DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA
A Message from the President.

Dear Chapter Officers and Members, A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT This year we are celebrating 120 years of Dance Masters of America. I am very proud of our heritage and in awe of our accomplishments. The future of DMA can only be one of tremendous growth and prosperity. It is hard to believe that I will soon close the curtain on what has been, two very exciting years of my life. I truly hope that I have lived up to your expectations. Being an Ambassador for the Dance Masters of America has been both an honor and privilege. Traveling to the DMA Chapters, meeting with and talking to so many dedicated and hard working members has always been an important part of the service provided by our National Presidents and a responsibility I thoroughly enjoyed. I personally thought it was my duty as President to attend as many events as possible and to be the voice of DMA not only within our organization, but also in the dance community as a whole. I thank you for the foresight and trust you have shown in me as your leader. I pray that during my term as National President we have made positive decisions for the benefit of the Dance Masters of America and its membership.  The members of the Advisory Committee work very hard for DMA. The hours spent can never be justified by anything but sheer love and the devotion they feel toward dance and our organization. Dance has given all of us a wonderful way of life. Giving back has always been important to each member of the Advisory Committee and it is this philosophy that made working together for the positive future of DMA very easy. When we arrived at the Advisory meetings, it was never about how many shows we were going to see, or what time we were going to adjourn the meeting. It was always about, all that needed to be accomplished for the future of DMA. Many times, midnight came and went without notice because no one ever watched the clock, nor were the words “this is not in my job description” ever spoken. We just did what was beneficial for the organization.  As President I was extremely proud of how many members volunteered when there was a job that needed to be done. Behind every successful organization is a core of hard-working individuals who give willingly of their time and talents and DMA truly has its share. The overwhelming generosity of our members is the foundation on which DMA was built and is also the fiber that holds our dance family together.  Once again we are back in the Big Apple – DMA LOVES NY! The Intensive Ballet Program will set the pace for a National Convention packed with something for everyone. The Presidents Reception will open our Convention and the Razzle Dazzle of the Welcome Party will provide us with an evening of entertainment. Our Educational Classes, Performing Arts and Solo Title Scholarship Competitions are always the finest in the country. Lastly, the Annual Awards Banquet - Steppin’ Out will bring to a close my term as National President of the Dance Masters of America. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! GOD BLESS YOU – GOD BLESS DMA AND GOD BLESS AMERICA Lee Garrard National President  2003-2004