were avid dancers who worked very hard in many roles for many, many years for "Sesame".

     The good news this year: Jean Scheel celebrated her 95th birthday in Las Vegas where she lives near family members. Jean led the Sesame Club for decades, holding it together in hard times and always smiling a "welcome" at the entry to our dances. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEAN!!!!

     On Friday October 2, 2009, Michelle and Chris Small from the Renaissance Ballroom taught us the basics of Cha Cha, and a brief pattern, so we could look like pros on the dance floor. Two of their students, Freddye Lins and Doug Miller, performed three numbers in typical costumes: including boots for both, and for Doug, a hat. They danced a Nightclub Two Step, a Country Two Step and a Triple Country Two Step, which they will perform in competition. It was exciting to watch them move smoothly through their routine. We wish them well!

     On October 16, 2009 Rachel Ludskog, from the Dance With Joy Studio, lived up to the name of the studio as she taught the basics of Nightclub Two Step assisted by Jay Gilberg. The crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative. The highlight of the evening was Rachel’s performance with her new professional partner, Chris Perkins, dancing the Argentine Tango. It was an unrehearsed enthralling performance that was a delight to watch. Rachael also performed with Jay in a lively lead and follow Hustle and Nightclub Two Step. We were well entertained.

     Our congratulations to George Opsahl, Sesame Club Board Member for Marketing and web site, who earned a Silver medal in the 5000 meter racewalk at the World Masters Games at Sydney Olympic Park Australia on October 17, 2009.

Friday, August 7, 2009      An exceptional Sesame Club night of dance began with Alex Poryadine from the Renaissance Ballroom teaching a full house the basics of Samba. His clear instructions and frequent demonstrations, using partners from the audience, helped us capture the samba rhythm and a basic routine so we could practice when Daniel Hutchison, our DJ, began the dance music. It was a challenging and entertaining class that energized the crowd to get the evening off to a great start.

     Our performance came from Sesame’s own dancers and their presentations added a delightful charge to the event. Kacie Bedney and Jorge Blackmore danced a free style with a Merange beat that was stylish and energetic. Patti Drewry and Eric Green did a West Coast Swing that was all twirls and turns. George Opsahl led Ginger Remy in a choreographed and graceful foxtrot, followed by a crowd-pleasing tango by Queenie Law and Charlie Huang. All performances were met with enthusiastic applause and cheers of appreciation. It was a fun program.

Friday, August 21, 2009      Our second dance of August began with a well-received lesson on the Country 2 Step by Craig Boyer, who is an instructor with Linda Springsteen at Tatyana’s Ballroom. He was assisted by Robin Wells . Although not technically a ballroom dance, the Sesame club dancers participated with great enthusiasm and picked up the basics and a few turns. Our music for the evening was the Dick Saunders Ballroom Dance Band, made up of some of the finest instrumentalist in Portland. Dick Sanders was the vocalist and played flute, clarinet and saxophone. The accordionist was Justin Franzino. Dave Captein played the upright bass, Donny Osborne was on the drums and the pianist was Tony Pacini. Foxtrots and waltzes, along with a mix of other rhythms, kept the dancers on the floor throughout the evening.

     Another “Sesame Special” with Sesame’s own dancers delighted us for our evening’s performance. Maureen and Andrew Jamison executed a wild and exuberant jive, with a little Charleston thrown in, to the tune of Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy. It was reminiscent of times gone by but they were very hip and contemporary with their dynamic kicks and turns. In contrast, Cindy Odgen and Larry Welding, in formal attire, waltzed gracefully around the floor with Cindy’s flowing gown adding to the beauty of the dancing. As in the previous performances by the Sesame Special dancers, many of us were inspired to work a little harder on our own styling and precision. Another fun evening.

     American Foxtrot was the lesson on Friday, July 17, 2009, with well over 80 people participating. Beth Knoll was scheduled to teach but was unable to do so because of a serious case of laryngitis. Fortunately, Dave Watson stepped in and gave us a memorable lesson to upgrade our Foxtrot moves. Thank you, Dave.

     Although Beth couldn’t teach, she was there to cheer for her students, a beautiful couple new to the Portland dance scene, Julia Petewon and Miguell Perez. For the evening’s performance, they danced a stunning interpretation of both the Quick Step and the Fox Trot. Julia and Miguell met in 2001 at Lane Community College in Eugene in a social ballroom class and have been dancing together ever since. In 2007 they moved to Portland to study with Beth and to begin competing. Julia and Miguell are a dance duo to watch as they have already won a Bronze medal in Latin dance. They are engaged to be married and have begun teaching together. They can be contacted at ballroomdance@live.com. Daniel Hutchinson was the DJ for the evening.

     Friday night, June 19 2009, a new instructor and dance studio was introduced to the Sesame Club. Rebecca Bishop, from Portland Dancesport Studio, taught an innovative and exciting American Tango pattern.  Although she began with the basic step, she soon brought us into some new steps and turns.  After a few mad twirls, under the clear and encouraging guidance of Rebecca, assisted by Kris Mola with Reroy Bishop, most of the class was whipped into shape, proud and excited with the new pattern.  The class was very well received and Rebecca warmly welcomed.

     Portland Danceport staff also provided a dynamic and energetic jitterbug routine.  Leroy Bishop and Kris Mola’s showcase included aerials and acrobatics seldom seen on our dance floor.  The crowd responded enthusiastically but few of us will attempt any of their moves.  Dancesport Studio is located in Sellwood and provides lessons and dances.  Additional information can be found on their website, portlanddanceport@gmail.com.

Daniel Hutchinson was the DJ for the evening.

     Chris and Michelle Small from Renaissance Ballroom were the instructors for Friday, June 6. They led us through a review of the basics of East Coast Swing and moved into creative new patterns that expanded our repertoires of moves. Although it was a large crowd, Chris and Michelle were everywhere, making sure we could see their demos to pick up the new steps. It was a fun lesson and a great introduction to a night of dancing.

     Staff and students of the Renaissance Ballroom also performed for the showcase. The first routine was the Dance Team. It was a West Coast Swing number danced to Java Jive, a lively and entertaining presentation by a group of enthusiastic and skilled students. The team included the following dancers:

Ron Poe
Kathy Poe
Freddye Lins
Bill Calzaretta
Rita Snyder
Doug Miller
Lora Geisler
Grant Wilson
Kate Jobe
Jason Olson
Pam Leone
Danny Caputo
Josie Caputo
Chris Small

     Chris and Michelle beautifully performed an American waltz that enthralled the audience. Their dancing was flowing and graceful, enhanced by their formal costumes and manner.

Daniel Hutchinson was the DJ for the evening.

     In recognition of the annual May 17th celebration of Norway's Constitution Day by the Sons of Norway, we invited The Nordlys to be our showcase on May 15th.  The Nordlys is a Scandinavian Dance performing group, currently sponsored by Columbia Lodge, Sons of Norway in Vancouver, Washington.  This group performs around the Pacific Northwest at Scandinavian festivals and other events.  Their director is "Big John" Campbell.  They performed Roros pols (four couples interacting) Saturday Night Breakdown and Telespringar. (independent couples, some changing partners) and a "Swede, Finn Mixer" in which dozens of the audience dancers participated.  Members of the Nordlys who danced for us were John Campbell, Lynn Hart, Fran Lenski, Andy Peterson, Irene Landeen, Ann Saugen, Louise Benuchamp, Tritia Tonn (medalist), and Terri Baker.

     The Sesame Club kicked off the month of May on May 1, 2009 with a Hustle lesson taught by Craig Boyer, assisted by Robin Wells.  Craig moved back and forth through the large class, making himself visible to all as he reinforced the steps he was teaching.  DJ Daniel Hutchison played more Hustles than usual throughout the evening so the lessons learned would not be lost.

     Our intermission show on May 1st was the wonderful In Motion formation team of teenagers, coached by Denise Nuttall.  When not performing, the dancers were wearing their new In Motion jackets.  Their first number was a Hoe Down done with tight precision, athleticism and humor.  The story told by this dance number was that romance can happen at a barn raising. The costumes were bright and colorful.  Then, by request, they repeated their Viennese Waltz which always has the audience on its feet, cheering.  Black was the basic costume color except for the girls' very full skirts which included white with some silver.  With dramatic use of the flowing white skirts and lifts, the dancers filled the floor to the classic music of The Emperor Waltz.  In Motion dances many places including the USA Dance competition, the City of Roses and The Fall Festival.

     On May 15, 2009 Susan Molitor returned to Sesame to teach a very successful Rumba lesson.  Susan is right at home teaching in the main ballroom of the Norse Hall because she teaches there during the week and holds her monthly dance there.

     On April 3, 2009 the Sesame Dance Club played host to 40 fifth grade students and over one hundred of their family members and school staff.  The children were dance students of Rachel Lidskog, Daniel Hutchison and Anya Klimova-Preston in the Mad Hot Ballroom program of Young Audiences, an organization that brings many forms of art into the lives of young children.

     After months of practicing, ten couples from the Sacramento Elementary School of the Parkrose School District danced the Merengue.  Ten couples from the Glenfair Elementary School of the Reynolds School District danced a Waltz.  Debi O'Donnell was in charge of making the costumes, assisted by Patti Drewry and Linda C. Proud parents and the rest of the crowd applauded the work of the dancers and the charm of their performances.  Let's hope that this is just the beginning of the joy of dancing in the lives of these children.

     Our April 3rd event began with Chad Brooks of The Ballroom Dance Company teaching one of his specialties, the Cha Cha.  The lesson was enjoyed by a huge class. Daniel Hutchison provided the music for our dancing.

     Anya Klimova-Preston was our guest instructor on April 17, 2009 teaching International Waltz, including the bronze level weave.  The class was made up of some first time dancers and dozens with more advanced dance skills.  Anya made a review of the basics interesting!

     Young Anna (age 9) and Alex (age 10) Selchow, opened our showcase on this night with their Waltz.  This is the fourth ballroom in which I have seen Anna and Alex dance this year.  They have been students of Anya for about one year.  They really enjoy performing, and they join in the mixers with the tall people.

     Anya presented her students of four months, Cindy Ogden and Jim Simpson, dancing a bronze level Rumba.  This was their first solo performance.  Cindy and Jim are dance partners who have serious interest in ballroom dancing.  They are planning to compete in several competitions this year, including one in Germany.

     Anya and Alex Poryadin completed the show dancing their new Tango (to Russian music) and, by popular demand, their beautiful Waltz.  You will find a detailed history of the dance career of Alex - in Russia and the United States - if you go to the web site www.TheBallroomDanceCompany.com and click on "instructors".  For information on what and where Anya is teaching and her other dance activites and credentials, please go to our www.SesameClub.org, click on "Links" and click on Anya's picture.

     The music for dancing at our April 17th dance was provided by the Kansas City Rhythm Kings sextet conducted by Brad Davis.

     Please visit the Sesame Dance Club soon. It’s easy to find.  Just look for the bright red neon sign reading ‘Dance Tonight.  It’s at The Norse Hall on the corner of Couch and 11th NE -- at  111 NE 11th Avenue in Portland to be exact. Our venue typically provides a mix of Smooth- Waltz and Foxtrot, Swing- East Coast and West, Night Club 2Step, and Latin.

Visit www.sesameclub.org often for more information.