Ballroom dance club earns award

A Valley ballroom dancing chapter has received two prestigious rewards.

YOUNGSTOWN — Thanks to popular shows like ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” ballroom dancing is hotter than ever.

And a local chapter of USA Dance is being saluted for its efforts to promote the sport, which is recognized by the international and US Olympic committees, but is not yet an official part of the games.

The Youngstown Warren Chapter #2015 of USA DANCE has earned the prestigious 2007 National Chapter of the Year award, presented Saturday at the national championships in Baltimore.

President Chuck Hurd of East Palestine received the award on behalf of the local group.

With more than 200 chapters and 20,000 members in the U.S., USA DANCE is a nonprofit organization that promotes ballroom dancing in local communities and educates the public about its benefits.

The organization was founded in 1965 and has experienced explosive growth over the last few years.

The local chapter has 175 members, and the cost to participate is $25.

USA DANCE offers social dancing, amateur competitions, lessons and workshops for people of all ages and abilities.

In February, the local chapter also received the 2007 Region 2 (Midwest) Chapter of the Year award.

“What a great honor this is for all of us because our success was truly a team effort,” said past president Susan Ryan of Newton Falls. “I am proud of our accomplishments and commitment we’ve made to promote ballroom dancing.”

Ryan, president from 2004 to 2007, said the group sponsored March Ballroom Madness in March, free lessons for area high school students at Boardman High School and Warren’s JFK High School. It also sponsors a dance group at Youngstown State University.

The award the group received Saturday was based on events in 2007, including those at the high schools, YSU, nursing homes, two formal affairs, 11 monthly dances and 12 Mad Hot Monday Ballroom Boogie Dances.

The local chapter will celebrate its success at 5:30 p.m. May 3 with a dinner/dance at Avon Oaks ballroom in Girard. The event is open to the public and advance tickets are available through April 20 for $25. Contact Hurd at (330) 426-4000.

The local chapter also is looking for people in good health who use wheelchairs for classes that will begin soon with the fox trot and the rumba. Interested persons should call Richard Burden at (330) 544-8865.

For more information on ballroom dancing, USA DANCE or the dinner/dance, visit the local chapter’s Web site at usabda215.tripod.com.