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All platforms are listed below for your review.

All votes must be made with the IHDA website ballot.  We cannot accept any emails as a ballot.  If you are not a member and wish to participate in the election you can signup by clicking on the Member Signup / Information link.

If you are a member and need assistance logging in please contact us at ihda_member@yahoo.com.

We look forward to a promising future.

Candidates running in alpha order:

David Flynn
Daniel McGee
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David Flynn's Platform:

To outline why I believe I should be elected president of the USA's premiere Hustle organization I will address the mission statement directly, with how I would complete or change each facet of the organizations vision & mission.

1)     Mission Statement  
The International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) is hereby established to support the Hustle partner dance and accepts the following as its charter: 
a)   To help promote, protect and nurture the Hustle as a social, competitive, and artistic dance form. 
The Problem -
I believe the last several IHDA administrations have succeeded in promoting hustle to a very small subset of the total dance community that we could actually represent. Those best served are largely over 50 years of age today, and choose to compete and travel to major dance events.  There is a far greater population of young people who used to flock to hustle, that now find better service in Salsa West Coast or Lindy.  Previous leaderships paid lip service to getting the youth vote w/o results for election after election. Also under represented are all the many street dancers who feel our organization has no place for them.  In short - We have too much organization and too little participation.
What I would change - Making Hustle Fun Again means loosening our tie a little. Hustle used to own the nightclubs, so I would bring it back to them.  How would I do that?  Mandate that no hustle championship could be awarded at any sanctioned event w/o the winners prevailing in a 128 BPM dance round.  So we'd have 2 speed dance contests just as WC swing does today, but the top speed would be 128 BPM.  Thus - a new crop of champions would emerge that COULD do their dance at club speeds from 9 PM to close just as we did 30 years ago.  For the first time, kids in those clubs would see OUR champions doing hustle to THEIR music.
What I would leave alone - The current leaders have done an EXCELLENT job of servicing the folks who want a slower dance that has a purely competitive focus.  We need them with us too, so I would not change what they do, only add what they don't do now. 

b)   To develop uniform contest rules and divisions to be utilized at IHDA sanctioned events.

The Problem -

Purely focusing our mission on competition is fine if you want a very well healed older group of dancers who can afford $65/hour lessons.  But that will never be more than 5% of the people who would love hustle just as a fun dance they never planned to compete in or buy lessons for.  Are we going to focus on elevating Hustle, or just dance teachers salaries in the end?

What I would change -

I would move to merge the Silver and Syllabus dance rounds as they are redundant.  This would make more room in dance competitions for 2 speed contests.

What I would leave alone -

Having a Syllabus dance round for folks who want it is fine.  But training coaches, judges and students for 8 sanctioned events is very expensive.  If it can support itself, I would leave it alone.

c)   To encourage communication among all hustle dance enthusiasts and professionals, thereby creating a forum for hustle dances worldwide.

The Problem -

Communication is great, but we need more participation and less organization first.  You simply can't have good communication with people who don't want to hear from you or who don't think you have anything to offer them. The Hustle Lounge ran a huge article and survey on the "Missing youth from Hustle". It was great for communication.  Folks were nearly unanimous on the extent of the problem posting from 50 different zip codes. 

What I would Change -

The Spielberg movie Close Encounters showed us that music IS communication - even to aliens.  To reach most people, music IS the answer.  Not what we play for our dance, but what they listen to now. By slowing our dance down so that it no longer is speed compatible even with vintage disco, we have lost our voice.  I would return us to our roots. Playing Celebration, Funkytown and Relight My Fire would certainly clear today's hustle dance floors, but it would bring back a lot of memories, and even more youth.  We know from Lindy that kids LOVE old music. But Lindy has energy our current stuff lacks.  Original Club disco at 128 BPM was what we all danced to in the day, and the only model ever proven to attract tons of kids to our dance.

What I would leave alone -

We have people in our group that founded this dance.  They are our embassabors, and should always be respected as such.  Ambassadors communicate credibility.  We need to keep that in our group.

 
d)   To develop a widely respected and standardized format for competition judges accommodating competitive hustle dancing. 

The Problem -

This mission serves a very small subset of hustle dancers and creates learning costs that completely disenfranchise young people.  Kids can't (or won't) afford a dance that is $65 to learn when Salsa is nearly free.  Street dancers are totally left out with this objective.

What I would change - 

The syllabus rounds could be applied to one major national competition rather than trying to train and staff judges for eight different events.  A Syllabus national champion would be a fine title, w/o all the overhead of creating expensive judge training regimes for every sanctioned event.  The current model is a promoters nightmare.  Where will they find enough qualified judges?

What I would leave alone -

We should have a syllabus.  What we have now is terrific. I believe we should extend the effort to include the original 128 BPM versions of the hustle just as Ballero and Rumba, Quick Step and Fox Trot, Waltz and Viennese are differentiated.  So lets create and sanction a syllabus, but for both eventualities (fast and slow), not just the current slower 108 BPM Hustle.

e)   To establish an event calendar of recommended Hustle dance events, clubs, activities and dances.  

The Problem -

There really isn't one, since this is a strong suite for the current administration, and those that preceded it.

What I would change -

I would advocate programming for young people and street dancers who don't want to compete.  I would work to make hustle fun again.  Disney figured out how to make a cruise ship that specialized in programming for young people and families.  We need to program for the people we need back in our ranks before we can expect them to come to an event that looks like a 1972 High School reunion.

What I would leave alone -

Most or our events are fine except they lack programming for young people.  I would not touch what sanctioned promoters already do well, but I would encourage them to add the missing parts for youth and street dancers.

f)   To develop event sanctioning minimums and guidelines.  

The Problem -
Too much organization and too little participation.
What I would change -
Right now we need more good friends rather than just a few perfect ones.  Lets face it folks, our ranks are shrinking.   I'd far rather loosen guidelines and get a shot at a new town and new event than freeze them out for not holding a syllabus hustle round.
What I would leave alone -
Yes - we need some standards.  But we need new blood even more.  Lets focus more on recruiting than on restructuring.

Biography--
David has been a hustle competitor and teacher since shortly after learning the dance in the winter of 1976 at a college swim team dance party in Catonsville, Md.  David has won numerous state titles in Hustle, Salsa and Swing and has travelled to compete in the USBC in Miami, NY for Hustle USA and numerous other events.  He has worked for Drew & Caren, Diane Nardone, Barry Durand and Craig Hutchinson, plus countless dance studios and events in the Md and Virginia area over the last 30 years.  David also owns and operates one of the countries largest hustle teams for young people.  He is the founder and leader of the FAST hustle group for young people (on google) that coordinates the dance team.  It has a membership of just under 200 people.  For his primary occupation, David is an Engineer for a major defense contractor and has won 4 national triathlon titles in 3 years since 2005.

I hope this description helps anyone considering my candidacy for President of the IHDA.  Thank you.

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Daniel McGee's Platform:
I, Daniel McGee, would like to announce my candidacy for the position of IHDA president for the term of April 2010-April 2012. 

Below, I hereby submit my presidential platform, in which contains the following: 

Once you have read the information presented, I ask that you will give me the opportunity to serve this community as president of IHDA.  I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

PRESIDENTIAL PLATFORM

1,    Professional Biography: (as taken from the Top Hat Dance Studio website)

Daniel is founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio with locations in Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat Dance Studio has been attributed to his abilities, both as a dancer and an instructor. For over 15 years, Daniel has continued to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin, and Hustle dance forms. He is currently one of the top ranked hustle competitors in the country and undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts Hustle division. Daniel is currently on the board of the International Hustle Dance Association. With a score of "Highly Commended," Daniel received his Associate certification in International Standard by the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) in 2007. With as score of "Honors", Daniel received his ISTD Licentiate Theatre Arts certification in 2008. With a score of "High Honors" Daniel received his Bronze Associate certification in Hustle from IHDA/DVIDA in 2009. Daniel is also a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA.)

Choreographic credits include: International Hustle and Salsa Competition 2006; Stephanie Sands presents...2000, 2001 and 2002; Hempfield High School Dance Theatre Program 2001, 2002 & 2008; "La Boutique Fantasque" at the Fulton Opera House; "Oklahoma", "The King and I"," Fiddler on the Roof", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Annie" and "Hello Dolly!" at Garden Spot High School; excerpts of Top Hat Dance Studio's "Spirit of Dance" 2003, 2004, and 2005; "Evita"  and "Gypsy" at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center; excerpts of "Voices of Christmas" at Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA.

Credentials:
Associate International Standard (ISTD)
Licentiate Theatre Arts (ISTD)
Associate Hustle (IHDA/DVIDA)

Professional Awards:

2009
1st Place- Open Cabaret with Ginny Carey (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Bookends Hustle with Jameson Kilburn (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
1st Place- Open Showcase with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
3rd Place- Strictly Hustle with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
4th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
2nd Place- World Professional Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Professional Jack and Jill with Erica Smith (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Grand Pacific Dance Championships)

2008
3rd Place- Open Showcase with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
3rd Place- Invitational Hustle Jack and Jill with Joy Ro (Hooray for Hollywood Dance Festival)
4th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
3rd Place- World Professional Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
3rd Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
2nd Place- Professional Dance Off with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
3rd Place- Showtime Dance Off with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
1st Place- Championship Hustle with Ginny Carey (Miami Dance Magic)
Top Teacher (Philadelphia Festival Dancesport Championships)

2007
5th Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (International Hustle and Salsa Competition)
1st Place- Professional Jack and Jill with Stracy Diaz (Puerto Rico Hustle and Salsa Festival)

2006
1st Place- Open Hustle with Ginny Carey (Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam)
1st Place- Professional Just Hustle with Ginny Carey (Disco America)
5th Place- Professional Invitational Jack and Jill with Elizabeth Darchi (Disco America)

Associations:
ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance)
NDCA (National Dance Council of America)
IHDA (International Hustle Dance Association) 

2.    Current IHDA Acts of Service and Contributions

I have served on the board of IHDA as treasurer since 2004.  My responsibilities in this position have included:  general accounting, monthly reports, tax filing, accounts receivable and accounts payable to name a few.  I have also been directly involved with the implementation of the IHDA Meet and Greets, assisting with the writing of the IHDA competition guidelines, contributor to the IHDA bronze syllabus and author of the IHDA board roles and responsibilities published on the IHDA website. 

3.    Accomplishments of IHDA

Before we can look to the future, we must first take a look at the accomplishments of IHDA over the past two years.  Since its inception, IHDA has continuously endeavored to address the needs of the hustle community as a whole, with the past two years being no exception.  There are currently ten IHDA sanctioned dance events.  The IHDA board has expanded to ten members with representation across the country.  IHDA membership has grown to include members from Canada, England, Russia, France, Italy, Japan and India.  Lastly, 2008 and 2009 were busy years for IHDA as we saw the implementation of the IHDA competition guidelines as well as the IHDA bronze syllabus.  These implementations have resulted in a number of IHDA certified instructors. 

4.    Future of IHDA
It is with great pride and excitement that I describe in detail my plans for IHDA over the next two years.  As you read forward, my goals are divided into five distinct groups.  These five groups clearly lay out the plans for all aspects of IHDA and the hustle community.  The five groups include: 1.) The social dancer,  2.) The competitive dancer, 3.) IHDA International,   4.) Board, committees and regional reps, 5.) IHDA general company goals.

The Social Dancer

Our commitment to grow and strengthen the community begins with education.   It is through this commitment that I plan to develop the IHDA Community Outreach Program.  Through this program, IHDA will send qualified and certified professionals to various communities throughout the country.  At the expense of IHDA, workshops will be coordinated with local professionals and regional reps to aid in the growth and development of the dance communities.  IHDA will make it possible for the local professionals to host workshops in their community. 

In addition to the afore mentioned program, IHDA also plans to expand its reach to communities not yet aware of this wonderful dance we call hustle.  The future longevity of hustle lies in our ability to reach out to new dancers.  IHDA plans to develop communities in cities such as:  Dallas, Sacramento, St. Louis, Denver, Raleigh and Detroit to name a few. 

Lastly, in consort with these new programs, I propose to have an IHDA national dance night.  With the help and cooperation of the regional reps, I would like to develop a program by which an IHDA sponsored dance party is happening on the same night in communities throughout the country.  An IHDA national dance night will happen on pre-determined dates throughout the year.  These dates will be made available on the IHDA website and in the IHDA monthly newsletter.

The Competitive Dancer
IHDA will continue the work it has done to structure the competitive arena.  As mentioned above, 2009 saw the implementation of the pro-am guidelines.  The implementation of these guidelines was well received by competitors.  At last, dancers feel confident in the division in which they are dancing.  As president, I plan to continue developing the competitive process.

Forthcoming plans include: 
-Adding Level 6 (open division) to the pro-am division.
-Implementation of the pro-am guidelines to amateur just dance divisions.
-Implementation of age specific divisions.

These levels and divisions have been the single most requested item by IHDA members.  Over the next two years, IHDA will work in tandem with IHDA event directors to develop a system that most successfully guides dancers on a path to accomplish their competitive goals.  This process will be developed carefully and with much consideration.  The accurate development of a complete, graduated system will ensure a fulfilling competitive atmosphere for all dancers. 

The continued certification of IHDA instructors will begin to produce IHDA certified adjudicators.  IHDA plans to create a standardized judging system to be upheld at all IHDA sanctioned events.  The systemization of an accurate adjudicating process is crucial to the assuredness of all dancers.  All judges sitting behind the clipboard at an IHDA event will adhere to the same guidelines and judging criteria. 

The final plan for the competitive dancers is for IHDA to work closely with DJ's hired for competitive sessions.  We will work together to develop suggested musical styles and tempi for competitive heats. 

IHDA International
As the first initial in IHDA states, the first word of our organization is, "International."  As listed in the "accomplishments of IHDA" section, we now have members from all over the world.  Two of our strongest international contingencies are in Italy and Canada.  We will soon see the creation of IHDA International.  IHDA International will be an affiliate organization that will work hand in hand with IHDA America.  IHDA International will be governed in the same manner as its US counterpart.  IHDA International will have a president and a board, again in the same manner as IHDA America.  The International president will have a seat on the US Board and vice-versa. 

Finally, in the coming years, we will see two additional items on the international front.  Number one, we are working on the inception of the first International sanctioned hustle event.  Number two, we plan to have the IHDA manuals and DVD's translated into necessary languages to accommodate our growing world community.  

Board, Committees and Regional Reps
One of the first priorities of the new term is the creation of the IHDA Professional Consultant Department (IHDA-PCD).  From the beginning of IHDA to the present, the board has worked diligently on all tasks affiliated with managing a successful organization.  The continued growth of the company has led to the necessary creation of the PCD.  This department will include but will not be limited to the following positions:  Accounting, Legal and Information Technology.

The most significant changes in the IHDA board will be the creation of two new positions; IHDA International President and Adjudication Chairperson.  The purposes of these two positions are presented in the goals mentioned above.  Other changes include the streamlining of current board positions to be more task focused.

The next item in this category has to do with the regional reps.  The regional reps are a very important part of the organization.  The regional reps are the voice of the local communities.  Many of the goals presented in this platform are the result of countless conversations with the regional reps as they communicated the needs of their communities.  In the coming year, we plan to restructure the regional areas of the community.  Our membership has grown since the creation of IHDA and we now need to include delegates for the expanded areas. 

The regional rep restructuring will in turn lead to the creation of a new committee position.  This position will be the Regional Rep Director.  This person will be the voice to the board of the collective representation. 

General Company Goals
This last section of my platform is likely to be the most influential.  The four previous sections deal with specific pockets of our membership.  The proposals in this section will effect and benefit all members:  social dancers, competitors, professionals, board members, etc. 

My first priority for the organization proper is the constructing of a more attractive, modern, user friendly, inviting website.  The current website was useful in the early stages of our development.  However, it is now time for a new look with enhanced functionality. 

Our next item will be the reinstitution of IHDA membership cards.  All members, no matter their level of involvement, will be a card carrying member of IHDA.  This card will be useful at dance events, dance parties and workshops. 

IHDA education is also a large plan for the next two years.  Within the next two years, we will see the completion of the IHDA silver and gold syllabi.  In addition, there will be companion DVD's created for all levels.  To aid all members in the acquisition of knowledge complied in the syllabi; we have plans to create an annual IHDA Congress.  The IHDA Congress will be an event filled with informative workshops on reading the manual, understanding the material, instructor training and certification, performance expectations and judging criteria.  The IHDA Congress will be beneficial for competitors and social dancers alike.  Everyone will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and abilities of the dance through the IHDA Congress.

Growth and progress are an exciting aspect of any organization.  With that said, it is imperative for IHDA to enhance communication with its members.  This coming year, we will see the publication of a semi-annual newsletter.  The IHDA newsletter will contain information on such items as:  events, dance nights, changes to policies, merchandising, regional spotlights and more.  The newsletter will be mailed to all active members of the organization. 

The second method of enhancing communication is to create an open dialogue/forum for conversation between event directors, board members, non-members, social dancers, competitors, professionals and regional reps.  This forum will be located on the new website.  The strength of any successful organization is to have healthy communication between all members.  In the forum, members can post comments, suggestions and concerns. 

In conclusion, my hope is that you read this platform with excitement and optimism for the future of IHDA.  It is also my hope that you will consider me for the presidency and trust in me to lead IHDA into a strong, prosperous organization.  I thank you in advance for your time in reading this platform.  I look forward to continue the work I have done for IHDA through this new position.