This Friday we will begin our election process for the new Contra Council.  Ballots will be available at the dance for the next 3 weeks (Feb. 27, Mar. 6, Mar. 13).  You may vote once.  Check out this page to see pictures of the volunteers who are willing to serve!

At the dance on January 16, the community approved the bylaws that establish a contra council. The council is a 9 member group responsible for operating and improving the dance. The council members will be jointly covering tasks such as

• implementing ideas for improving the dance
• organizing volunteers to manage the hall, run sound, book talent, maintain the website, organize rides, lead publicity, and all the other tasks that need to happen for the dance to be successful
• managing the financial wellbeing of the dance
• responding to community feedback, concerns and questions

Since we want the council members to have staggered terms, the first council will be split into thirds based on term length. 3 people will be elected for 1 year, 3 people for 2 years, and 3 people for 3 years. If you are interested in participating for a shorter 1 or 2 year term but still getting the opportunity to help lead our dance, this is your chance!

We are now seeking community members interested in running for a seat on the council. The group who wrote the bylaws will be serving as a nominating committee to organize the slate and run the election. If you wish to be considered for membership on the board, email Gaye or Bronwyn or talk to any of us in person (Gaye, Bronwyn, John, Linda, Paula, Ted, Jo).

Considering feedback from the community survey, a group of volunteers has created a set of bylaws establishing a committee to help organize and operate the dances. The proposed bylaws are available here (bylaws). There will be a vote to approve these bylaws at the dance on January 16, 2015.

Considering feedback from the community survey, a group of volunteers has created a set of bylaws establishing a committee to help organize and operate the dances. The proposed bylaws are available here (bylaws). There will be a vote to approve these bylaws in January, date to be announced.

Here are the items that were found at the 2014 Pittsburgh Fall Dance Weekend. If you think any of them are yours, email Cecil.

1. One grey “rubbery plastic” water bottle, Trizilla brand.

2. One dark tan cloth bag, containing a pair of women’s dance shoes, brand Enzo Angiolini. They are gold color, leather flats, (no strap across front.) Size looks to be between 71⁄2 and 91⁄2.

3. One black and grey, (camouflage look), (stretchy fabric) head cover, with ties in the back.

4. One pair of black jersey leggings, Ann Taylor LOFT brand, 93% cotton, 7% spandex. Lady’s size M.

5. One light grey, (jersey fabric), zippered jacket with two zippered pockets, Ralph Lauren brand, 93% cotton, 7% spandex. Lady’s size Petite.

6. One black terry cloth headband, 2 inches wide.

7. One lightweight pullover black sweater, V neck, “Perfect” Old Navy brand. Lady’s size M.

8. One lightweight, black, button sweater, 67% Rayon, 33% Polyester, Worthington brand. Lady’s size L.

9. One heavy, dark blue zippered jacket with 3 zippered pockets, Windproof fabric, PacTech Performance, Pacific Trail brand. Men’s size XL.

10. One dark green, 3⁄4 length, zippered raincoat with two Velcro Pockets, Eddie Bauer brand. Shell is 100% Polyester with Gore–Tex Lamination. Lining is 100% Nylon. Men’s size Large.

The schedule page for our upcoming Fall Dance Weekend now includes a la carte prices for individual events. Even if you aren’t able to register for or attend the entire weekend, we hope to see you for some of the dances!

The schedule for our upcoming Fall Dance Weekend is now posted on the website. We can all plan on some great dancing and workshops!

If you haven’t yet registered for the weekend, there’s still time. Registration is available on our website here, or you can fill out a paper registration form at any of our dances. In the event that the weekend doesn’t fill up, per-dance walk-in prices will be posted immediately before the weekend. Registering for the whole weekend will ensure you have a spot for everything!

On October 19th there will be a family dance in Pittsburgh! Parents are invited to bring their children and dance together with them. Please bring a snack to share.

The dance is at the Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave, Swissvale, PA 15218

Sunday, October 19 from 4pm-6pm.

Admission is $5/person, $10/family of 2 or more.

Music is being provided by Contraption.

The October 3 dance is being sponsored by Cynthia and Barry in honor of their wedding. Admission will be free, so join us to celebrate their marriage and the joy of dancing!

As you may know, we have been conducting a community survey about how we can improve the Pittsburgh dance for all our attendees. We would like to share the results with you, with the intention of taking the first steps to respond to your suggestions.  Also, we are welcoming more volunteers to help “run” the dances, so we want to clarify how you can become an integral part of this nonprofit organization.

All are invited, (whether or not you sent in the survey,) to attend the following:

When:  Sunday, September 28, 2014

Where:  at Wayne and Gaye’s place (1125 La Clair St., Pittsburgh, PA   15218.)

Potluck Brunch:  11 a.m. till Noon

Meeting:  Noon till 1:30 p.m.

Waltz Session: 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wilkins School, walking distance from Wayne and Gaye’s. (Donation for this waltz event is appreciated.)

Your attendance and input at this meeting is greatly appreciated!