DDCA Member Spotlight


home news-info board list DDCA MEMBERS ddca membership jr membership meetings-conference fall-category winter-traditional state champ-osaa jr championships all state scholarships comp application comp sanctioning comp guides-checklist JUDGES performance membership technical membership technical reports all scoresheets LINKS osaa associations webmaster BUSINESS MEMBERS Become a Business Member	MEMBER SPOTLIGHT "DO I KNOW YOU" INTERVIEW DOCUMENTS Help break the ice for communication, friendships, and networking. You are encouraged to answer as many questions as you can. Download Instructions DOC Download Interview DOC TIMOTHY M JOHNSON Where are you from? Houston Texas COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? I was a dance instructor since I was 18 years old. Started out teaching at Amy Blakes Academy of Dance so I would say almost ten years, yikes!!!! What teams have you coached / worked with? Milwakie High school Awards or achievements you’ve earned? None, I just moved here What keeps you involved in dance team? What I have loved about dance team is that it challenges me to look at a different outlook on staging for choreographic purposes. Texas dance teams are very different. They have formations that just go to front side and clump but here in Oregon dance teams make patterns which I think is very interesting and really cool!!! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Sometimes in the midst of going to competitions and competing, we as coaches and choreographers lose sight of who this competition is for, the kids and not ourselves. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? One is really knowing where your team is and focusing on their strengths and continue to push them to their full potential. But also knowing what they can and can’t handle as a dancer. Best coaching advice? Just being there for your team and no matter what score or place they get at competition that you always be there for them. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Never to assume anything What do you feel your strengths are? I think that I can clean pretty well and I am also good at pointing out technical things then just the broad statement “point your toes” like pointing through the ankle and not curling your toe, things like that. What kind of music usually inspires you? I like music that has feeling to it not just a beat but a type of emotion to it those songs generally inspire me HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I have been dancing for 21 years and I also danced professionally in Houston, Texas Do you have any other dance experience? Yes!!! 21 years of it!!!! LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Dance Dance Dance!!!!! I teach at Westlinn Dance Center. I also dance for Polaris Dance Theatre Hobbies outside of dance team? I like to read a lot and go hiking with my book. LOL I love nature If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Probably open up a studio What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I watch soap operas LOL In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? In the middle How would a good friend describe you? Ghetto!!!! LOL I can be loud at times How would your dance team describe you? Ghetto!!! What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Gosh!!! There are so many!!! Let’s see…The late Gary Colman on Different Strokes, What you talkin bout Willis!!!!! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Classical music ERRIN CAUDLE Where are you from? HILLSBORO, OREGON - BORN AND RAISED IN THIS LOVELY STATE THAT IS TOO RAINY. LOOKING FORWARD TO MOVING TO CABO IN THE FUTURE! Family? HUBBY(GORDON), 3 KIDS (CHASE, TRINITY, HALEY) AND A MINI CHI NAMED ELLIOT. COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? 10 AND COUNTING What teams have you coached / worked with? CENTURY, SUNSET, ST. HELENS, FOREST GROVE (eons ago)..now..WILSON! What is your current involvement in the DDCA WILSON HIGH COACH Awards or achievements you've earned? BEING A HEAD COACH IS AN ACHIEVEMENT IN ITSELF. I'M THANKFUL FOR THIS POSITION. What keeps you involved in dance team? THE LOVE OF DANCE & TEACHING IT. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? POLITICS, PARENTS TRYING TO LIVE THROUGH THEIR DANCER. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? A HAPPY, SATISIFIED TEAM. Best coaching advice? BE CONSTRUCTIVE, NOT CRITICAL What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? AVOID BREAKING THE LINE OF COACH vs. FRIEND TO YOUR DANCERS. AVOID DRAMA. AVOID GOSSIP. What do you feel your strengths are? INSTRUCTING/CLEANING/MOTIVATING - I AM VERY CONSTRUCTIVE. I DO NOT WANT TO BREAK THE SPIRIT, I WANT TO BRING IT OUT. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? WATCHING MY GIRLS IN THE PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT. I WATCH HOW THEY MESH, ACT AND GO FROM THERE. What kind of music usually inspires you? POP, ANYTHING I CAN GROOVE TO! BSTA-MV YO! What was your favorite coaching moment? ALWAYS WHEN THE TEAM IS PROUD OF THEMSELVES. I REVEL IN THE MOMENT OF THEM BEING COMPLETELY FULFILLED WITH THEIR EFFORTS. Is there another DDCA member you don't know, but admire? MEGAN of VALLEY CATHOLIC - SHE COACHES A 1ST PLACE TEAM AND IS SO SWEET OVER EMAIL! I ADMIRE SOMEONE WHO SEEM SO GROUNDED AND IS OBVIOUSLY A SUCCESSFUL COACH. HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? YES: GRESHAM THEN HILLSBORO HIGH. GRADUATED IN 1994 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? ALL OF IT, MANY OF MY GRANDEST MOST VIVID MEMORIES ARE FROM DANCE TEAM. I HAD AMAZING EXPERIENCES THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET. I LEARNED SO MUCH OUTSIDE OF MOVEMENTS ON THE FLOOR, I USE THOSE LESSONS IN MY LIFE TODAY. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? ALL STAR DANCE, ALL STAR KICKLINE Do you have any other dance experience? DANCED SINCE I WAS TWO, INSTRUCTED STUDIO FOR 6 YEARS. WAS ON PORTLAND ROLLER RAGE DANCE TEAM. LET'S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? OWNER OF A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, WIFE, MOM Hobbies outside of dance team? HUNTING, SHOPPING, CAMPING If money were no object, what would you do with your life? WHAT I'M DOING NOW, JUST NOT BE CONSERVATIVE : What do you do to relax and deal with stress? HANG OUT WITH MY HUBBY In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? DEPENDS ON THE ATMOSPHERE…SHY, THEN PLENTY OUTGOING WHEN I GET COMFORTABLE. How would a good friend describe you? CONFIDENT, KIND, FUN, DEDICATED How would your dance team describe you? STRICT, FUN, SINCERE, SKILLED, MOTIVATED, CARING What book would you suggest everybody read? THE LEFT BEHIND SERIES What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? ALI What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? COUNTRY DISCS, MOST EVERYONE KNOWS I'M A DANCER THAT LOVES THE POP STUFF. What would your team be surprised to know about you? I USED TO STINK AT HIP HOP, I WAS NOT BORN WITH 'FLAVOR' IF YOU WILL - I HAD TO ACQUIRE IT ONCE I FOUND MY LOVE FOR HIP HOP :) Alex Bushue, Miss Bushue, Ally B, or Coachie Where are you from? Well, I live in Cedar Mill (fancy way of saying in between Beaverton and Portland). But I grew up in the Boring/ Gresham area. No, Gresham wasn't boring, they are separate cities silly. Family? Uh, my mom (who I look exactly alike), my dad (who I act exactly alike), and my ravishingly handsome dog Stanley! COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? Geez, 9. Whoa, when did that happen? What teams have you coached / worked with? I have had the pleasure of coaching The Central Sensations, The Valley Catholic Charisma, and The Westview Wildthings! What keeps you involved in dance team? So, I had a moment the other night that made me think, "this is what it's all about." We were at our winter team event, a Winterhawks game, and I looked over at my teams (JV and Varsity), all dressed in their cute little matching gear ( I love it when they dress alike), dancing like crazy to get on the big screen at the game. They were all giggling and having the time of their lives. I realized that because of dance team all 24 of these kids have something to belong to, a place they are safe and loved, and a place where you can fist pump like a champ to "Cotton Eyed Joe" and it's considered completely normal. This is why I keep coaching! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Parents, our current score sheet, pressure, how long our season is, stress. Also, I think too many people forget that dance team is all about the kids performing for and supporting their school. I also think that a lot of times it's easy to forget that we do this for the kids not for the score. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Having no regrets. Putting a routine out there that makes everyone feel great. If team members come to you after they have graduated for advice, to visit, or best of all, when they want to become a coach themselves. You know you have done something right if they still talk to you after all those ab workouts we put them through. Best coaching advice? Do your forms first. I know, I never believed you guys. But thanks to Robin, now, I am a believer! Delegate, delegate, delegate. Stand firm with your decisions. Think team first, individual second. Teach character before skills. Believe in your self and your kids. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Learn the rules of the game you are playing. Don't try…do! What do you feel your strengths are? I guess cleaning and seeing what just doesn't seem to look right in a routine. I'd also like to say doing the team's makeup but my team might disagree with this one. I really feel like one can never wear too much bronzer! Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Um, I like to pick a theme where we can tie in a color that will compliment my skin tone so I look cute in my state shirt. Actually, I just pick something suits that year's team's strengths and has music I won't get sick of. I also think of the audience. I try to pick something with at least one song that most people can sing along to. I try to be entertaining while still staying true to who I am. I also think its fun to pick something where the kids can wear tons of sparkles. I LOVE sparkles! What was your favorite coaching moment? There are so many but to pick just one it would be my last year at Valley Catholic when I dedicated our Rat Pack routine to my grandfather who just passed away. My whole family was there supporting me and I was on the top row of the Chiles Center watching my seniors I had for four years leave to the floor to the song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. That day was pretty dang amazing! Is there another DDCA member you don't know, but admire? Ok, here is where the truth comes out. I am a dance team creeper and I am secretly obsessed with tons of other coaches. For example, the whole coaching staff at Rex Putnam… you guys are amazing!!!! I have loved every dance I have ever seen you do. I admire everyone who is coaching who like, has a family, or a boyfriend, or an outside life for that matter. I don't know how you do it. I admire lots of other people but I know them, yet am still obsessed with what good coaches they are. HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Nope, but I was a Barlow Bruinettes's super fan! Do you have any other dance experience? My dance experience started when I was 5 in studio. Then, I was on Drill Team in middle school and I am telling you what, we were the "bees knees!" We wore red and black slouch socks, skater skirts, Blazers sunglasses, and "mall" bangs that would make your jaw drop. I danced in college at WOU and was lucky enough to perform in the Spring Dance Concert there for three glorious years. LET'S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I teach 5th grade full time, sell Scentsy on the weekends, and am an Inclusion Assistant for children and adults with mental disabilities on nights we don't have practice and during the summer. Read: I have no life! Hobbies outside of dance team? Catching up on my faves, Big Love, LOST, Dexter, and Biggest Loser via DVR, reading fashions mags, talking about dance team with my equally obsessed roommate Jenny Lunzman, oh and shopping. Wait, can shopping be a hobby? If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would volunteer all that I could. I would spend more time with my dad. I would coach for Special Olympics and perhaps create a dance team division for them. I would eat out every single meal of every day. I would take a road trip to see what kind of adventures I could get myself into. Oh, and of course still coach my sweet Westview girls when I wasn't off in India, Japan, or somewhere super warm and sunny. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Uh, have you met me? This one is pretty obvy (ha ha had to use that just cuz my kids make fun of me for abbreviating all the time). Actually I am pretty shy around people I don't know, believe it or not. How would a good friend describe you? Hopefully they would say nice, giving, and drop dead gorgeous. However I would bet money they would say loud, sarcastic, obsessive, busy, and funny. How would your dance team describe you? They pretty much think I am the biggest dork to ever walk the Earth. So they would say super nerdy, the "prude police", dedicated, firm, funny (when not at practice), picky, and hopefully caring. What book would you suggest everybody read? Bruce Brown's coaching books, The Giver, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Glass Castle, and any of David Sedaris' books. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? I think people would be surprised to know I actually do not own one CD. I am just not a huge music person. Hmmmm, maybe this is a reason I never get good musicality scores, ha, maybe I am in the wrong business. What would your team be surprised to know about you? I think it would surprise them to know that I strive everyday to be a better leader for them. All I ever do is think about what I can do differently, how I can become better educated about our sport, and how I can be a better person, motivator, role model, and coach for them. And, probably it would surprise them to know how much time I spend thinking about dance team, doing dance team things, and talking to everyone who will listen about dance team and how freaking wonderful, cute, amazing, and adorable my team is! Amanda Estes Where are you from? Born and raised in Prineville, Oregon. Its about 40 minutes from Bend for those of you who don't know. Family? Well, not one of my own yet, but I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, a wonderful and supportive mom, 3 nieces and 2 nephews. COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? Assisted in 2005-2006, head coach from July 2008 to present. What teams have you coached/worked with? Crook County, Bend High. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Coach, would like to eventually be more involved, but being so far off I-5 makes it difficult. Awards or achievements you've earned? A successful first season, that's enough for me! What keeps you involved in dance team? My love of dance and teaching others! Coaching is something I have always wanted to do, and I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Formations, politics, drama…YUCK How would you define success in coaching a dance team? If you know that you gave your team every possible advantage, and you gave them your all, and they gave their's in return…I'd say that is success. It has been so amazing to watch my girls grow in the last year. Trophies are fun, but learning, growing and striving as a team is where it's really at. Best coaching advice? Be yourself, don't try to impress the parents, students, or administration by being something your not. Never be afraid to make mistakes or take chances, that's what will make you stand out amongst your peers. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach?/What have you learned from your mistakes? You know what is best for your team, go with your gut, not everyone has to agree. Trying to please everyone (parents, administration, and dancers) will often times end in heartbreak and disappointment. What do you feel your strengths are? Choreography, and teaching technique, even if I can't do it myself, I know what it should look like and how to break it down into pieces. And I know how to push my kids to be their best, I put on a stern face in practice, but it's all out of love and you can really feel it when you're with our team. Suggestions to come up with a theme or music? Don't pick your theme, let it pick you, and know your team. If you love something don't keep telling yourself there might be something better out there because you will spend a lifetime looking for something more. What kind of music usually inspires you? Something with intense beats and lots of crescendos and decrescendos. Nothing monotonous. I like to look for the quirky beats and noises in the background of the music. I love when I hear a song and I go "OOOOOO, I can create a 'moment' here!" What was your favorite coaching moment? Oh my. Taking first at State. It was a huge deal for CC, we had never won a State Championship in Dance. I was shaking while we waited, and when I heard the music I started bawling, the girls were crying, the parents were crying, it was great! Also, watching 3 of my girls make All Stars at camp, they were all crying…we are an emotional bunch. Most embarrassing dance team moment? Last year at state. (Oh and as a side note, this is the morning of day one right after practice and it's my first year as head coach so I am a wreck!) The hotel we stayed at had a grass area in front, and I decided to cut across instead of walking all the way around. I took one step, then another and I sunk about 8 inches into the thickest mud I have ever seen. (Mind you I have flip flops and brand new jeans on). I screamed and took another step thinking it would be more solid, but no, so now both of my feet are stuck in the mud. I turned around, horrified, and yelled "What am I going to do?!?!" I had to slip out of my flip flops to get to the pavement, luckily one of my girls was able to grab them. So as all of my girls are cracking up behind me I storm through the hotel lobby with mud halfway to my knees slinging it across the floor behind me. I was so furious I could not see any humor in that moment. Thankfully the hotel had guest laundry and I was able to wash my jeans. The girls still love that story. Is there another DDCA member you don't know but admire? Oh wow, so many. I don't know anyone well at all yet, but I have to say I admire the coaches of the larger teams, like Tigard and Stayton…that's a lot of estrogen. The show coaches never cease to amaze me, to put together something so intricate is impressive. HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? I was a Crook County Sparkle for 3 years. I didn't tryout for my freshman year, I was painfully shy. Fondest memory of your time on dance team? Taking 5th at State senior year. Crook County had never placed at the State Championships before that. What a feeling! Also the time I got to spend with my coach working on my senior project, she was my mentor and we really bonded that last year. Any dance team awards/achievements? Most improved 2004. Most embarrassing dance team moment? Falling flat on my behind trying to do a hitch kick my first year, everyone turned around to see me scrambling to my feet in horror…that memory still haunts me. Do you have any other dance experience? Tap since age 3, jazz since age 11, ballet for one year, was a member of a hip hop crew at the Vibe Dance Center in Bend OR, I don't think I've ever gone more than 3 months without dancing. LETS GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I teach Jazz and Lyrical classes at a studio in Redmond, and I manage a pool in the summer. Hobbies outside of dance team? Reading, shopping, hanging out with the family, I love to take vacations. If money were no object what would you do with your life? Open my own studio, I've already designed it. Buy a home. Travel. Write a book. And I'd really like to pursue doing choreography for college teams, I really want to expand as a choreographer. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I'm a glutton for bad TV. Bad Girls Club, The Girls Next Door, Ru Paul's Drag Race, you know, the kind of TV that rots your brain. In general do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Shy at first, but then outgoing. I'm very social. How would a good friend describe you? Understanding, compassionate, really, really ridiculously good-looking(kidding), and a hoot to be around. How would your dance team describe you? They would probably say pushy, loud, intense, funny, high strung, and very loving and nurturing, I even have one that calls me Mama, which is hilarious because I'm only 5 years older than her. What book would you suggest everyone read? Captivtaing, The Twilight Saga, A Million Little Pieces. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Will and Grace, and Mean Girls! "Your Mom's chest hair!" Ha ha ha! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? They would be surprised to discover my love of Eminem, especially his old stuff, you know the dark, psychopathic stuff! Actually, it might not surprise them at all. What would your team be surprised to know about you? I'm pretty open with them so it would take a lot to shock them. Kassandre Renee Where are you from? Portland born but I was a military brat grew up all over Family? my mom, 3 sisters, 2 brothers, and fiance christian 2 years COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? I haven't really coached, I've choreographed for a few teams and teach at studios What teams have you coached / worked with? Forest Grove mostly What is your current involvement in the DDCA judges intern yay! Awards or achievements you've earned? I was on SYTYCD, I've done music videos, I currently am putting together a dance co. at PCC as well as getting ready to perform at the E40 show in October What keeps you involved in dance team? It's where I truly realized my dreams and path and so many memories... plus my sister joined after me and now a 3rd generation is wanting to keep the dance team dream alive (all at the same school!) What is your least favorite thing about dance team? hmmm... I'm not really sure... I quite enjoyed most of my times... but I did hear a lot of drama... hey you put a bunch of girls together what do you expect? lol then you get your dudes and its a whole new ball game... How would you define success in coaching a dance team? probably pretty rewarding Best coaching advice? patience is a virtue... What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? keeping your cool, remember if you're frustrated then your dancers are probably right there with ya... What do you feel your strengths are? I'm really open minded and patient Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? movies, plays, books What kind of music usually inspires you? r&b and hip hop, some oldies do it for me too though, and some country and blues What was your favorite coaching moment? when I coached the middle school team, my favorites were when the kids didn't want to leave cause they were having so much fun... that's the best Most embarrassing dance team moment? as a coach I don't really have one Is there another DDCA member you don't know, but admire? Laurel, I don't really know her, spoken and interacted a few but listening to her competence and ideas and passion is inspiring HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Yes, Parkrose 04 - 07 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? placing 2nd in drill down and getting 2 trophies my 2nd to last at thunderbird Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? a bunch of drill down ribbons, trophies in jazz at thunderbird, best kicks 2 years in a row, most likely to continue dancing Most embarrassing dance team moment? when we reviewed a video after comp and I was the last one to get to my spot on the back of the form and I slipped and my hands were thrown up and it was silly Do you have any other dance experience? o so much!!! I do work as a professional dancer and choreographer, I spend much time in LA and/or Cali area training, auditioning, and working LET'S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? dance is my life, I teach, I create, I perform... I can honestly say I have dedicated my life to... the only "regular" job I have ever had was for 1 summer in high school at the Glass Slipper which is a dance store lol Hobbies outside of dance team? Well, I read, I love to just chill out to music, write and I'm addicted to technology If money were no object, what would you do with your life? move to Canada or London and dance forever What do you do to relax and deal with stress? put headphones in and zone out or play on my computer or when its really serious blare my music and just move In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? well that really depends on the situation I guess somewhere in the middle How would a good friend describe you? passionate How would your dance team describe you? phenomenal What book would you suggest everybody read? Davinci Code or Angels and Demons What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I don't watch much TV but probably American Dad or other cartoons What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Lil Bow Wow lol its clean and for the little kids I teach but I actually enjoy What would your team be surprised to know about you? I'm in love with country music and blues Anything else you'd like to share? I love networking and working together and sharing and dreaming. My web address www.TinyDancer211.webs.com - in case people want to know more about me as a dancer Kristin Ashcraft Where are you from? Sweet Home, OR. I moved here 8 years ago from Bakersfield, CA Family? Married 13 years to Joe. I have two boys ages Cole 12 and Evan 4. COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? 6 years What teams have you coached / worked with? Sweet Home Huskiettes What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Coach What keeps you involved in dance team? I love dance. I was very involved in my studio back home and missed dancing and performing. So when the coaching position came available my husband encouraged me to apply. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Fundraising. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When I stand up in the coaches section and our completed routine is on the floor. It gives me chills and I am in tears. Also, I take great satisfaction in knowing that I helped a young lady or young man with confidence and skills that will help them in their adult life. Best coaching advice? First, love the kids. Second, be consistent. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Making exceptions for kids regarding attendance and payments. It has always come back to bite me. What do you feel your strengths are? I have a 30 years background in gymnastics and dance. I really enjoy selecting themes and music and doing the choreography. I like to have fun and be one of the kids sometimes. I love to laugh. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? I always hear a song on the radio and it will spark an idea. I listen to all different genres of music so that I can get ideas from all types of music. I also like to listen to the kids and want to choose music that will inspire them. What kind of music usually inspires you? Classic rock, rock ballads, any love songs. What was your favorite coaching moment? Last year when we took first at Molalla. We were not expecting it all. My team was so thrilled. Most embarrassing dance team moment? That would be at every practice. The team loves to tease me. Their new name for me is Edna (the costume maker from The Incredibles) Is there another DDCA member you don't know, but admire? Lots. I have not learned all the names/faces of all the 5A and 6A coaches yet. HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Palmdale High School Falconette 1981-1985 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? When I was selected Super-Sensational at camp and when I made Captain. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Most improved my sophomore year and Outstanding Senior Dancer Do you have any other dance experience? I danced for two professional dance teams in Bakersfield. The Lady Jammers for the Bakersfield Jammers Basketball team and Cool Mist Dance Crew for the Bakersfield Fog Hockey Team. I also taught and took class at Lenore Smith's Dance Studio from 1989 - 2001. LET'S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Manager at Mid-Valley Medical Plaza in Lebanon Hobbies outside of dance team? Watching my boy's sports, travel, reading, boating and fishing at the lake. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Open my own dance studio so my team would have a place to take class and where I could help develop younger dancers. I would also love to build a house and take a dream vacation! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Reading, I am addicted to my books. My husband thinks I am nuts. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Very outgoing! I am a clown at heart. How would a good friend describe you? Goofy, caring, loyal, and fun to be with. How would your dance team describe you? Crazy, cool, sweet, caring, respectful, a good dancer/choreographer and fun! I hope. What book would you suggest everybody read? I just finished the Twilight series for the second time. But that may not be for everyone. I am also hooked on anything by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Christine Feehan. I also got addicted to the Janet Evanovich books thanks to Coach Cori. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Armageddon, and most recently Role Models. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Big Band- Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra What would your team be surprised to know about you? I don't have any secrets from them. I am a very open person. Jessica Anderson Where are you from? Born in Bend. Moved to Spokane when I was 3. Lived in Wilsonville where I attended school, eventually graduating from WHS in 2000, then to Corvallis and OSU, graduating in 2005. Now living in Portland. Family? Mom, who never fails to aid and abet my dance-team obsessed life and is a voice of reason when necessary. Younger brother, JR, who never missed a dance competition, (even after I graduated). Just ask the Wilsonville Pride girls – class of 2005. They know. He’s been at every state for me as a dancer and as a coach. My dad and his wife. I have a big extended family so the usual assortment of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. My fiance, Ryan, who may not fully understand my involvement with dance team, but who supports me and shows it by coming to our competitions. My cats, Hugo Bob and Speedo. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? I’ve been at Valley Catholic since the 2006-07 season. I was an assistant at Wilsonville in 2003-04, commuting to practices from Corvallis several days a week. What teams have you coached / worked with? Officially, just Valley Catholic and Wilsonville. I was on the “Elite” dance team when I was at Oregon State. I’ve judged tryouts at several other schools. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? A card-carrying member. I attend all the meetings. I scarcely have time to coach right now, but in the future, maybe serving on the board, and I would like to become a judge. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? As a coach, hopefully the respect and appreciation of my dancers. Coaching Valley Catholic to two consecutive 2nd place finishes at state in ’08 and ’09 with “Destiny” and “Live Your Life”. What keeps you involved in dance team? Many things! Assistant coach, Megan Hoffman, who coaches with me at Valley Catholic. I couldn’t do it without her. She is the Queen of Clean and she can drive the bus. I am not sure that I would do it without her. I loved my own dance team years and I want to give my dancers that same experience. My BFF McKenzie Smith – she has a lot to do with why I became a coach and why I stay involved. And for all the support I get from other coaches-they always throw you a lifeline! And the dancers, of course, who make it all possible. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Short one word answer – Drama. Some things that I could do without are people who don’t understand what it means to be involved in dance team. I get frustrated when my dancers, and/or parents, or my friends don’t “get it” and don’t understand the time commitment and the dedication involved. I am very competitive by nature and I always want to be my best me. I want my team to be the best they can be and always strive to be better. So I don’t understand when people ask if it’s OK to miss practice. Or when they come up with lame excuses to justify missing practice. Or when one dancer’s personal decisions and choices affect the whole team. Or when they don’t try or put forth 100% effort. When they cut their hair!! Parents who make excuses for their dancer’s poor choices, or who don’t support coaching decisions. Parents that don’t support their dancer and don’t come to competitions. Having to discipline a dancer, or worse, needing to “manage” a parent. Having to make the decision to take a dancer out of a routine and weighing the consequences it will have on the team and the routine to dance with a hole and the effect that has on team moral. The last 3 weeks before state when everything seems to get worse and I am tempted to scrap it all and start over from scratch. Snow days. The days when coaching isn’t fun any more. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When my dancers do eventually “get it”. That, my friends, is a sight to behold. It’s when the team jells and becomes bonded and they understand the goals that we share and the determination and sacrifice that it takes to get there. I wish it would happen at the very first practice, but it never does until after that first big competition with the state routine, or sadly, sometimes not until State. When I have returning dancers each season and a great recruiting class, so that the program continues to grow. When my graduated seniors come back to watch us. Or when they ask if they can be coaching assistants. Seeing all of my past captains in the stands at competitions. Then I know that I’ve done something right. Best coaching advice? Get a bullhorn!! It is the greatest, better than a whistle. You’ll save your voice. Your dancers can hear you over the music, or when they are not paying attention. Mine has this ear-piercing siren function. I use that when I really need to make a point! And I think it makes me look cool. Know what your administration expects from you as their dance coach. Review your job description and contract thoroughly. Realize that not everyone is going to agree with you, and that it’s OK if they don’t. You can’t make everyone happy and you have no obligation to do so. You need to create your vision for the team and the routines. You need to be strong and stay true to your vision, but you also need to know when and where to compromise. Understand that coaching is always harder than it looks. Some years will be harder than others, and thankfully there are good years to remember to get through the tough times. Use your resources! Don’t be afraid to talk to other coaches. They will always offer suggestions and help you if you ask for it. Be disciplined and consistent. Keep your coaching life and your personal life separate. You are the coach, so don’t worry too much if your team likes you. They need you to be a mentor and role model but not their best friend. Have and maintain good boundaries. Be extremely wary of your social networking presence on the internet on sites like MySpace and Facebook and on your team website, blogs, YouTube, etc. and have rules regarding that with your dancers. I do like it when my dancers feel that they can invite me to come see them participate in other activities, plays or other sports and I will if I can fit it in. Take responsibility. When you are the head coach it falls on you. Know when you’ve made a mistake, own it, learn from it, and move on. Don’t “baby” your dancers. Discipline is key. Have fun but also maintain discipline. Delegate! You do not have to do everything yourself. (I am always working on this one) What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Don’t get caught up in any drama. Remain calm, consistent, and in control. For example, we used to allow too much family access to the dancers at competitions. The parents mean well, of course, but socializing affects the dancers’ ability to focus and cuts into team time. Now we have stricter rules about this. Note to self—avoid being a control freak. Delegate the tasks that can be delegated. If someone else can handle the T-Shirts, spirit signs, food, etc. let them. It gives you more time to concentrate on show design, choreography, and cleaning. Don’t be afraid to break away from “tradition” just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it that way forever. Replace traditions that are no longer relevant with new ideas that may in turn become new traditions. And most importantly, maintain team discipline at all times. What do you feel your strengths are? I am extremely organized and have excellent time management skills. I have a photographic memory which comes in very handy and I can function on very little sleep. I strive not to make the same mistake twice. I am creative and have very good visualization skills. I also know “people” who I can work with. I have my medical training to fall back on and Megan’s a nurse, so I believe that our dancers are in very safe hands. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Usually the music finds me first. It’s always something that sticks in my head. And then I can see the choreography. When it’s the right idea and when it is the right time for that idea, you will know it. Every thing comes together from the music, the costuming, the intro, and the T-shirt design. You don’t have to force it –it just happens. And then I know it’s right. You have to know your team’s strengths and weakness and give them the routine that they can be most successful with. I want the routine to be one that I want to dance myself. You have to really love the music so you can do the choreography. You’ll be listening to that music for months on end! I find inspiration in many places, quotes, books, TV –it could be almost anything. I keep a list of ideas that I might want to do someday. It’s a pretty long list. Our 2008 routine came together one night after category season with my Mom and me brainstorming over a very bad pizza. But in just a couple of hours we had things figured out and the choreography just flowed. 2010 seems to be shaping up much the same – music first and then all the pieces just started coming together. What kind of music usually inspires you? Pretty much anything and everything from Country to Classical. Rock. Pop. New Age. Ethnic. What was your favorite coaching moment? The Charisma prays together before every round of competition. When they all end up in the coaches’ motel room at state with us and we just hang out, knowing that this will be the last time this particular team will be together as one. And after state in 2009 some very encouraging words from BJ that I will cherish forever. Most embarrassing dance team moment? At state in 2009, I was in the middle of med school finals and we were all running on fumes. I became really emotional when Pam Didier was announced as Coach of the Year and her team had made a wonderful banner and you could just feel the love and respect they all had for her. I was totally teary eyed. My dancers thought something was wrong and were very concerned about me. And I couldn’t even explain it to them because I kept crying. My mom had to tell them. So they told me that I was “their coach of the year” which of course, didn’t help matters and made me even more emotional. It was embarrassing because I am usually very controlled and self-contained. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I think everyone that coaches a dance team is amazing. I really want to get to know everyone better, especially the coaches in the 1A-3A. I am in awe of the legendary coaches, the ones that were coaching when I was on dance team, and are still actively coaching – Sue Ann, Chelle, Robin, to name just a few, for all their achievements. I am not sure I would have made it through last season without an email I received from Robin! I’d love to meet Lincoln’s Sara and Chase from Tigard. And I really want to get to know Denise better, she is so nice and she sounds like she would be a great friend, and she always has the best shoes! So everyone, really. I also am really impressed by those first year coaches that take over an established program or start a new team at a school that has never had a competitive dance team; or the “mom-coach” that couldn’t say “No” when her daughter wanted a dance team and steps up when somebody had to volunteer to be the coach. They are heroes really. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a 3-year member of the Wilsonville High School Pride from 1997-2000 and a captain my senior year. I guess technically I was actually a “Rockette” for a year before we changed our name to the Pride. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? This is actually a post-dance team, pre-coaching memory. I was in college at OSU. I had a big 2-bedroom townhouse and desperately needed a roommate. I posted it on the dance forum on Oregonlive that I was looking for a dance team girl to share with. This is how I met McKenzie Smith and her mother, Sheila Lewellen. McKenzie became my roomie and we have been best friends ever since. McKenzie was my role model. She was coaching at Thurston, driving there almost daily and trying to be an honor roll student and graduate. It made me realize that I didn’t have to wait until I graduated to coach dance team, so I signed on with Wilsonville as an assistant. I am still not exactly sure why that experience made me think I could coach Valley Catholic and go to medical school at the same time though!! But I am doing it, and so far, so good. For a memory of when I was on the Pride, just about everything. But mostly how closely bonded we all were. Growing from the Phenomenal Woman year into the team we became ER year. Of crawling out of practices too tired to walk during Harley year after trying to perfect the kick line. Running up to get the trophy for Harley my senior year. Learning from Wisa and Beth. I loved it all. I still feel an adrenalin rush every time the Wilsonville Pride is announced at a competition. They are still “my team.” Dancing next to my cousin, Letitia, during Grand Finale in 1998. As fate would have it, Philomath and Wilsonville were lined up together and we worked it out to be next to each other. It was the only year we were both on dance team. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Dancing the Pride’s two state championship routines ---“E.R” in 1999 and “Destination: Harley Davidson” in 2000. I received the award for being the quietest every year until 2000 when Wisa and Beth gave me the most talkative award as a joke. Most embarrassing dance team moment? My first year we took a bus to the West Linn competition, our first of the season. When it was over, my Mom came and spoke with me and I told her it was OK for her to meet me back at the school because we had a bus. Apparently I didn’t get the memo, because we were supposed to ride home with our parents. My Mom was waiting for me (and the non-existent bus) in the parking lot back at Wilsonville. Fortunately I was able to get a ride back with one of my teammates. It was scary. Hence my fear of getting left behind. Do you have any other dance experience? I have been dancing forever. I started ballet at age 3 and still have that pair of red ballet slippers from that first Christmas performance on the stage at the Spokane Opera House. I was a studio dancer until high school studying ballet and jazz. Then I found dance team! I also took dance classes in college and continue to do so today when I can fit them in. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I am a medical student. It is a full-time job just going to class. Studying is like having another full time job. Someday I hope to have an income and be able to pay off my student loans. I am about half-way through school and sometimes now I catch glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel. I hear other med students complain how they have no time and I have to laugh at them because I am doing everything they are plus coaching a dance team! Slackers. Hobbies outside of dance team? Who has time for hobbies? Is studying a hobby? When I do get a break I enjoy sleeping and reading. Spending time with Ryan. Hanging out with the family. Shopping when I have money. I like to travel. I look forward to a post-state get away with McKenzie each year if we can make it fit into our schedules. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Establish my medical practice in a building that has room for my dance studio. I am a believer in complementary medicine and treating the body, mind, and spirit, so I think the two go together well. Designing my dream house; before I wanted to be a doctor I wanted to be an architect. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I run or work out. I have an elliptical machine in my tiny studio apartment and I use it often. I call my Mom to vent. If things are really bad I call her while I’m using the elliptical! Therapeutic shopping also works and so does chocolate. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? I am shy. So please introduce yourself to me. I am also quiet with a small voice. Hence the need for a bullhorn. How would a good friend describe you? Let’s ask McKenzie or Megan! Hopefully they say nice things. How would your dance team describe you? As the best coach ever?? As a role model?? I just hope that they respect me and appreciate what I am trying to do for the program. And that when they look back on their dance team years they remember them with joy. What book would you suggest everybody read? Mostly I just read medical texts now. But back when I had time, I’d say the Harry Potter books, the Twilight series, -escapist fiction. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I am fond of Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights – “If you’re not first, you’re last”. It’s good motivation, not about winning so much but about making dance team a priority. At least that is how I choose to interpret it. Because if you don’t make dance team your first priority, it is very hard to improve. The Harry Potter movies—there is lots of good advice. The Princess Bride. Buffy! The TV show, not the movie. I am sure there are more. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? If they are surprised by anything, I can always cover it up by saying “it’s for the dance team”. What would your team be surprised to know about you? I think they would be shocked by the vast amount of time I spend thinking about them, discussing them, creating choreography for them, coming up with ways to motivate them, their health, their conditioning, thinking about costumes, their make-up, their hair, praying they don’t get injured or get mono, thinking about next season, etc. when I am not actually with them and when I should be studying. Anything else you’d like to share? I wish the OSAA and local TV would get together to provide coverage of state teams from all the venues. They should at least show each champion and runner up team in each division. I think the DDCA needs to push for more media coverage of dance team in the local papers and TV news outlets. It would be nice if the State Championship program, where it lists the past winners, would also list the theme. I think the DDCA should eliminate the minimum team size requirement for the 1A-3A division and for first-year teams. I wish that someone would compile a “Complete History of Oregon Dance Team”. Maybe it would make a good fund raiser? I’d volunteer my Mom to write it. Sorry, Mom, but you could do it!! I continue to be deeply concerned by the number of teams that we loose each year. Some teams come back, but many never do. There are lots of schools that have dance teams but they choose not to compete and we should encourage them to join us. I think we really need to make retaining teams and bringing in new ones a top priority, before we dwindle down and become the “I-5 Championships”. We also need to provide more resources for new coaches. Some of them are just barely older than their dancers. Coaching is hard work, but so rewarding. But to keep dance team viable, we need to retain the teams and coaches that we have and continue to bring in more. Brooke Badinger Where are you from? Spokane, WA Family? BF Miles and Bowser the dog :) COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 3 years What teams have you coached / worked with? Lakeridge High School What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am currently the coach of the Pacer Dance Team and member of the DDCA. In the future, it is my hope to assume a greater leadership role. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? - All Star Cheerleader 2000-2002 - NFL/AFL Pro-Bowl Performer 2001 - Top three placement of my team at every competition thus far! What keeps you involved in dance team? The love of dance, children and leadership! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? The fact that it is often not recognized and/or supported as a competitive sport. Best coaching advice? Never stop learning! As a third year coach I am still able to gain greater understanding of the sport and Oregon competition. I love research, advice, experience, etc. What was your favorite coaching moment? The 2009-2010 season as a whole. I am in my third year with the team and feeling as though I am finally acquiring knowledge of the Oregon dance world. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? Many! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a member of the Ferris High School Dance Team, Spokane, WA. Do you have any other dance experience? Eight years of studio dance - jazz and ballet. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Graduate student working toward obtaining my Master of Arts of Teaching in Secondary Education (MS/HS); Spanish and English Language Development. It seems like a job at times :) Hobbies outside of dance team? Exploring Oregon, playing with Bowser, bowling, dancing, camping, games, hosting parties, cooking, traveling, fantasy football, and teaching. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Organize. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Loud! What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? The Office...”Is that what she said?” What would your team be surprised to know about you? The amount of time I commit as the sole coach of LHS dance. Allison Ziarnik (formerly Negus) Where are you from? Portland, OR - now live in Beaverton, OR Family? Yep, I got one! - My wonderful husband Jason who puts up with my dance team talk - A little Baby Ziarnik on the way! (Due Feb 20th) - Parents Len & Linda (Who still love dance team) - Sister Shannon (She coaches Parkrose!) and her husband Dan - Two Cats, Zuzu & Bailey, and One dog, Moxie COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 7 What teams have you coached / worked with? - 2 Years Coaching Lakeridge - 5 Years Coaching Franklin - 4 Years doing HAIR for Parkrose What is your current involvement in the DDCA? As a 10 year DDCA member - I am currently more involved with the Judges Affiliation as a Certified Overall Effect Judge. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? PIL Coach of the year What keeps you involved in dance team? It is in my blood! Even though I don’t coach anymore, I love being around it, judging every weekend and helping teams become better at what they do. Plus my sister’s team let’s me hang out! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Bleacher Butt? Oregonlive.com? How would you define success in coaching a dance team? I will refer to the coaching staff that I feel does a spectacular job at what they do - a little known team called the “Elite”. Success to them comes in small and large occurrences, such as beating their scores from the week before and getting all of their props to hit at the same time. Their dancers trust their coaches, which is a huge success for all those who work with teenagers. Success is also being able to win 2nd place at State 5 years in a row and still watch their kids celebrate on the floor with the 1st place team. Best coaching advice? Ask for help. You are all out here trying to do the same thing - to be successful and help your kids grow as dancers and as people. And the great thing is - the other coaches have been thru it and they are almost all willing to help! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Get your Athletic Director on your side. Gym time is like gold - and they need to know that you are worth giving it to. What do you feel your strengths are? Honesty, Creativity Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Music usually comes first - but really - think about your team first. How mature are they dance wise will help determine how intellectual can you get before they won’t buy into it. Then look at music - can the kids keep up with the style that will be demanded from the music. If you are show - can they maneuver a bunch of props or perform & act? If you are dance drill, will the music keep the audience interested? What kind of music usually inspires you? It is usually something that makes me want to move just listening to it. As a judge, if you can get me groovin’ and tapping my foot - you are on the right path! What was your favorite coaching moment? My favorite coaching moments have actually come after I have stopped coaching. Seeing the kids years later and hearing how something I did as their coach has helped them in other aspects of their life - it is humbling! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Falling all the way down the bleachers during practice - it hurt and it was funny! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Heck Yea! Where? Parkrose When? 94-97 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? State 1996 - final night, crouching on the floor of the Coliseum, holding my sisters hand as they played our music for first place. I will never, ever forget that! Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? - Most prepared every year! - Most likely to coach - Most likely to Judge Most embarrassing dance team moment? Driving to our Captain/Coaches Beach trip and yelling out the window “Hello Astoria!” - we were actually in Seaside… Do you have any other dance experience? My sister and I used to make up routines and force our parents to watch - our poor parents! LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? - Sales manager at The Governor Hotel - Downtown Portland - Owner - Hair I Am - Wedding/Formal Hair - Soon to be Mother of One Hobbies outside of dance team? Camping, Sewing, Crafting, coming up with hair ideas for dance team…oh wait - that is dance team related… If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Build a huge facility for dance teams to practice in - I have already pictured it! Then I would travel. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Honestly - some of the most fun and relaxing times have been when I get together with other dance team folks and we just talk about the routines we have seen. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Ha - Outgoing How would a good friend describe you? Outspoken, loyal & giving How would your dance team describe you? Tough yet caring What book would you suggest everybody read? The Twilight Series - so fantastic What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Probably Grey’s Anatomy What would your team be surprised to know about you? As I don’t have a team - they may be surprised to know that I am pregnant! Jennifer Wilson Where are you from? Damascus, OR Family? Boyfriend Darren, Daughters Alyssa 12 and Gracie 4 COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 7 years What teams have you coached / worked with? Gresham High School What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Coach Awards or achievements you’ve earned? 2008 Mt Hood Conference Advisor of the Year, 2009 Activities Advisor of the Year at Gresham High School What keeps you involved in dance team? I love working with the dancers and seeing them grow through the years. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Dealing with difficult parents and not getting support from the school. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Having a team that grows and feels they did their best. Best coaching advice? I have been given a lot of advice over the years and can’t really say one thing. I love to get advice from veteran coaches. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Make sure all coaches are on the same page for coaching styles. Having a solid coaching staff What do you feel your strengths are? I am very organized and focused. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? I leave the music to my choreographers but I love to give input. What was your favorite coaching moment? Placing 2nd at State 2008 Most embarrassing dance team moment? Having my team watch my dance videos from when I was on dance team. I will never live that one down. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I admire a lot of DDCA members so it would be hard to pick one. I try to get to know people so I can learn from them. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a Gresham Rhythmette from 1984 to 1988 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Going to Disneyland and competing in California Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Captain my senior year. Most embarrassing dance team moment? Falling in Kick line at the Rex Putnam Competition my freshman year. No judges made a comment! Do you have any other dance experience? I took studio dance of ballet, jazz, and tap from age 3 to 14 years old and 4 years on dance team. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Secretary at Gresham High School and being a mom Hobbies outside of dance team? Watching my daughters dance and spending time with my family. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would be a stay at home mom and spend all my time with my daughters. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Workout and read. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Outgoing How would a good friend describe you? A good listener How would your dance team describe you? Strict What book would you suggest everybody read? I don’t read a lot of books. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I never quote. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Grease soundtrack What would your team be surprised to know about you? I think the only thing they don’t know is I won a contest at a bar when I was 21 and young. Anything else you’d like to share? I really enjoyed this and I read them all to learn about others. I love this idea! Robin Meier Where are you from? Born in Napa California, but lived in Oregon almost my whole life. Family? My husband of 20 years, Chris, two wonderful daughters Lexi, 15 and Belle 12 COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 15 Wow! What teams have you coached / worked with? Coached at McKay High school for 5 years, 10th year here at Stayton. I have worked with many teams doing forms for them. Colton, South Albany, Silverton, Wilsonville, a few others I can’t remember right now. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am a coach right now. I started judging before I got into coaching. I also used to help with the state competition, set up, practice times, etc. (that was a long time ago!) Awards or achievements you’ve earned? I was an all state member. Back then it was called all-star member! That sounds so funny to me now. I was named coach of the year in 2005. State championships with my teams. What keeps you involved in dance team? I absolutely love it! I love almost everything about it. I love seeing kids eyes light up when they get something for the first time. I love the creative process. I love having an idea in my head, and watching my dancers bring it to life. That is so cool!!! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Any kind of drama. Team members or parents. Fundraising!!!!!! Hate it! How would you define success in coaching a dance team? There are different kinds of success. You find it day to day at practice in the little things that the kids accomplish. If you can walk off that floor knowing you gave everything you had, and held nothing back, then that is success. And hey it may not be the most popular answer or politically correct, but I think that big blue trophy is pretty darn cool too! ? Best coaching advice? You can’t please everybody. Don’t even try. Do what you say you were going to do, no matter what!!! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Agree to disagree with some people. Don’t get so attached to a certain part in your routine that you stop seeing the whole picture. I am still telling myself this every year! What do you feel your strengths are? Loving my team unconditionally. Being able to motivate them when they think they don’t have any more to give. Forms and staging. Making those “moments” happen. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Inspiration is EVERYWHERE! A commercial on t.v., a song, a movie, a costume you see in a book. Sometimes the music will spark the theme, sometimes the theme comes first. There is no right way. What kind of music usually inspires you? I have to have something that builds, and has change of pace in it. I get too bored if it doesn’t take me on a ride. What was your favorite coaching moment? I have many, but watching my daughter dance as a Highlight for the first time last year was at the top of the list. I waited 15 years for that moment, and it was priceless! Also winning coach of the year in 2005 after having the toughest season I have ever coached. It was so rewarding. Most embarrassing dance team moment? Well, I have many of those too, but probably being at a practice time at a competition, and tumbling down the bleachers as I was yelling at my team. I never dropped the microphone though!! ? Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I know there are, but I can’t think of any right now. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was on the Stayton Highlights dance team my junior and senior year 1985-1987 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Winning state my senior year and making all-state. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? All-state my senior year, captain, state championship senior year. Most embarrassing dance team moment? My senior year, my boy friend came to watch me dance for the first time (my husband now) I totally forget like two 8 cts. In the routine. I had never done that before, and was totally mortified!!! He didn’t even notice! Ha Ha Do you have any other dance experience? Nope. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I’m a stay at home mom. Hobbies outside of dance team? I like to run and work out. Hangin’ with my family. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Same thing I do now, but I would build my own gym, so we could practice whenever we wanted (it would have no basketball hoops in it! Hee Hee) buy my own bus, and hire a driver. Oh, and travel all over the world! I want to go to Greece and Egypt before I die. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Workout!!! Eat chocolate. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Outgoing!!! How would a good friend describe you? Loyal, trustworthy, love to laugh. How would your dance team describe you? Driven, passionate, hard working, loving, organized!!!! The flyer queen ? What book would you suggest everybody read? I don’t have time to read very much, but I love romance novels. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I don’t really do that. I’m a loser. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? I don’t think they would be surprised by anything I have. I have a little bit of everything. What would your team be surprised to know about you? That sometimes I need a break too. But I don’t know what to do with myself when I have one! Anything else you’d like to share? That coaching has been such a blessing in my life, and I can’t imagine where my life would be without this crazy experience. Hillary McClintick Where are you from? Oregon Family? Husband, Ryan (8 yrs.) Daughter, Hallie Anne (3 months) COACHING LIFE Number of years you've coached? 5 What teams have you coached / worked with? Sheldon Dance Team, Eugene, OR Springfield Dance Team, Springfield, OR University of Oregon Cheer Other high school cheer/dance teams (Crane, Pleasant Hill, South Salem) What is your current involvement in the DDCA Sheldon DT coach. I help with the new t-shirt fundraiser. Awards or achievements you've earned? Miss Thunderbird 1998, Val Bell Kimmel Award (for leadership in the community), FORD Scholar What keeps you involved in dance team? I love to dance, and I enjoy the girls on my team What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Forms/staging! (just joking.or am I?) The amount of time I spend on the computer. Having to fundraise all the time How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When my dancers feel good about what they have accomplished, and they have grown as a person and a dancer Best coaching advice? Keep your focus on making dance team a positive experience that each dancer will cherish and remember forever. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? What haven't I learned!...I'm sure a lot as I continue to strive for improvement. (That is a hard one!) What do you feel your strengths are? Choreography on the spot Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? I wish I knew! I will make sure to read these each time someone new is posted, so I can learn from them. What kind of music usually inspires you? Something with a strong instrumental and vocal. What was your favorite coaching moment? 2007-2008 season - I learned a lot about what people can do when you believe in them! I learned a lot from the dancers on my team that year. My dancers showed me how to become a better coach, and I feel good about that season. Most embarrassing dance team moment? My third year of coaching we were having a "bad" day, and I can recall "raising my voice" more often than not. Unbeknown to me, I sat, to tape on the top bleacher, on a piece of gum, which was then stuck - right in the middle - of my rear-end. I can remember marching down the bleachers to let them have it, only to turn my back to go back up and tape, and hear my team bust up laughing. As you can imagine, "nothing" was funny at the moment, as I already stated, this was a very serious practice. As it turns out it was the comic relief we all needed, and my dancers won't let me forget it. They have continued to pass down the story - in full detail - to the new dancers each year. I guess memories like that are just too priceless to let go!!! Is there another DDCA member you don't know, but admire? Many. I don't really know anyone! HISTORY'S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Sisters High School - Dance Team 1994-1996 (I got to start in the 8th grade for football routines) Springfield High School - 1997-1999 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Driving down to California to go to camp one year. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Miss Thunderbird 1998, 3rd in State Individuals (Cheer), Team Awards Most embarrassing dance team moment? Acting like a spoiled brat in high school when things didn't go my way! Arguing with my mother/coach! Do you have any other dance experience? I took a few months of studio in the 6th grade and again in the12th grade. Ballet for 1.25 years in middle school LET'S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher Next Step Dance Studio (small studio in my home) Summer Institutes Coordinator for Springfield and Hillsboro We co-own an outdoor wedding site Hobbies outside of dance team? Reading, Crafts, Exercising and Going to the beach If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Same, Travel more, Not really sure! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Work out and sleep In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? outgoing How would a good friend describe you? ? How would your dance team describe you? Crazy! AMAZING singer!!! I should ask them that! They call me wonder woman (but I think that is code for "you do too much" - which is no longer true!) What book would you suggest everybody read? It depends on what you like. I like anything by Francine Rivers or Dee Henderson, John Grisham. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Friends (embarrassing, but true!) What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? They would be surprised to see I actually own one! I am horrible with music and way behind in technology! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I'm not sure. I don't think there is anything surprising about me. Anything else you'd like to share? No, thanks! Laurie Van Alstyne Where are you from? Vancouver, WA (but I’ll always consider myself an Oregonian) COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? Finished my 7th in 2008-2009 What teams have you coached / worked with? Parkrose!! What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I’m a coach and Drill Down Caller. What keeps you involved in dance team? I’d be bored if I didn’t do it! Ha ha!! No, really it’s the kids and my fellow coaches. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? lazy dancers How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When you see growth in your team and they feel proud of what they put out on the floor. What do you feel your strengths are? Organization, calling drill down, remembering things, NOT Hip Hop!! ;-) Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Listen to my fellow coaches….that’s not really my strength, but I will give my opinion. ? What kind of music usually inspires you? Something original and with a good beat! What was your favorite coaching moment? This past year (2008-2009) was probably walking behind my team as they walked out to perform their state routine the first time of the year at Canby. The focus and determination they chose to have this year was so different for Parkrose, but awesome! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I admire LOTS of DDCA members. Too many to list! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Parkrose High School 1993-1996 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Winning State my senior year. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Captain my senior year, All-State 1996, Thunderbird All-Star, Best Listener all 4 years! 4th Place (should have been 1st place) State Drill Down 1994 Most embarrassing dance team moment? When I fell on my rear on the muddy field my freshman year during a football game. Do you have any other dance experience? I took studio (mostly tap and jazz) from the time I was about 3 until I joined high school dance team. I was on the St. Olaf Danceline in college. Currently I take random classes here and there but regularly take tap lessons. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Lead QC Specialist at the American Red Cross Portland National Testing Laboratory. I ensure the safety of our nations blood supply. ? I’m also a one day a week nanny to my fellow coach Caysie’s son. ;-) Hobbies outside of dance team? Walking, hanging out with my dog, listening to music, traveling, tap dancing If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Travel, volunteer, and take classes. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Sleep, listen to music, go for a walk In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Shy How would your dance team describe you? Prepared, dedicated, caring, sincere. What book would you suggest everybody read? The Last Lecture What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I don’t really quote things but I do LOVE “The Office!” What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? “The Carpenters” maybe? Jewel Ford Where are you from? Portland, OR Family? Mom, Dad and Grandma COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 2008-2009 was my first year. What teams have you coached / worked with? The Grant Gendrills What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Dance Coach Awards or achievements you’ve earned? Graduate of the University of Oregon, BS Sociology ‘08 What keeps you involved in dance team? There is nothing like it. My passion for dancing, creating and knowing what an impact it has on the lives of my girls. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Politics and hairspray How would you define success in coaching a dance team? It’s still all so new to me. I’ll find myself successful when as a team we have improved from fall to state, when we have put something together that my dancers can be proud of and when I have provided a fun, learning atmosphere for them. Best coaching advice? Tigard’s coach, Dave, told me about his DVD rule: all dancers must be at practice unless there is death, vomiting or diarrhea. Hahaha… oh classic! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Take a hard look at your dancers and emphasize what they can do while masking what they can’t. Get creative and showcase the best attributes in each one, because every dancer has something to offer. Avoid idolizing other teams; you have what you need in front of you. Avoid the hairspray. What do you feel your strengths are? I’m still learning what they are. I got rhythm. ? Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Still learning that too. I turn on the radio and listen. Pandora Radio. Keep your eyes and ears open. You’ll be surprised what inspires you. What kind of music usually inspires you? Any and everything. I do love drums though. What was your favorite coaching moment? There are so many!! Watching the Grand Finale at state was amazing to me! Up until then, I had always been on the floor doing it and had never seen it from the audience. Too fresh! Most embarrassing dance team moment? I don’t think I have had one yet coaching. Stay tuned… Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I admire those who have created a solid program. Not necessarily the winners, but those who have a solid foundation. I’m learning that can take years to create HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Grant Gendrills 2000-2004 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Placing 3rd at state my sophomore year. It had been such a hard year, so it was really satisfying to know Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Gendrill of the Year 2003, Most Inspirational, Smile Award, Projection Award Thunderbird Dance Camp awards and hat winner. Most embarrassing dance team moment? My junior year my costume came loose, and I had to shimmy off the floor towards some guys, with my shirt half off. Almost gave the audience a show! Ugh. Do you have any other dance experience? I had been taking African Dance since I was 8. Dance Team for 4 years. Modern, Ballet, Jazz and African Dance at University of Oregon. Hip-Hop performance at UO 2007. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Administrative Assistant for The Arc Brokerage Services. The Brokerage assists adults with developmental disabilities. Hobbies outside of dance team? Outside of dancing?? LOL If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would open up my own arts center and studio. A place to express and teach dance, music, singing, art etc. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I dance. I jot down choreography too when I’m bored. I love to sing. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Outgoing!! How would a good friend describe you? Funny, outgoing and old. Several of my friends call me grandma. (I’m 22 yrs old) How would your dance team describe you? “You’re a good match for our team because you’re weird too” –The girls the night of state. What book would you suggest everybody read? Redeeming Love What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Golden Girls. I love that show! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? They would be surprised that I’m on a mission to get Reba McEntire’s CD “Duets”! What would your team be surprised to know about you? They were surprised to find out that I have sickle cell anemia, and that there was a port in my chest. That was a fun practice, everyone coming up to me trying to touch my chest. Haha! Anything else you’d like to share? I’m looking forward to another year of coaching! Kimberly Bittick Where are you from? Waldport, Oregon Family? Married with 5 kids COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 2 What teams have you coached / worked with? Waldport Pacific Dancers I did coach little league basketball for a few years too. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Member What keeps you involved in dance team? The Kids. They are the ones that started our dance team and asked me to coach it. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? DRAMA How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Having fun Best coaching advice? Coach till it’s not fun anymore then retire What do you feel your strengths are? Listening to the team What was your favorite coaching moment? Watching the team perform and loving it HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I danced in College. Ballet and Jazz Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Performing LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Full time Mommy of 5. Homeschooling two special Ed students. Hobbies outside of dance team? Between kids, their sports, Dance, and managing the house, I enjoy SLEEP If money were no object, what would you do with your life? What I’m doing now. Next Year the Dance and cheerleading sport will be cut from our budget. I plan on volunteering to continue the programs. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Meditate In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? It depends. In some settings I am outgoing but others I'm not. How would a good friend describe you? BUSY How would your dance team describe you? Fun but can get really cranky What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Screamo - Mercury Bullet. and 30h3 Ryan Sanford Where are you from? Milwaukie Oregon Family? Mom, Dad, and an Older brother COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 3 Years since I graduated in 2006 What teams have you coached / worked with? Milwaukie, and I helped Hillsboro for state 09 What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Just coaching!! Awards or achievements you’ve earned? 2006 OSAA Allstate team member, AllStar member and Mr. Thunderbird at Thunderbird dance camp! What keeps you involved in dance team? I love to see the passion that dancers have! The creating, and watching a routine come together!! Dance is my life, the dance team world has sucked me in! haha. Just seeing all the different styles that teams bring every year! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? I hate the politics that’s with the dance team world. I’m not happy with the score sheet for the Dance/Drill teams. I know a lot of coaches are with me when I say LET’S GET A NEW SCORE SHEET!!! Haha I’m also not a fan of people saying someone’s work a.k.a choreography is bad…makes me sad How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Hmm. I’m still new with the coaching world, but I would say don’t get caught up in the drama that people try to bring you in! Have fun with your team and do what you know best. Don’t try to please others by doing something that you’re not used to! Just be you. Best coaching advice? Same as above! I’m still new and I take all the advice I could get!! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Don’t make your routines “trick” routines. I learned that the hard way. My first year coaching I wanted to com out with a BANG in the fall saying here I am! Haha so I made my teams Jazz really hard and it just didn’t work out. I learned that less is more!!! What do you feel your strengths are? I feel my strengths are putting the right choreography to the music and the beats in songs. I’m still learning and it gets better each year! My other strength is I have a photographic memory! I can remember almost every dance I have learned or I can just know what the part is that needs to be clean! I can also watch a routine a few times and know it like that! I know it’s weird! Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Coming up with a theme is always hard! You always want to be original with your theme!! That’s the hard part! Either get your theme all planned out and then find your music, or I find a song that I love and go off that!! What kind of music usually inspires you? I love music! My style has gone more contemporary, and I’m finding a lot of slower songs that still has a def. beat to it, so it could still be fast at some parts! I’m still a freak for the dark/angry songs out there! I love thrash jazz! I love find weird songs with different sounds inspiring me! What was your favorite coaching moment? Having My Team get 5th last year in the 6a Large Division with 15 girls on the floor competing with teams of 48 girls on the floor! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Going Back to My Freshman Year first round at state forgetting an 8 count and being lost! =[ Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? Umm I would just say I admire all the coaches with big teams! It’s hard for me to choreograph to 16 dancers. I give them props for doing that with 30 plus dancers and coming up with cool formations/ripples! I’m a sucker for ripples HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Milwaukie High School Pony Prancers! 2002-2006 I was dared o try out for my school dance team. I was going to do soccer and track but my dance friends dared me when we were in 8th dance class in jr. high, so I did and got the letter saying I made it and my mom forced me to be on the dance team for one year saying “ you made it, so now you have to do it for one year” and after that year I was hooked!! Yay for my mom Fondest memory from your time on dance team? I have 2. The first one is placing 5th in state my senior year after ten years of the team not placing! My second one is being asked my senior year to choreograph one song of our state routine!!! It meant a lot knowing that the coaches believed I could do it! It was only like 30 secs. I think, but it was amazing! Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Pony Prancer of the year my junior and senior year, voted by the team!! Most Helpful my Freshman year Most Likely to become a Choreographer my Junior and Senior. Allstar Team Member at Thunderbird Dance Camp Junior and Senior year. Mr.Thunderbird at Thunderbird Dance Camp 2006 OSAA Allstate Team Member Most embarrassing dance team moment? Another moment not so embarrassing but kinda for me! is when my name was called for allstate me running down the stairs I cried, and watching the state tape and finding that out of all the girls and me who got allstate I was the only one who cried.. =[ haha Do you have any other dance experience? After Dance team I trained with Michelle McKenny at Dance Vision for 8 months! Then I Joined Pure Dance Co. Under the Direction of Sonya Duffin, been training with her and the company since!! LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Well I was working at Starbucks. Currently I’m without a job other than dance team.. but soon I will be working again! Hobbies outside of dance team? I love anything outdoors! I’m an adventure Junky If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Hum… I would move somewhere that’s always warm. And have a big pool!! Idk. haha What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Honestly I dance to get the stress out! I am most creative when I’m stressed out! And I watch movies or old dance tapes to relax or going to the beach is my one way to relax! In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? I’m shy when I’m learning something new, but I’m an outgoing person! I love to have as much fun as I can! How would a good friend describe you? I’m a real down to earth goofy person How would your dance team describe you? Haha they would say I’m crazy and weird! haha What book would you suggest everybody read? I’m not much of a reader but I would say the twilight series. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? That would be Will And Grace!!!!!! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? That’s a hard one! I like music of all kinds, but I would say I have an old Brooks and Dunn CD! =] What would your team be surprised to know about you? I have no clue. They all know me well! Anything else you’d like to share? I would say Life is the best thing! Don’t regret anything. Karalee Kyllo Canby, Oregon….Coach Molalla High Dance team Family? Married to Eric and have a son and a daughter COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 1989 to current What teams have you coached / worked with? Molalla High frosh. JV, Varsity CHEERLEADING coach from 1989-1993. Gladstone Danceteam coach 1993-1994, Molalla High JV and Varsity DANCETEAM coach from 1994 to current. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? DDCA Board member since 2000 to current, DDCA Conference director 2001-current, DDCA/OSAA Technical Commissioner/Committee 2004-2008, Tech Judge & Tech Trainer 2005-current DDCA Member as coach since 1993 to current. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? DDCA Service Award 2005, DDCA Coach of the year 2006 What keeps you involved in dance team? Love of dance and difference it makes in team members life. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Politics, small teams being put in with teams 2 to 3 times their size at state championships. Also, Molalla does let our season start until Nov. so we are 3 months behind everyone else we compete with. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? If I can make a difference for a kid on my team, create a sense of accomplishment and fun memory for a life time. The “dance family” is sometimes the best family experience my kids get. Best coaching advice? Take time for each kid, make them find their strengths and show them how to set goals to achieve improvement and be proud of accomplishments. DO your best, that’s all we can ask. Talk to other coaches and ask for help or suggestions form ones you admire, you never know enough What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Avoid critiquing other teams. Be supportive and if a coach asks for your opinion give it to them with possible suggestions of how to possibly improve it. Never think you know it all, because just when you think you have figured out what the Judges want, it changes. LAUGH at your mistakes, it makes it easier to accept and move on from for you and your team What do you feel your strengths are? Themes, costuming, support to other coaches, rules and regulations, fundraising, organization, choreography for all types of dance but lyrical Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Keep a note book to write down ANY idea, no matter how stupid it seems. Go back and look at list when you find a movie, music or even a costume that inspires you. Look at anything as an inspiration….don’t limit your thinking. I have even found inspiration in my kid’s cartoons!! What kind of music usually inspires you? Fast paced music, unique sounds or accents What was your favorite coaching moment? When one of my Alumni come up to me and say ”I loved Dance team and our traditions so much, thank you for such a fun and memorable experience.” Most embarrassing dance team moment? When I got coach of the Year…..everyone was looking at me …I felt bloated..Hah!! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I admire Criss Burgess, Shannon Negus, Jeanne Peterson, Sarah Anderson, Hillary McClintick, Linda Sharon, Kurt Jull, Bj Cerny, Debbie Bujanski and Anne Ellett. To name a few HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Molalla High Dance Team from 1985-1989 Team captain 1988-89-YEAH!! Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Senior year, 1989, Molalla Danceteam placed for the first time in history at state championships. We won 2nd place Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Most talkative team member (oops!!), team captain 1988-89, Most inspirational dancer 1987 & 1988, Most Valuable dancer 1989 Most embarrassing dance team moment? Freshman year, half time during a basketball game, my partner did a cartwheel too close to me and kicked me in the face (nose to be exact) I kept on dancing but only saw spots for the rest of the performance Do you have any other dance experience? Been dancing in studios since the age of 6. Started out tap, then did tap and jazz. In high school started to take hip-hop-funk dance classes. I continue to take hip-hop-funk, jazz, lyrical and now contemporary dance classes LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Started Nordstrom at 16 years old. Worked my way up to the Buying offices, Worked as a buyer for Nordstrom downtown PDX. Stopped working after I had my first child. Worked at Nordstrom for 16 years Hobbies outside of dance team? Coach baseball teams, event coordinator for various events, volunteer for kid’s school, PTA, and Tech Judge Program, TRAVEL whenever possible. Class reunion coordinator for my class of 1989 If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Travel the world and put on HUGE EVENTS for all different kinds of things What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Massage or spa treatments or curl up with my hubby or kids and watch movies, read a book. Possibly go out to dinner with friends and catch up In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Very outgoing How would a good friend describe you? Spaz at times, loving, social, outgoing, friendly, can’t go anywhere without me seeing someone I know How would your dance team describe you? Friend, mentor (I hope), caring, takes time for everyone, competitive, supportive, problem solver, open minded, outgoing, spaz at times What book would you suggest everybody read? The Chris Farley show. Really interesting about his life, career, and all of the people that he crossed paths with. I am a HUGE SNL fan What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? SNL What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Harry Connick, Jr. ALL OF HIS CD”S…I LOVE HIM!! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I seem to put my Danceteam before any job, project or even vacation. BUT I do NOT put it before my family commitments, most of the time. Ha Anything else you’d like to share? I would love to know how be able to figure out how to take my team of beginners and get them up to the level of my experienced dancers in a shorter amount of time. It takes us about 3 months to get there; I need it done in 1 month. Maybe the answer is to start in August. Can anyone talk to my school district for me? Ha! Jennifer Lunzman I grew up in Banks but currently live in Beaverton. Family? Not yet, much to my mothers dismay. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 8 total, 5 of which I have been a head coach What teams have you coached / worked with? I have coached at Banks and Gaston Jr. High (waaay back when). And I have worked with Scappoose, Forest Grove and Westview. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am a member of the DDCA board as the New Coaches Liaison & Awards Coordinator. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? The Crack Kills Award – My girls gave it to me. My behind likes to peek out as I turn on the music at practice sometimes… What keeps you involved in dance team? Other than being completely obsessed? The love of the sport, the girls and the friends I have made. It has been such a huge part of my life, I can’t imagine not being involved some way or another. Plus I love seeing the dancers grow. The accomplishments made from beginning to end, even in one year, are truly amazing and I love being a part of that. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? The politics and competitiveness. And the lack of communication that occurs consistently. I think our organization’s focus has shifted so much in the past few years – it is hard to stay focused on the positive aspects and to just create fun and entertaining routines and not get “mixed up” in all of the drama. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Giving them everything you have to create a wholesome, fun and entertaining season. Providing opportunities for each dancer to grow and develop as a dancer, person and with their friends whether it be on the floor or in choreography – anything to help them grow. Best coaching advice? Be a coach first and a friend second. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. I would never have made it, or continue to coach, without knowing help is there – you just need to ask. Don’t be afraid to bounce ideas around or seek outside assistance. Someone might be able to give my team something I cannot – why not give them as much as possible whether it is done by me or someone else? What do you feel your strengths are? Cleaning a routine and knowing my team well enough to balance what they can and can’t handle. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? No clue! I struggle every year and it always comes to me when I hear a song or a piece of music that I instantly have forms and choreo to in my head. What kind of music usually inspires you? Upbeat or quirky. What was your favorite coaching moment? When we have those practices that go right and the girls are goofing off and I don’t care because we all are so happy and we want to be there. And the feeling after 2nd round at state last year – I was so proud of the team! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Well, I already told you about the Crack Kills award… LOL HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Yes! I was a Banks Lady Brave from 1994-1998! Fondest memory from your time on dance team? The everlasting motivational tape Peggy made us stretch to every practice that is still played to this day at dance camp every year. That tape and I have a love/hate relationship… that and my first football game as a freshmen – it doesn’t get any better than that! Do you have any other dance experience? Just dance team in high school and a class here and there. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I work in Human Resources for Tuality in Hillsboro. Hobbies outside of dance team? Reading and baking. I have taken cake decorating classes and have done a few weddings. As stressful as it is, I enjoy the entire process – go figure! I also love to go camping and love, love, love the beach. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Travel the world. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Personally: talk to a friend or ignore it. Dance team wise: get silly. Some of the best practices are the ones where we turn on a song and free dance, throw water balloons or just take a time out before trying it again or moving on. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? It depends. I can be a little of both. Usually shy at first then outgoing. How would a good friend describe you? Helpful and dorky. I am the biggest dork I know! And Honest. Sometimes to a fault, but you know you will always get an honest answer from me. How would your dance team describe you? Positive and dorky. :O) What book would you suggest everybody read? Tuesday’s with Morrie, Marley and Me, and My Sister’s Keeper. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? I don’t think they would. I have everything from NIN to Michael Buble to Garth Brooks. I think they would be surprised at my love of 80’s music, Oldies and heavy metal. What would your team be surprised to know about you? Nothing I could say or do would shock. And I don’t know if it is a good or a bad thing. :) Anything else you’d like to share? Always smile – no matter what. The team can read into your emotions and stress more than I think we know. Why stress them more if you can avoid it. Plus smiles are prettier than frowns. Sonya Duffin Where are you from? Born in Essex England, Moved to California at age 9 and Portland OR in 2002! Family? Very Single! ? Dance is my life… COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? I have been teaching dance for over 15 years. What teams have you coached / worked with? I work with a variety of dance teams helping with technique, choreography, and training, as well as instruct workshops and camps. My goal is to help as many teams and dancers have the tools to be their best. Some of the teams I have helped in the past include: Colton, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Reynolds, Lakeridge, Stayton, Lincoln, Parkrose, Burns, Columbia River (WA), Wilsonville, Barlow, Gresham, Silverton, Oregon City, Evergreen (WA), and Cleveland! What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I enjoy helping teams with technique and choreography. Teaching workshops and camps. Developing training programs, dance fitness guidance or simply just lending support and guidance to coaches. I recently accepted a position with Chelle Watt at Wilsonville High School. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? BA in Theater and Dance from Santa Clara University Dance Scholarship Recipient ACE Personal Trainer Certification Pilates Instruction Certification What keeps you involved in dance team? I love teaching dance and inspiring so many dancers to follow their dreams, work hard for their goals and be their best! There is something magical about dance team and the life lessons that it instills in its participants. Dance team really helps build self-esteem, work ethic and pride. Dance has brought me so much happiness and success in my life- I think of it as my little way of giving back to the world. I hope that I can spread my passion to others. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? That competition exists and there has to be a score sheet and a winner. Dance is beautiful, athletic, and strong YET a subjective art form. It is hard that teams are judged and that one team has to take 1st! Dance is difficult to judge and critique objectively. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Dancers have pride in what they do, who they are and the beauty that they put on the floor. Best coaching advice? Don’t try to please everyone! Stick to your beliefs and be strong. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Know who to trust, don’t take on too much, don’t be afraid to ask for help and set up a support system for yourself! What do you feel your strengths are? Choreography and Dance Training! My weakness – cleaning! I hate it! Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Think outside of the box, try not limit yourself and find something different that moves or inspires you. What kind of music usually inspires you? Usually anything but COUNTRY! What was your favorite coaching moment? Knowing that your team is working together and proud of what they have accomplished! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I really admire everyone that has played a part in making the Oregon dance team program such a success. I missed out on the excitement of being on a dance team and wished that I had that opportunity growing up in California! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? St. Francis High School Cheerleader, Mountain View CA. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Privilege of Choreographing dances and Camp! Do you have any other dance experience? I took my first dance class at age 11. I was hooked immediately! I trained at numerous dance studios, majored in dance at SCU, performed professionally, attended dance conventions and master classes, trained at the Edge in LA and recently traveled to the Broadway Dance Center in NY. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Fitness Director, Fit Factory/PGE Co-Coach, Junior BlazerDancers Dance Instructor, Elite Dance Studio Dance Instructor, Portland Community College Artistic Director, Pure Dance Company Hobbies outside of dance team? In my free time I enjoy taking dance class (I know I have problems!), watching movies, listening to great music, cooking healthy food, traveling, and making jewelry. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would dance and teach all day long! Probably not in Portland, somewhere fabulous like the Hawaiian islands! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Long baths and massages! In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Painfully SHY! How would a good friend describe you? Honest, loyal, sarcastic, quiet, workaholic What book would you suggest everybody read? The Secret What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Mean Girls, Princess Bride, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Cat Stevens- I love it! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I have many fears…OH yeah and I am not a natural red head! ? Anything else you’d like to share? I love being a part of the dance team community! If I don’t know you then I would love to meet you. Denise Harris Where are you from? Born and raised in Milwaukie, OR. Coaching at Gladstone High School in Gladstone, OR. Family? Married to Casey Harris for 4 years. Incredibly close to my parents, brothers, sister-in-law, and nieces. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 11 years What teams have you coached / worked with? Gladstone High School What is your current involvement in the DDCA? : I served on the board for 1 year. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? Coach of the Year 2008 What keeps you involved in dance team? I love working with the kids and I love to dance. Coaching has made me a better person. Better than I ever thought I would be. Being a coach has held me to a higher standard. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Politics and trying to please everyone. I still haven’t totally accepted that I can’t make everyone happy. I still give it a shot every year! Nevertheless, I am able to recognize that it’s nearly impossible. That’s where fairness and consistency come into play. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? The growth of your program and the dancers that keep coming back for more. I do think that being successful at local competitions and at state are definitive, however, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Best coaching advice? I think the best advice I received came from my mother. She has always said that kids need fairness and consistency. Once I consciously implemented these in my program, I found things ran much smoother. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Don’t focus on being the their friend. They are in need of a mentor and a coach, not a buddy. What do you feel your strengths are? I am fair, energetic, and a good teacher (can I say that without sounding conceited?). I like to think provide a positive atmosphere. I am the first one to admit my mistakes. I never shift the blame. I take responsibility for my actions. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? I usually have a song in mind that moves me and then build around it. There are songs that have been special to me for years that I have been able to use for state or the category season. It’s great because these songs have stayed with me over time and once they’re out of my system, I can move on to the next one that I love. In my opinion, it is virtually impossible to create a good show using music that you are not excited about. You gotta love it in order to get a great final product! What kind of music usually inspires you? Upbeat, loud music with deep bass or music that conveys a strong message. When I hear something and I can’t sit still, I know it’s a keeper. What was your favorite coaching moment? Receiving Coach of the Year and turning around to wave at my team, only to find that they were already down on the floor, running toward me with their arms wide open. It was the best moment. It was then that I knew I was doing something right. Most embarrassing dance team moment? I have been coaching for 11 years, so there was a period of time that I was single. My team would try to set me up with “hot” teachers at Gladstone. Sooooo embarrassing!! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I really like Criss Burgess because she is so funny and talented. I mean, who doesn’t look forward to the hand dance at camp, just to hear her stories? I do know her, but not very well. I am convinced, however, that if she really knew me, we would be best friends forever! (Is this creepy?) HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a 4-year member of the Milwaukie High School Pony Prancers from 1989-1993. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? The hair, the costumes, the make-up. All of it. I loved it all. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Oh geez, I can’t think of anything significant, but I was voted Best Showmanship and Most Talkative 2 years in a row. Imagine that! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Okay, when I was in high school, we weren’t allowed to wear underwear when we were in costume/performing. I know that sounds crazy, but NOBODY wore underwear back then, plus the thong wasn’t yet invented. Well, maybe it was invented, but it was totally considered XXX. So, my freshman year, our coach was going over the no underwear detail and I asked, “Can we wear underwear on the bus?” Apparently, that was the stupidest question ever asked because I also got “Dumb Question Award” every single year for 4 years! I still don’t understand what was so stupid about it! Come on, I was a freshman! Do you have any other dance experience? I have been dancing forever. I started at age 4 and continued dancing until age 19. I moved to Las Vegas and took a little dance hiatus, but found my way back home to Oregon and to dancing at age 22 when I began coaching at Gladstone High School. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I work at Legacy Meridian Park Hospital. I am in Diagnostic Imaging. I would totally go into detail, but you might fall over sideways from boredom. Hobbies outside of dance team? I love to read. Books have always played a big part in my life. Shopping is a huge passion of mine; I adore clothing and accessories. I also took up running about a year ago and I find it to be very therapeutic. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Wow, tough question. I would coach Gladstone High School’s dance team and own a boutique or a bookstore. Maybe both!!! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I read, shop, or go running. :o) In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Very outgoing, which is funny because in pre-school, my mom was incredibly worried about my shyness. How would a good friend describe you? Compassionate, silly, non-judgmental, fun, energetic, and thoughtful. How would your dance team describe you? Reliable, dorky, organized, and a total square! What book would you suggest everybody read? I don’t know that it’s totally appropriate for everyone, “The Body: The Fall from Innocence” is a novella by Stephen King. It is incredibly thought provoking and bittersweet. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? The Breakfast Club or Grease What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? My friends wouldn’t be surprised about anything. I’ve got the same friends I had when I was 14 years old and they know me inside and out. But if you’re looking for something that might seem out of character, I adore Andy Williams’s Christmas album. What would your team be surprised to know about you? That I don’t always stick with the choreography that I intend to use. Sometimes I just fly by the seat of my pants and roll with it! Cheryl Baltzell Where are you from? Originally Portland (Mt. Scott area) – Newberg for 15 years Family? I have been married for 20 years to a wonderful man… My Todd is the best because he can critique “So you think you can dance” with me and he really knows what he’s talking about. I can’t share football with him like he shares dance with me. We have two beautiful children: My Joshua is a freshman at OSU, his major went from doctor to marine biologist to history teacher, and currently he wants to be a paleontologist. My Jacqueline is a freshman at Newberg High School; this was her first year on dance team… I loved spending so much time with her. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 1 year assistant, 4 years as head coach What teams have you coached / worked with? Just Newberg What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Just a member Awards or achievements you’ve earned? No dance awards but I did receive Western States Insurance recognition in 2000 for my work in child safety. What keeps you involved in dance team? I love everything about dance team and it keeps me young! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? My first thought is parents wanting to excuse dancers for poor decisions. For example: excusing their dancer from morning practice because she is attending a concert. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Never having to take attendance. Best coaching advice? Be true to yourself, have confidence as there are many ways to reach the same goal… your way works best for you. Oh, and if “your way” changes next season because of unexpected results… you just made “your way” better! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? The biggest mistake I ever made was thinking: “How hard can it be?” It’s HARD! What do you feel your strengths are? I think my strength is that I know what are NOT my strengths! I try to surround myself with positive people that know more than me. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? My husband laughs at me all the time… we’ll hear a song and he’ll turn to me (I’ll be looking like a dumb deer in the headlights) and he’ll say: “you’re choreographing right now aren’t you?” I’ll write it down, get some key words or phrases and plug them into a search engine to see what comes up. What kind of music usually inspires you? Drama Rock! I love intense guitar and drum songs that have a strong balladic lyrics. What was your favorite coaching moment? It sounds horrible but I love to throw things at the dancers. We always give team gifts the morning of competition – the parents know that these gifts should be light and unbreakable… the dancers think its fun and it keeps them on their toes. Also, large pretzel paper clips make really cool ninja throwing stars! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Dancing with my assistant coach for my dancers AND THEIR PARENTS! She’s all – fouetté, doubles and ends with a round off… then there’s me – step touch, wiggle, kick, and wiggle. Never again! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? This isn’t a fair question because I have found so much to love about the DDCA members. Traits that really stand out to me are… 1. I appreciate Sara (Lincoln) for standing at competition for every team she is competing against. 2. I just got to meet Jessica (Clackamas) what I admire about Jessica is how supportive she was to me but more important to my team. After trophies were handed out and the teams were all dancing on the floor (mind you her team had just taken 1st) Jessica came to my team to praise them… Jessica doesn’t know this but the dancer she held while pumping up my team was my daughter. I appreciate so much how during her moment Jessica made time for someone else. My girls talked about Clackamas forever! 3. Chelle (Colton/Wilsonville) for a surprise kiss when my team did well! 4. Criss (Cleveland) because she has my goofy sense of humor – Criss kind of sets my new kids up for how I run a practice. 5. Cori (Woodburn) for being my first kind face when I started… I asked a LOT of stupid questions. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Milwaukie Pony Prancer a long time ago… In my memento box I have a program that lists Peggy as head Clackamas coach. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Hearing my name when we danced for the school. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? I got a smile award to “My baby takes the morning train”. I was team secretary my junior year. Got sixth in drill at state but they didn’t give ribbons for sixth! Back then they didn’t have oblique, half faces, forward marching or by the numbers. Most embarrassing dance team moment? The year is 1983; I’m wearing traditional dance team costume… a black leotard, black tights and a fringe skirt. (Okay… traditional for 1983). We are dancing at a school assembly with sequined canes. So I’m dancing and have to flip my cane in a circle toward me and out again (like a baton twirl). My cane (sequined remember) catches on my tights… this would not have been so bad but it caught right in my crotch and it took forever to get the cane out of my crotch! Do you have any other dance experience? I danced all my life, my first dance class was an after-school program taught by college students. It was to “Love will keep us together”. I still remember a lot of it. I also took Polynesian dance for two years – I can still spin the poi balls over my head. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I teach dance after school to elementary students… they love drill too. Hobbies outside of dance team? I love movies, reading and LOVE to garden – I can spend all day outside. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Exactly what I’m doing but in a bigger house and more travel. I love my life! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Go outside. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? I am so shy; it’s hard for me to break the ice. But once you get to know me I think I’m fun to be around. How would a good friend describe you? Goofy but dependable How would your dance team describe you? Goofy Mom What book would you suggest everybody read? Anything your child asks you to read. I’ve read every Goosebumps, Fear Street, Harry Potter and Artimus Fowl. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? I always envy people that can quote movies or funny lines, my husband is one. I also wish I could remember jokes. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Probably the alternative rock, I love My Chemical Romance, AFI, Disturbed, System of a Down. Oh, I LOVE Joe Cocker… my kids actually hid my tape once ‘cuz they were so tired of listening to it in the car! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I was young once… I jumped off of High Rocks as a teen – I would NEVER do that again! Anything else you’d like to share? I love the spirit of competition but in dance team you find also a spirit of support and connectivity. This atmosphere finds its way down to our dancers. I love it when they make a new friend on an opposing team, I love it when a coach will stop my dancers and say good job. I also love that when ever I leave my choreography notes in the living room I find that my husband has added the “butter-churn” to my routine… I couldn’t coach if not for the support of my husband. I love My Todd! Meredith Larson From? All over! New Jersey, Virginia, London, Texas, and Washington, but currently living in Gresham Family? Two wonderful parents, and one older sister. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 1 What teams have you coached / worked with? Gresham Rhythmettes What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am currently coaching. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? In my first year of coaching, my team won second place at state! What keeps you involved in dance team? There is nothing else I’d rather do! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Drama :( How would you define success in coaching a dance team? I measure success in how the team has developed throughout the year. A good coach is able to help his or her dancers improve technically, expressively, and emotionally. Best coaching advice? All coaches should have high expectations for their dancers. You’d be surprised by how many will strive to reach them. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Always be professional and courteous, no matter what. What do you feel your strengths are? At this point in my coaching career, my biggest strengths are organization, motivation, and choreography. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Pick a song that inspires you as a choreographer as well as your dancers. It should be a song that few have heard but will immediately fall in love with. You’ve got to grab the audience’s/judges’ attention! What kind of music usually inspires you? I like music that will make my body move without me even thinking about it. Lyrics are incredibly important too. Even though many spectators don’t get to hear all of the lyrics, you dancers know. It is so much more meaningful when the movement matches the words. What was your favorite coaching moment? Seeing my girls’ faces when they won first place at a local competition. Most embarrassing dance team moment? Getting frosting smashed in my face by one of my dancers! But don’t worry, I got her back with whipped cream later :) Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I admire them all! As a brand new coach I have much to learn and there are so many experienced coaches who inspire me. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was on the Planoette Drill Team in Plano, Texas. I graduated in 2003. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? There are far too many. I loved camp, big sis/lil sis day, marching Grandioso at football games, performing at pep rallies, kicking so high I got lipstick on my tights, being the halftime entertainment at basketball games, the banquets, and our spring show! Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Jasper Jazz Line Leader 00-01, Smile Award at camp, Highsteppers 2001, Most Poetic 00-01, All Star at camp, Silver Line 01, Junior Spirit Award, Most Dedicated Junior, Planoette Sergeant 02-03, All Star at camp, Silver Line 02, Maroon Line 02, Most Dedicated Senior Most embarrassing dance team moment? At spring show I was on stage (with the curtain down) when I realized I forgot my spankies for under my skirt! I had to get someone to stall the Emcee so I could go to the dressing room to put them on! Do you have any other dance experience? I have been dancing since I was 5. I’ve taken classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and pom. I competed for my studios for 5 years. I was the dance captain of the high school musical production of “OKLAHOMA!” LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Teacher. Hobbies outside of dance team? Scrapbooking, photography, videography, reading, writing, coloring If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Travel, write children’s books What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Bubble baths, reading, watching a movie, hanging out with friends In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Somewhere in between. How would a good friend describe you? They would say I am kind, dedicated, organized, and a picky eater! How would your dance team describe you? My girls would say that I work them hard, expect a lot out of them, don’t give them enough water breaks, but in the end they like me anyway. What book would you suggest everybody read? I love this poetry book called “Dancing With Joy.” I picked it up because it had a dancer on it, but I bought it because the poems are so inspirational. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Dirty Dancing, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Sex and the City, and I Love Lucy What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? No one would be surprised by my collection - everyone knows I love all music! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I think about them more than they know! Anything else you’d like to share? I’m so glad I am a coach and a member of the DDCA. I am looking forward to many years of coaching and becoming a more active member. There is so much to learn! Cori Mingear Where are you from? Well, I was born in California and moved to the amazing town of Woodburn when I was 10. I escaped, I mean I moved after high school and went to San Francisco for three years, but as you know, I came back. Family? Married to the most amazing man on earth, Clint, he plays rock ‘n roll guitar for me. We have four children: Craig (21, unbelievable-huh?), Catie (14), Christopher (12), and Cameron (11). We also have two of the most adorable, ridiculous, spoiled rotten miniature doxies, Max and Trinity, it’s their house and as long as we tend to their needs and follow their rules, they let us stay. COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? I am starting my 11th season as a dance team coach. What teams have you coached / worked with? Woodburn Hi-Liners What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am currently on the DDCA Board, serving the membership in the positions of Chair-Elect and OSAA Representative. I have also served in the following positions: Social Director, Website manager, Jr. High Liaison, Special Awards Recognition Coordinator, TECH Trainer, and Fall Conference Registration Coordination. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? 2004 DDCA Service Award What keeps you involved in dance team? Quite simply, the kids I work with, they are amazing, and the opportunity to create the pictures we paint together is inspiring. I know that’s really corny, but the snap shots that I store in mind from the last ten years of my life are beautiful. The kids that have come and gone, the routines we’ve done, the moments we’ve shared, the goals we’ve accomplished and even the ones we never achieved, it has all been very enriching. Having a student, either past or present, thank you for helping/listening/caring/encouraging and knowing you made a difference is extremely gratifying. Oh, and of course, I LOVE DANCE, but truthfully I would probably enjoy coaching basketball or volleyball too, maybe not as much… What is your least favorite thing about dance team? I don’t like how silly some of the adults around here get. On the other hand, when you attend a competition and see the teams grow and improve, and support each other and cheer each other on you can forget about some of the things the “silly’s” argue about, it’s about the kids; it’s always about the kids!! How would you define success in coaching a dance team? I think every time a team gets out on the floor and performs that that in itself is a certain measure of success. Knowing what it takes just to get past all the other stuff: injuries, grades, level of ability and or experience, and of course my favorite- level of commitment. Really, every time a team takes the floor and puts on a show there has had to be a certain level of achievement to get there: that is success. Trophies are nice, I have a few, some mean more than others based on what it took to earn them (as mentioned above-overcoming the obstacles on the way to the floor), but some of my most successful moments as a coach have more to do with what my team has accomplished on the way there, not what happened when we got there. Of course, striving for excellence keeps us all motivated towards that level of competitive success, and that’s healthy. Best coaching advice? Maybe not one statement of advice, but more of an influence on me: Debbie Bujanski. Oh, there are so many wonderful individuals that I look up to and turn to for advice (Peggy, Pat, Sheila, JP, Karleen, Christine, Linda R., Anne E., Karalee, Cindy O., and many more), but Bujanski has driven home a point to me that I have embraced as my mission…it really is about the journey. It really is. It’s about building family out of team, and going on a journey together, making memories. Everything else (trophies) is just a part of the journey, not the journey itself. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Make sure your rules are clear and established beforehand, and no matter how painful, stick to it. Boundaries and consistency lend themselves well to teamwork. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Not really sure I know, I seem to drive myself crazy every year waiting for inspiration…I will look forward to reading everyone else’s response to this question, maybe I’ll learn something. What kind of music usually inspires you? I am inspired by all types of music, I can never explain why I want to use a certain piece of music, it has for one reason or another just hooked me. What was your favorite coaching moment? It was an extremely amazing moment in 2004 when my team captain, Anna James, made the All State team. Not so much because we had someone make the team, but because of WHO made the team. The duckling (never ugly, just awkward) turned Swan, never really aware of how amazing she was/is, no studio training, just genuine determination on her part. It was one of the most satisfying moments in my life to see someone that had worked so hard receive the recognition she so deserved, and it had absolutely nothing to do with me or my coaching, so I’m not sure why I just told that story!!! Most embarrassing dance team moment? My first year coaching…I had been away from dance team for 15 years. I was replacing someone that had been fired, and had no resources within my district to call on for advice. For State I didn’t know we weren’t allowed to stay at the venue all day like at the locals, we were dropped off at the Chilies Center and left for the day, Debbie Bujanski took pity on me and put us in the boys locker room for the day (love you, Deb!), but that was nothing compared to the embarrassment of facing BJ with a team that did NOT know Grand Finale. My advice to every new coach: I don’t care how well your team knows their own State routine; you better make sure they know the Grand Finale!!! You DO NOT want to be in that situation with BJ, in front of everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (love ya, Beeej!!) HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Woodburn Hi-Liners 1982-1985, freshmen weren’t allowed on the team back then, at all. I had to be a cheerleader my freshmen year!! Fondest memory from your time on dance team? The friendships and connections have proven to be life long. I so enjoyed my team, and the times we shared. I couldn’t even tell you too many details about how we did competitively, I remember some of those moments, but the majority of what I have taken with me has had very little to do with what trophies we earned, and we were pretty good back then. Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? Senior Leadership Team Most embarrassing dance team moment? My very first competition performance as a Hi-Liner: we were doing some partner work in our routine, my partner went down into splits on my left, and I was to do a pirouette with my left leg in a front attitude position, anyway, I was a count or two early…she wasn’t quite into her splits, and I ended up in a sense “round house” kicking her into near oblivion. I have never forgotten that. Do you have any other dance experience? Does clubbing count?? Yes, classes, classes, classes…but now, alas, age and injuries prevent me from really doing the things I used to love to do… LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I teach a couple of classes at our Arts Academy, a dance performance class and a Performance- marketing/promotion/prop construction class. Yea, it’s a good one. I am also the May Day Director, which in Woodburn is a big job; our May Day Event is 100 years old this year. It’s a huge production: dance, song, group performances, royalty court, and the ever popular class acts. Too much fun, tons of work!! Hobbies outside of dance team? Not really a hobby, but a true passion: rock ‘n roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Buy a tour bus and follow my favorite band around. Hmm, kind of self centered, I would of course be a very generous philanthropist too. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Listen to really loud music, tune everything else out. I LOVE my Zune!!! In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Um, my parents use to tell me that I was shy when I was young, maybe I was replaced by an Alien during my teen age years, that would explain A LOT of things about my behavior!!!!! How would a good friend describe you? Hopefully, kind and caring, supportive and true blue. How would your dance team describe you? Totally committed and definitely crazy, maybe that’s redundant- committed and crazy…I think they know I am committed to them as a team and as individuals. I believe strongly in having a good time, working hard, but having a good time. What book would you suggest everybody read? Well, maybe not everyone, my recommendations are definitely PG-13 (at least), but I love anything Jennifer Crusie writes (my favorite- Faking It- it’s about Art forgery, people!) and my other favorite is the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. Laugh out loud funny, promise!!! What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Oh, brother, I am a total geek and have almost no vocabulary of my own. Terminator 1 & 2, all of the Die Hard’s, Better Off Dead, and an absolute favorite of mine Fletch. You can find a quote for any situation in your life in those few movies. Go ahead test me… What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? OMG, I will admit to a Shania Twain CD. That’s it though, and I swear it was a gift. Seriously, while I enjoy a large range of music, the majority of my collection is loud, with lots of electric guitar!!! All four of my children have “Slash” as a middle name and I have recently had his face tattooed on my bicep. (JK) What would your team be surprised to know about you? I am not sure, I’m a pretty open book with them, at least I try to be. Anything else you’d like to share? I will always be so thankful for my time here, I have met some of the most amazing, talented, supportive, and crazy people here in our midst. I admire you all, you inspire me!!! Erin Hendricks Where are you from? I was raised in Gresham, but I am currently living in Boring. Family? Currently living with the Boyfriend Trevor and our dog Bear! COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? I just finished my 4th year as a dance team coach! I spent 3 years with Estacada, and have now been with Barlow for 2 years (Yes, I coached at both Barlow and Estacada for 1 year – that was crazy!) And I am looking forward to many more wonderful coaching years ? What keeps you involved in dance team? The love of dance is what brought me to dance team in the first place. But ultimately, the girls on the team are what keep me coming back each year. Every team I have had has been so different and I have enjoyed working with each and every one of them. I really like seeing the progression of a new freshman at try-outs to the beautiful dancer they become in such a short amount of time! I also really like the connections and friendships you build with your team – there isn’t another sport out there like dance team and I am so lucky to be a part of it. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? The lack of communication that can occur. Coming in as a first year coach was TOUGH. The other two coaches and I didn’t have anyone to go to for help and we really struggled that first year. It’s tough to follow in the footsteps of a coach who built an amazing program as it is, but to not have anyone to fall back on makes it even harder. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Success in coaching to me is getting those little notes at the end of a season or from past team members saying how much they appreciated you, or what they accomplished with your help, or how you were able to teach them so much. That’s when I know I am in this for the right reasons and that I have helped mold someone’s life into something great. Best coaching advice? You can’t make everyone happy! I now know that it is impossible to make your team, your parents, your coaching staff and your administration all happy with you at the same time. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Don’t be afraid to contact people for help! Until there was the new coach’s liaison position with the DDCA board, I didn’t know who to turn to for help that first year of coaching. While we made it through that first year, and even managed to place at state, I know that we would have been able to resolve so many of our issues sooner had we asked for some guidance from other coaches. What do you feel your strengths are? I think my biggest strength is being open and welcoming to my team. I make it clear from the beginning that I am available if they need anything in or outside of dance and that they can always talk to me. I find that being open and upfront with them makes them feel more comfortable with me, and they know that just because I’m their coach doesn’t mean I can’t be their friend as well. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? I really like to see who my team is and get to know them before I decide on a theme. It’s important to give them a theme that they can connect with and really get into. What kind of music usually inspires you? Music with a story really inspires me. Sometimes it might be an instrumental piece, but you can feel the emotions the musician was trying to portray. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? It may sound cliché, but I truly admire all of the dance team coaches. Coaching dance is unlike any other sport and is A LOT of hard work. We all make huge sacrifices for our teams and for our dancers, and I think it takes a very strong person to want to put others needs in front of their own. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I actually went into high school as a cheerleader (gasp!) at Gresham. I had danced in a studio my whole life but never really understood the dance team thing until I saw them perform the “Hope” routine at an assembly – from then on; I knew that dance team was for me. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Where to begin! I have to say one of my favorites was the Ms. Rhythmette competition that we used to have at the beach every year. Some how, my friend Brittany was able to get one of the maid costumes from the Barlow costume closet (from the Clue routine) and she wore it for her formal wear, even drawing on the eye brows on her forehead like Barlow had done at State the year before. Of course she won by a landslide and she got to parade down the seaside boardwalk in her maid costume. It was absolutely hilarious! Do you have any other dance experience? I began dancing at the age of 5 at Stites Studio of Dance in Portland. From there I took classes in gymnastics, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and modern at studios all over the metro area – Vancouver Dance Theatre, Mt. Hood Ballet Academy, Mt. Hood Community College, PCC and Jefferson to name a few. Currently, I like to take classes at Vega Dance Lab when I have some free time! LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I am the Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Sunset Heating in Portland Hobbies outside of dance team? Boating! Trevor and I purchased a brand new boat last year and we are out on the river every chance we get. I also enjoy going to the mountain in the winter time, shopping and doing happy hour with my girlfriends, going to movies, trying new restaurants, and going on vacations. I am not all the type of person to sit around and veg out at home, I like to be out doing things all the time. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would open a dance studio and offer free classes to those who can’t afford to take studio classes. I would also spend a lot more time traveling. There are so many places that I would like to go and see I don’t know how I am going to do it all! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I exercise when I am stressed – somehow I feel so much better after a good workout. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? I am shy around people I don’t know. But if I know you, then I feel comfortable enough to start conversations and then I never stop talking! How would a good friend describe you? That I talk a lot, I am a very loyal and trusting friend. I try to see the good in everyone and I love to have fun. How would your dance team describe you? Good question! Hopefully they would consider me a good friend to them and a fun coach to work with. What book would you suggest everybody read? Anything by John C. Maxwell. Holly Holbert recommended one of his books and now I can’t stop reading them! I also really enjoy the shopoholic series for a fun read. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Anchorman – always! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? My friends know that I love just about all music – expect maybe elevator music and death metal, but other than that I can appreciate just about anything. Anything else you’d like to share? I love meeting new people! So feel free to say hi to me, I will always say hi back! Shannon Nguyen Where are you from? Well, I live in Camas (not as stinky as you might think anymore) But really, I was born and raised in Parkrose! Family? Husband Dan and perfect dog Ryleigh COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 2008-2009 Will round out an even 10! What teams have you coached / worked with? The one and only Parkrose What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Just a coach!! Unless teaching a class at the last DDCA Conference counts for anything ? What keeps you involved in dance team? My great friends that I have the privilege to coach alongside and a crazy diverse team of never-danced-before-hoodlums that always shock me by state! What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Fundraising…ick…oh and cleaning. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When each team member is proud of one another and proud to be from PARKROSE! BEST COACHING ADVICE? GET HELP!!!! Don’t be afraid or have too much pride to seek consult or guidance from other coaches, show designers, etc.!! It takes a village to raise a dance team! What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Too much mass emailing can get redundant and parents can just delete them! There is truly something to be said for the good ole’ phone calls to pass along team information~ Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? 1. Know your team 2. Find your music (be patient…you really don’t need it in April) What kind of music usually inspires you? The stuff that takes you somewhere and dictates movement, staging, inspires a character, etc. What was your favorite coaching moment? Throwing “SHOUT” on at our last practice right before state this year and going nuts together! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Every time they don’t ‘get’ one of my cool jokes. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? CROOK COUNTY…COME TO SHOW…. you guys are WAY creative! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? PARKROSE 1996-1999 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Captain / Coaches retreats! Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? T-Bird stuff, captain, “Most Respected Freshman”….I must not have been very nice the other 3 years ? Most embarrassing dance team moment? Having to be Miss Anna my senior year… “King & I”….I’m lame, I know. Do you have any other dance experience? YEAH! Tap lessons with Annie Ellot from Centennial when I was 8 ?…she’s so great~ LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Facilities & Events Coordinator / Assistant to AD at Parkrose. Hobbies outside of dance team? Yoga (new one), mowing the lawn, reading, Nintendo DS If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Travel What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Sleep In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Shygoing How would a good friend describe you? Funny, loyal How would your dance team describe you? Addicted to adding hours to practice, funny, “committed” What book would you suggest everybody read? Grapes of Wrath What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? The Office & anything on Food Network What would your team be surprised to know about you? That I go camping and rough it without showers and potties, they can’t believe it. Anything else you’d like to share? This is a cool idea. Chase Gourley Where are you from? Albany, Oregon COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached: I have been coaching for 5 years What teams have you coached / worked with? I coached West Albany High School for 3 years (04-06) And now I just finished my 2nd year at Tigard High School (07-08) I have worked with many teams around the valley and Portland/Metro area. Helping in both choreography, forms, and cleaning. There are then countless teams from California, Washington, Idaho and Colorado that I have worked with while teaching at USA camps. What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am just currently coaching. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? I was Hi-Stepper of the year in 03, Choreography award in 05, Academic Art Award 03. The Tigerettes gave me the title of the Sexy Golem Award, and the Squeaky Clean Award. Yeah…. That’s right…. Hahahaha! What keeps you involved in dance team? We have all heard that saying that Dance Team gets in your blood. And that stands true for me. Watching my sister dance with West Albany through 94-97 inspired me to dance. I have a passion for teaching and choreographing for my students. If I could do that full-time I would be the happiest man alive. Watching my freshman grow into young adults is the greatest gift I could be given as a coach. I love nothing more then to see my dancers grow and mature, not just in life, but also in dance. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? I would have to say nothing. The good, the bad, the ugly… it all makes me stronger. Sure there are some things I would rather not do, but I like to look at the whole picture rather then focusing on minute things. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? I define success by how my dancers feel after they leave my team to go onto college or what have you. If a dancer tells me thank you for making a difference in her/his life, then my job as their coach was fulfilled. I was hired to guide these athletes into maturity and perfect their skills in dance, communication, problem solving, and other life skills. I strive to be the best coach I can for them. Best coaching advice? My best coaching advice was given to me by my old high school coach Carol Canfield. Even though I was just a freshman, I remember something that she said that will always stick with me. “Do not go out there and try your best, rather go out there and BE your best.” I have taken that quote and applied it to my coaching. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Avoid trying to please everyone. There was a time my 1st year coaching that I tried to please all the parents and kids. Well I then figured out that I’m not here for the parents. I’m here for the kids. And their happiness is all that matters to me. What do you feel your strengths are? I feel my strengths are in my choreography and design skills. I’m always trying my best to teach something new each time. I hate to repeat myself, so that forces me to always be new. Also, I make sure I’m connected with each kid. I want them to know that I am always open for them. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? First – UNDERSTAND YOUR TEAM! You wouldn’t give a hip-hop routine to a lyrical team. You must first know their strengths and where their greatest power is. Here is an example – We were planning to do a really intense jazz for 2008 state, but then we stepped back and looked at our team. We new they could do the jazz, but we also new that they wouldn’t find their greatest pleasure with it. So we put it on the back burner and looked at our very strong senior class. We new they wanted something so different from anything they have done before. So that’s how “Imagine” was born. When we announced the theme the team came alive. Never give your team a theme that they can’t relate to. Choreograph for your team, not your ego. What kind of music usually inspires you? I love music that has a simple sound, like Tori Amos, Fionna Apple, etc. I think that just a piano can be the greatest piece of music ever. But ever so often I will hear something that is so far beyond simple, and something that no one has heard before, that I just can’t wait to choreograph to it. What was your favorite coaching moment? I have 5 favorite moments. One for each year I have coached. That would be watching my seniors each year performing for the last time at the final round of state. Most embarrassing dance team moment? When I fell down the bleachers at practice and bruised 8 ribs. Awesome. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? Off the top of my head I can’t think of someone I don’t know, but someone I do know and admire is Amanda Marvin, South Albany’s coach. She always has a smile and gives her team her personal best each time. She is amazing to me! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a Hi-Stepper at West Albany from 00-03 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? It was when I performed for the first time at state. A feeling that you will never forget. Most embarrassing dance team moment? When Carol Canfeild yelled at me because my tuna sandwich was smelling up the gym. :( Do you have any other dance experience? I have been dancing for 14 years. Trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and modern. I keep taking classes when I have time. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I am a retail manager at the Bridgeport Mall in Tigard. Hobbies outside of dance team? That would have to be painting, drawing, reading, and cooking, If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would teach and perform for the rest of my days! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? I light my candles and sit down with a good book, a cup of tea, and the Beatles. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? It depends on if I know everyone there or I have a lot of experience in what we are dealing with at the time. Most of the time with dance related things I am very outgoing and sometimes outspoken. How would a good friend describe you? Oh gosh… you don’t even want to know. Hahaha. They would describe me with my heart on my sleeve, funny, wise, emotional, practical and as a joker. I’m always the one to say how it is. I’m blunt and to the point. Sometimes they might say I come across a little brash. But if you new me, you would quickly find out my humor is dry and witty. Sometimes it gets me into some trouble, but for the most part it creates laughs all around. How would your dance team describe you? I seem to have this uncanny ability to appear at the most awkward of moments. We could be on a water break or something of that nature and I always end up hearing those conversations that would better be left for private time with friends. They would say that I magically appear out of know where and freak them out. I’d like to think of this as a talent, but whatever! Other then that, they would say that I’m always the one to make them laugh and then make them sweat the most they ever have in their life. What book would you suggest everybody read? A New Earth! Oprah’s Book Club baby!!!!!!! What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Either “Fried Green Tomatoes”, or something from “Arrested Development” What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? I have a lot of classical music that my friends would just hate. What would your team be surprised to know about you? At this point I think my team knows everything about me. But maybe they would be surprised to learn that I had dinner with Mia Michaels last summer! Anything else you’d like to share? The last thing I would like to share would be this simple statement “Don’t go out and try your best, rather go out and BE your best” Sue Anne Williams Where are you from? Grew up in Clackamas and Canby now live in Wilsonville Family? Rob is my husband, Trevar 15, Tate 9, True and Vivian 3 months old COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? Going on 24 years What teams have you coached / worked with? Ashland, Sherwood and Clackamas What is your current involvement in the DDCA? I am an assistant coach at Clackamas, on the Board of Directors. Awards or achievements you’ve earned? Coach of the Year 2002. Placed in the top 4 every year with the exception of 4 years. What keeps you involved in dance team? I love coaching the kids. I love to motivate them and help them realize that anything is possible on and off the court. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Honestly, the victim mentality that many coaches have. Where there is a will there is a way, I have proven that over and over again. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? When you have done your best, and your kids have done their best. . . that is success! Best coaching advice? Don’t take yourself too seriously. Look at yourself from others perspectives. Don’t romanticize your program too much. . . it will eat you up. And most of all don’t be married to your team. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Keeping all info to yourself. The more that you can share with your team, parents and administration the more they will support you and leave you to do what you are best at. COACH! Don’t try to be the kid’s friend! You are their coach first! You can be their friend after they graduate! What do you feel your strengths are? Motivation. Getting inside their heads. Strategy against other teams. . .sizing up their weaknesses and playing on our strengths. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Ideas are everywhere! Don’t limit yourself. . .get out there and experience life. . .you can find themes in everything you do. What kind of music usually inspires you? No type really. Just has to strike a chord with me. . . What was your favorite coaching moment? Too many to list. The best is when a student or parent tells me that I helped to get their son or daughter to graduate and stay in school. That is the best. Most embarrassing dance team moment? I don’t think I need to put it in writing. . .if you want to know I will tell you in person! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? I know most of the members, unless you are brand new. I try to get to know everyone. I have a lot of admiration for most of our coaches! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? I was a Canby Kickin’ Kitten my sophomore year only. 1982-83 Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Dancing at the Gladstone Competition Any dance team honors or awards / achievements? I got best showmanship! Shocker huh? Most embarrassing dance team moment? Walking into our upstairs gym during morning practice and all the wrestling teams that came to our invitational were weighing in and they were all naked! NICE! Do you have any other dance experience? I was in a dance studio from the age of 3-15 studying Jazz and Hula. Also studied in College at SOSC Modern and Tap. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Fundraising with Nicholson Productions If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would travel a lot to Mexico. . .Buy a home in Puerto Vallarta What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Play backgammon on computer and nap. Go for walks with the girls. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? OUTGOING How would a good friend describe you? Loyal How would your dance team describe you? Fun, passionate, inspiring What book would you suggest everybody read? Anything by Nicholas Sparks What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? The American President. What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Missy Elliott What would your team be surprised to know about you? That I like to be by myself. Anything else you’d like to share? Nope, this is a great idea!!!! Jeanne Maddox Peterson Where are you from? Astoria, Oregon and Seaside, Oregon Family? Husband, three grown daughters, five grandsons COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? 19 What teams have you coached / worked with? Astoria What is your current involvement in the DDCA? Coaching, have judged All-State twice Awards or achievements you’ve earned? Coach of the Year 2001, Business and Professional Women’s Club, Golden Torch State Award, Junior Citizen of the Year, in 1963!!!!!!! Producer of the Miss Oregon, Miss California, and choreographer /assistant producer Miss America, for a total of 32 years What keeps you involved in dance team? Started coaching when my youngest daughter was a sophomore, in 1989, and just continued because of the love of seeing what the dancers can accomplish, not only as dancers, but as young, organized, disciplined, motivated individuals. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Driving home late at night in the stormy weather (20 miles) How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Knowing that my team is happy, their parents are happy, the school respects them and their abilities… Best coaching advice? Stick to your rules, no exceptions! Remaining their coach and mentor, not trying to be one of them What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Give everyone a chance, do not short-change any team member, even the least experienced team member can pull through and make you proud What do you feel your strengths are? Organization, disciplined, never say never! Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Usually, 90% of the time the team does it! What kind of music usually inspires you? The strong, showy, full sounds! What was your favorite coaching moment? When I receive Christmas, Birthday cards from the team, who write such wonderful things, and after they have given their 110% in a performance! We all cry! Most embarrassing dance team moment? Can’t think of any, actually! Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? Lots I do not know…and I admire all of them for the job they each do! HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Cheerleader at Star Of the Sea High School in Astoria Fondest memory from your time on dance team? Loved cheerleading, there was not a dance team then…not saying how many years ago! Do you have any other dance experience? Teaching dance for 58 years…have trained over 2,000 dancers. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? Teaching in my school (58 years), taught ballet for Clatsop Community College (23 years), used to have a guest spot on “Jeri’s Journal”…an afternoon TV show on channel 12, teaching ballet, choreographed the Miss America USO shows for Europe and Asia. My husband and I own Hughes-Ransom Cremation and Mortuaries in Astoria and Seaside. When I have time I love to help him with services, handing out the folders at the door, helping with the flowers. My husband has been a funeral director for 30 years and will be installed as the president of the Oregon Funeral Directors the day of our spring meeting so I will not be able to attend the meeting. My non-profit ballet company, Little Ballet Theatre, produces the full length Nutcracker Ballet every year. This one coming will be the 34th annual with the full symphony and choir, 120 dancers…we were featured on the NBC Today show years ago. Hobbies outside of dance team? Prowling antique stores, going to basketball games, going to Palm Springs, going to softball games, all with my husband If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Teach, coach, (could fund the dance team, so no more fundraising!) and travel…my two sisters are in Madrid as we speak!!! What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Exercise, look forward to Spring Break in Palm Springs… In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Depends on the situation I guess How would a good friend describe you? Too busy… How would your dance team describe you? I get great notes that make me very humble. What book would you suggest everybody read? Dance Is A Contact Sport What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Have not been to a movie for so long. My middle daughter was in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and that is about the only script I can remember because I have watched it so many times! What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? Probably nothing earth shattering…so no surprise! What would your team be surprised to know about you? I have known/taught them since most were age 4, so I think they must think of me as sort of a grandmother…which I am! Anything else you’d like to share? No, except that I am totally proud to be a dance team coach, and it means more and more to me as the years go by. I am proud to be associated with DDCA and all of the outstanding women that have been so instrumental in keeping it running, with high ideals, and care for the many teenagers that we coach and mentor. And I danced professionally for the Donn Arden Dancers at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood, Dorothy Dorben Dancers in San Francisco and Cincinnati, Ohio, Noel Sherman Dancers in Montreal Canada and New York City, and Kathryn Etienne Ballet Company in Hollywood. Nicki Vanderzanden** Where are you from? Currently, Beaverton. I grew up in Banks. Family? Husband – Travis, Son – Henry (just a babe), Cat – Charlie Bucket COACHING LIFE Number of years you’ve coached? About 8 I think. What teams have you coached / worked with? I was assistant coach at Banks for 6 years, head coach one year, currently a “part time” coach/choreographer at Westview. I’ve also helped friends here and there at Forest Grove and Valley Catholic in the past. What keeps you involved in dance team? I love dance and I love sharing that with the dance team. It’s an addiction. It is so much fun and so satisfying to see dancers really learn to express themselves, accomplish goals, and learn things they didn’t even realize were there to learn. It sounds cheesy, but I think dance team provides a great place for kids to learn about themselves and learn strong life lessons as well as dance. I also love that it gives kids who have maybe never been to a studio an opportunity to learn and perform dance. I love being a part of all that. What is your least favorite thing about dance team? Politics and when there is a lack of listening/understanding. I think sometimes people forget why they are involved in dance team, both dancers and coaches, and then things can get a little annoying to me. How would you define success in coaching a dance team? Although a trophy is always nice, I’d have to say that true success in coaching is when the dancers can feel good about their accomplishments and have grown in positive ways as people as well as in their dancing. Best coaching advice? Don’t get caught up in taking everything too seriously. It’s important to work hard and maintain good standards, but it’s also important to remember the big picture and not let stress or drama weigh you down. What would you suggest avoiding as a coach? / What have you learned from your mistakes? Avoid trying to please EVERYONE. It doesn’t work. Parents, dancers, judges, other coaches…with so many different personalities and opinions, there will always be someone who doesn’t love what you do. That is okay. I’m the kind of person who likes everyone to be happy, but you have to learn to live with people not liking some of your choices. When you spend too much time trying to fit into what people want, you end up compromising some of your strengths and qualities as a coach. As one example of my mistake in that arena, the year I was head coach I tried to make my state routine fulfill everything I thought the judges would be looking for. I got caught up in that and stunted my creativity. Things felt forced and I wasn’t enjoying myself. If I had just done what I felt good about without worrying so much about everyone else’s possible opinions, I think that both my routine and experience in general would have been better. Even if people don’t like your decisions, they will probably end up respecting you for doing what you think is right and being true to yourself. (Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to what other people have to say before making a decision.) What do you feel your strengths are? Probably my most useful strength is problem solving…figuring out what the problem might be in a dancer’s technique, in choreography, sometimes formations, and finding a creative way to fix it. Other strengths might be modern choreography and finding ways to make things fun and positive. Suggestions on how to come up with a theme or music? Find music that makes you want to dance and explore different ideas or themes it might bring to mind. What kind of music usually inspires you? Often it’s music with interesting rhythms or the potential to accent or layer the music’s basic rhythm with interesting dance rhythm. What was your favorite coaching moment? There are so many! I guess one of them would be when Emily Durham was so into the State performance “Neil Diamond” year that she did a spontaneous vocal that made me smile from ear to ear and want to do a spontaneous vocal back. I can still feel her energy in that moment. Another would probably be dressing in a Tigger suit “Jump” year and visiting the girls to tuck them in at the hotel. Okay, now I’m thinking of a million more. I’ll just leave it at “There are so many!” Most embarrassing dance team moment? I was teaching some choreography that included going from a squatting position to a standing second position quickly and repeatedly. I was emphasizing the importance of being sharp and snapping the head up when you came up and demonstrating what I meant. I had a cold at the time. At one point the dancers were just staring at me with this weird look. Finally, one of them asked, “What is that on the back of your head?” I touched the back of my head to find that somehow a rather large amount of mucus had ended up there. I don’t get embarrassed easily, but at the time I was struggling to find any other explanation for what the substance could have been. It was embarrassing, but amazing and hilarious at the same time. Is there another DDCA member you don’t know, but admire? There are probably quite a few for different reasons, but right now I’m blanking on specific people. I think I’d just like to let the Tech judges know that I admire them and respect them for taking on such a thankless job. They often end up in the “hot seat” and I’m sure it’s not an easy place to be. HISTORY’S MYSTERIES Were you on dance team in high school? Where? When? Who was your coach? Yes! I was on the Banks Dance Team from 1990 to 1994. Peggy Schlegel was the head coach. Fondest memory from your time on dance team? There are so many. It’s hard to think of one in particular so I guess I’ll say I always loved performing and the many laughs (like the time my friend burned her bangs off at dance camp…so sad, but it was hilarious). I know! I think a more specific fond memory would be Peggy’s inspirational tape that we listened to all the time. My former teammates and I still occasionally find ourselves singing “When you put your heart in it…” with a great big smile on our faces. Any dance team honors or awards/achievements? I was a captain my senior year. All State, Thunderbird All Star Team, Biggest Gapper, and Most Talkative (back when I was shy). Do you have any other dance experience? Before high school dance team I had only been to a couple of dance team kids’ clinics, I had never been to any studio classes. In college I took several dance classes and then ended up earning my bachelor’s degree in dance. Since then I’ve also had the opportunity to teach and take a few studio classes as well as teach a dance class for a church. LET’S GET PERSONAL Job other than coaching? I run a small business, Time For Dance LLC, providing dance classes to kids at daycare centers. Hobbies outside of dance team? I don’t know that they are really “hobbies”, but I like to read and to watch movies. My husband and I even pay attention to the credits and watch some of the special features to learn more about the movie making process and the stories behind the movies. I say we’re “Movie Geeks”. If money were no object, what would you do with your life? I would anonymously help people all the time in whatever way I could, grow a garden, and teach free dance classes to as many people as possible. What do you do to relax and deal with stress? Overall, I act like a dork and say and do goofy, off the wall things to relax and deal with stress. Sometimes I exercise or do yoga to deal with stress. When I want to relax I usually watch TV or a movie or go out to coffee with a friend. In general, do you consider yourself shy or outgoing? Growing up I was definitely shy. Through high school I got tired of being shy and decided I wasn’t really worried about what people thought and I naturally became more outgoing. I am still a bit shy from time to time depending on the situation, but overall I suppose I’d consider myself outgoing. How would a good friend describe you? I think a good friend would probably describe me as a person who always tries to find the positive in things, sometimes to the point of being annoying. They’d say I was a little on the dorky side and not afraid to admit it. That I love to have fun and laugh. They’d also probably say that I talk a lot. How would your dance team describe you? I’m not sure. Maybe the same as a good friend? What book would you suggest everybody read? “Living Your Best Life Now” by Joel Osteen, or maybe the Captain Underpants series just for laughs. What movie or TV show do you find yourself quoting the most? Probably Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, The Breakfast Club, and Princess Bride, oh, and maybe Animaniacs. Do I sound like a big kid or what? What CD (or MP3 collection) would your friends be surprised that you own? I don’t think my friends are really surprised about anything when it comes to me. I suppose they might least expect that in all my lightheartedness, I still love the band Tool. Or they might not know how much I love Jim Reeves. What would your team be surprised to know about you? As a kid I was very shy. So shy that I used to make my baby brother order food for me when my mom would let us go into McDonald’s because I didn’t like to talk to the cashier. Anything else you’d like to share? I’m not so shy anymore, so feel free to say “hi” if you see me! I can’t guarantee that I’ll remember names o

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