.........................................................................................................................
2009’s installment of Disco America was it’s best one yet. Everyone who had the good fortune of being a part of this spectacular weekend of dance is still talking about what a wonderful time they had. The dance floor was electric from the time the ballroom opened on Friday, June 26th, until it closed on Sunday, June 28th.
The weekend included an array of competitions in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, and, of course, Hustle. IHDA’s membership was represented brilliantly on the competition floor and a huge congratulations goes out to all of you who danced Hustle in such an incredible way. It is a true joy to see friends and colleagues coming together on and off of the competitive floor at each of the IHDA sanctioned events to show our support and love for this great dance, Hustle. For a complete listing of all of the awards and placements for the weekend, please click here.
IHDA’s pros Joey Commentucci, Erica Smith, Tybadt Ulrich and George Garcia taught a wonderful workshop at the Meet and Greet. It was a well attended and fun party with music playing and food and drinks for our guests.
The excitement of the competitions at Disco America were only half of the event’s success, the social dance scene was infectious the whole weekend long. The djs kept the party going with an amazing mix of classic and contemporary music, something for everyone to enjoy.
On a more touching note, the Saturday Night Dinner Show and Tribute to Arte Phillips was done in true “Arte Style.” As a long time supporter and friend to Disco America, Arte was responsible for many beautiful and zany moments that have been added to the archives of Disco America’s past. It was only fitting that this year’s show be in dedication to the life of the man who will be greatly missed, Arte Phillips. Congratulations to all of the dancers who worked to put together the show and performed for the joy of the audience and the memory of their dear friend and colleague.
Event Directors Joyce Szili and Donna Boyle presented the first ever Arte Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award to non-other than the incomparable Elizabeth Darchi. Elizabeth has dedicated many tireless hours to the IHDA as the organizations secretary and worked side-by-side with Arte during his Presidency with IHDA.
Thank you to Joyce and Donna for all of their efforts to making Disco America a great gathering for those who love Hustle! See you next year!