I would like to thank every one of you for allowing me to serve another year as National President of Dance Masters of America. It is an honor to serve this wonderful organization.

Southern Hospitality was definitely the key to the 121st National Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. A very exciting Ballet Intensive program was held prior to the start of the convention. Noreen Rhode, the Director, reported a very attentive group of students. The President’s
Reception (the theme of which was Moonlight and Magnolias) opened the convention in the beautifully decorated Magnolia Ballroom. The Welcome Party, with a theme of Stars, Guitars, Denim and Dance, for all those in attendance followed with entertainment for all.

Everyone was kept busy with all the aspects of a convention, including Board of
Directors Meetings, Grand Body Meetings, Classes, Title Scholarship Competition, Performing Arts, Scholarship Auditions and much more. The convention closed with the Annual Awards
Banquet appropriately named “Southern Charm”. It was an honor to have Mr. Phil Black our DMA President’s awardee in attendance. Mr. Black also gave a Master Tap Class, which was a wonderful surprise for the teachers. Unfortunately Mr. Danny Daniels our DMA Lifetime Achievement Awardee was unable to attend due to his health. Mr. Daniels did send a nice
letter of acceptance and a DVD of himself dancing the Soft Shoe. It was a beautiful evening with friends, good food, and wonderful entertainment by our newly crowned Title Holders and the Finalist from the Performing Arts. None of this would be possible if not for all the dedicated members who volunteered their time. THANKS for making the convention a great success.

I attended the Student Honor Intensive Program held at The State University of New York at Buffalo followed by Teachers Training School. Both of these programs are very educational and should be on all members list as a must. I cannot think of a better way for members to stay on the cutting edge of dance education. Thanks to our Educational Chairman Tom Relabate, the Advisory Board, our TTS administrators Janette Brown, Dody Flynn, Kathi Halbert, and our S.H.I.P. administrator Laura Bostic. As you can see it was a busy and educational summer.

The 122nd National Convention will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Riviera Hotel. Plan now to attend and I promise you will want to bring back your experience to share with your students. Better yet, bring your students and share the experience there.

The Teachers Training School Program is the best kept secret in America, just ask any one who has attended. Come one time and you will be hooked. The S.H.I.P. program will be in its fourth year, and is growing by leaps and bounds. Students, ages thirteen to eighteen, attended from all over the United States, Canada and yes, even Italy. What a wonderful experience for these talented students. Make your plans now to attend one or all the programs DMA and your chapter has to offer.

I would like to thank Charleen Locascio, Robert Mann, Lee Garrard, Mimi Costa White, and Butch Theisen for their support during the 2004-2005 year. They all give selflessly of their time for this wonderful family we call DMA.

Ann Freeman
National President
2005-2006