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Your Registration package (badges, ordered items, etc.)  will be available in the Circus Circus Mandalay Ballroom area starting Tuesday Afternoon

Registration will be open for pre-convention and during convention as follows:
Tues   08/14/2018    4:00pm-6:00pm
Wed    08/15/2018    8:00am-9:30am, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Thu     08/16/2018   8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm & 5:00pm-8:00pm
Fri       08/17/2018   8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm & 5:00pm-8:00pm
Sat      08/18/2018   8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm & 5:00pm-8:00pm

 

Callers
Regina Schulz
Ray Lowry
Tim Kane
David Hinds
Tim Merino
Dan Hopper
Steve Mazel
Bob Riggs
Don Wood
Ray Rhea
Gary Kendall
Keith Brown
Rick Hampton
Magdalena Sanchez
Rod Shuping
Andy Allemao
Paul Cote
Harue Swift
Dana Schirmer
Paul Moore
Doug Davis
Roger Smith
Ed Kuidis
Lawrence Johnstone
Carol Wilson
Joe Gonzalez
Jim Osborne
Mike Luna
Bryce Perry
Jay Henderson
Allynn Riggs
Bob Steele
Leo Catt
Jim Keller
Darin Keith
Tami Gear
Jack Hardin
Betsy Gotta
John Hall
Pat Matthews
Vic Kaaria
Shauna Kaaria
Scott Pearce
Kippen Parret
Ken "Lucky" Packer
Bruce Lowther
Jet Roberts
Sylvia Roberts
Andy Garboden
Dean Singleton
KC Curtis
Kip Garvey
Holly Ferreira
Joe Dehn
Mary Gingell
Bear Miller
Bill Ponton
Robert Townsend
Vic Ceder
Dave Harbour
Mike Meachum
Wendy Krueger
Steve Sullivan
Eric Henerlau
Scot Byars

Cuers
Judy Russell and Bruce Lowther
Randy & Lorraine Pratt
Steve & Judy Sullivan
Tom & Jullie Jenks
Linda Liberti
Allynn & Bob Riggs
Randy & Rose Wulf
Marie & Don Wood
Ray & Eathel Rhea
Rikki Lobato
Robert & Maureen Ensten
David & Susan Cleek
Shawn & Wendy Cavness
Rochelle & Leo Catt
Judy Keller & Jim Smith
Roy & Betsy Gotta
Zina Robertson Rapp & Dale Rapp
Kevin & Vicki Klein
MaryAnn Callahan & Craig Cowan
Sue & Phil Harris
George & Janice Johanson
Dan & Allison Drumheller
TJ & Bruce Chadd
Carol Wilson
Anne & Ron Gracia
Mary & Bob Townsend-Manning
Carolyn Cook & Darrel Newell
Doug & Leslie Dodge
Jean Sherman
Don & Sheila Swartz
Daniel Bailly & Linda Willand
Erin & Scot Byars

 

Contra Presenters, the Profile form is coming soon....

Contra Presenters
Bob Riggs
Paul Moore
Cal Campbell
Country Western Presenters
Leslie Rebik

 

 

Education

2018 USAWest Tenative Education Schedule
Wednesday, August 15
Silver Legacy - Silver Baron Ballrooms
Time Room 1 Room 6
9:00 - 10:00 am   Education Room Closed
10:00 - 11:00 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Set-up Education Room Closed
11:00 - 12:00 noon Sewing Center/Education Check-in Set-up Education Room Closed
12:00 - 1:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Set-up Education Room Closed
1:00 - 2:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open

The Power of Social Media In Square Dancing: An Open Forum Discussion
Tim Marino & Bonnie Abramson, Moderators (1:00 to 4:00 p.m.)

2:00 - 3:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open
3:00 - 4:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open
4:00 - 5:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Education Room Closed
5:00 - 11:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Closed Education Room Closed

 

Thursday, August 16
Silver Legacy - Silver Baron Ballrooms
Time Room 1 Room 6
9:00 - 10:00 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Education Room Closed
10:30 - 11:30 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Jelly Roll Pillowcase: More Than a Tasty Pastry - Sue Regadanz
12:00 - 1:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Attending Caller School: What to Look For and What To Expect - Scot Byars
1:30 - 2:30 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Fun and Exciting Theme Ideas For Your Dances - Erin Byars
3:00 - 4:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Make It Quick: The 20-Minute Table Runner - Katie Pearce
4:00 - 5:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Education Room Closed
5:00 - 11:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Closed Education Room Closed

 

Friday, August 17
Silver Legacy - Silver Baron Ballrooms
Time Room 1 Room 6
9:00 - 10:00 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Simply Circular - April Kendall
10:30 - 11:30 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Understanding Our Square Dance Insurance Program - Shirley Delp & Kathy Peckham
12:00 - 1:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Reverse The Decline: A Method To Help Rebuild Our Activity - Kip Garvey
1:30 - 2:30 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open So You Want To Be A Caller – Now What? - Doug Davis
2:30 - 4:00 pm Friday, August 17 - Comedy Club in Silver Legacy A Stroll Through Time: Square Dancing's Roll in History - The California Heritage Dancers
3:00 - 4:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Organizational Tips for Festivals & Conventions - Bonnie Abramson
4:00 - 5:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Education Room Closed
5:00 - 11:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Closed Education Room Closed

 

Saturday, August 18
Silver Legacy - Silver Baron Ballrooms
Time Room 1 Room 6
9:00 - 10:00 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Understanding Our Square Dance Insurance Program - Shirley Delp & Kathy Peckham
10:30 - 11:30 am Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Taking the Fear Out of Diagonal Gores - April Kendall
12:00 - 1:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Live Lively - Square Dance! Update on the Re-Imaging Program - Jim & Judy Taylor
1:30 - 2:30 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Party Time: An Apron For Every Occasion - Sue Regadanz
3:00 - 4:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open CSCS Online Caller School: A New Idea For Caller Training - Kip Garvey
4:00 - 5:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Open Education Room Closed
5:00 - 11:00 pm Sewing Center/Education Check-in Closed Education Room Closed

 

EDUCATION & SEWING PROGRAMS – USAWEST, RENO

The Power of Social Media in Square Dancing: An Open Forum Discussion
Wednesday, August 15, 2018; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

  • This special Wednesday afternoon program will offer up tips and discussion on how to use social media to enhance your square dance promotional efforts.  From websites and email to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, moderators Tim Marino and Bonnie Abramson will guide you through opportunities for “free” advertising of your dances, festivals, classes and other square dance activities.  This is an open forum, where dancers will be encouraged to attend and bring your ideas, input, success stories and even the nightmares of using social media.
    • Tim Merino is a square dance caller and entrepreneur from Oroville, CA.  He has developed the http://www.squaredancefun.org website which provides a wealth of information to assist clubs in promoting their new dancer classes and special event. The website also offers sample press releases, business cards and other materials to promote your events.
    • Bonnie Abramson is a long-time square dancer from Sacramento, CA. She served on the Associated Square Dancers of Superior CA board for 25 years and is a past General Chairman for Harvest Hoedown in Yuba City, CA, and was chairman of the 2008 California State Square Dance Convention.

Jelly Roll Pillowcase – More Than a Tasty Pastry
Thursday, August 16, 2018; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

  • This quick and easy pillowcase technique can easily be converted into a petticoat bag or shoe carrier.  A great gift idea and fun way to decorate a room when used as a pillowcase, but Sue will also show you how to convert your project into a handy carrier for your square dance attire.
    • Sue Regadanz is a very active member of the Galt, CA, Diamond Dancers as well as serving as the Membership Director for the Associated Square Dancers of Superior California.  Sue is an accomplished seamstress and paint artist who brings her talent and creativity to everything she does.

Attending Caller School: What to Look For and What To Expect
Thursday, August 16, 2018; 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

  • One of the most valuable resources for a new/aspiring caller is a combination of floor time and mentorship. Not everyone has access to a local mentor so often attending a Callers’ School is an invaluable opportunity. But how do you decide which one to attend? CALLERLAB Accredited Caller Coach Scot Byars will describe the vari­ous types of Caller Schools available; what attributes you should look for when selecting a school, how to prepare, and what you should expect from the experience to make it the most beneficial to you.
    • Scot Byars has been dancing and calling since childhood. He currently calls full-time, doing seven weekday programs where he is proud to train new dancers every year. Known for his exceptional singing voice and upbeat style, he has been featured at festivals all over the US, including the prestigious WASCA Spring Festival.

Fun and Exciting Theme Ideas for Your Dances
Thursday, August 16, 2018; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

  • Looking for some ideas to spice up your club or associa­tion’s dance or festival? Here are some great themes includ­ing decorating hints, refreshment suggestions and music for squares and rounds.
    • Erin Byars has been dancing since 1969. Married to popular caller Scot Byars since 1985, the two are committed to the health of our activity. As a round dance instructor, she believes her job is to help you love round dancing!

Make It Quick – The 20-Minute Table Runner
Thursday, August 16, 2018; 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

  • Need to add some color to your dinner table before the guests arrive? This quick and easy table runner requires only two pieces of fabric and a few minutes of time to add a splash of color to any room. Easily adjusted to fit any size table, nightstand or counter. Great for making inexpensive gifts for family and friends.
    • Katie Pearce and her husband Scott live in Folsom, CA. Katie currently serves as the General Chairman for Harvest Hoedown in Yuba City, CA, while Scott keeps busy as an active caller in Northern California and as the sound engineer for USAWest – Reno and several other festivals. She is an active quilter and seamstress making many of her own square dance outfits.

Simply Circular
Friday, August 17, 2018; 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

  • Learn how to make a simple circle skirt with no seams in this handy sewing demonstration. April will show you how to fold and cut the fabric, and then finish it off so your quick and simple project is ready to wear.  Perfect for when you want a simple skirt for a holiday affair or when you want to take a plain fabric and decorate it in your own unique way.
    • April Kendall is an accomplished seamstress from Fairfield, CA. She and her husband, Gary, a square dance caller, have been active dancers for many years. She makes outfits for herself, family and friends that really show off her creative talents. They are members of the Clutch Busters in Concord, the Boots & Belles in Napa and the Twin City Steppers in Fairfield.

Understanding Our Square Dance Insurance Program
Friday, August 17, 2018; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 18, 2018; 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

  • Most of our clubs utilize the square dance insurance provided by the United Square Dancers of America.  What is included? How do you complete an insurance claim? Who is covered (and no, it doesn't replace personal medical coverage!) Why is it needed?  Insurance directors from California and Northern Nevada will explain how the program works and why clubs need it.
    • Shirley Delp has served as the Insurance Director for the California Square Dance Council for the past several years. She is part of a three-generational square dance family and lives in Long Beach.
    • Kathy Peckham oversees the Insurance Program for Northern Nevada Inter-Club Square and Round Dance Council.  She is also secretary for Reno/Sparks High Desert Dancers.

Reverse The Decline: A Method To Help Rebuild Our Activity
Friday, August 17, 2018; 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

  • Is Your Square Dance Club a RUSH TO PLUS club? Kip Garvey explains why you need to let history teach you directly that this paradigm has not and will not work! Kip's club, the Jackson Claim Jumpers have been going through an evolution, bolstering club membership from less than 20 active members to over 62 in 2 ½ years. Kip explains why club survival depends on new dancers, and how trying to teach new dancers to dance Plus in less than a year is a fruitless exercise. He will share his experience with Jackson Claim Jumpers as a method to turn things around.
    • Kip Garvey, a caller with over 58 years of experience teaching both new dancers and callers, is a world renowned caller who is very focused on the future of our activity. Kip has a broad background including membership and participation in various leadership roles in CALLERLAB, while always remaining a 'local club caller'.

So You Want To Be A Caller – Now What?
Friday, August 17, 2018; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

  • Get information from a Callerlab Accredited Caller Coach on what you should, and perhaps shouldn't do, when you first decide you want to become a caller. Ask questions and get answers. Learn what resources are available to you from Callerlab. What does it take to learn to call?
    • Doug Davis has been square dancing all his life, and started calling in 1974 while stationed with the Navy in Hawaii. Doug currently calls for two clubs in the Spokane area: the Valley Cross Trailers, a Mainstream club and the Wooden Nichols, an Advanced group. He also travels extensively on the weekends as the featured caller for special dances and regional, state, and national festivals, calling MS through A2. Doug is a member of Callerlab and believes all callers should teach a new dancer class every year. As of April 2007 Doug is an Accredited Caller Coach. He and wife, Priscilla, are part owners/producers of Chinook/Hoedowner Records (ChinookRecords.com).

A Stroll Through Time: Square Dancing’s Role in History
Friday, August 17, 2018; 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. – Comedy Club in Silver Legacy

  • Join us as The California Heritage Dancers Exhibition Team from San Diego, CA, take us on a stroll through time as they showcase the impact dancing has had on American history. Through a series of vignettes, the dancers will demonstrate dances that were first brought to the US from Europe, plus those that cheered pioneers as they crossed the prairies to modern day influences.   
    • The California Heritage Dancers is an affiliate club in the San Diego Square Dance Association. Their purpose is to promote a historical view of square dancing as it has its roots in American folk dance and is truly American in origin.  The California Heritage Dancers perform exhibitions at square dance festivals and conventions across the country, as well as for private events and public demonstrations.

Organizational Tips for Festivals and Conventions
Friday, August 17, 2018; 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

  • Planning a weekend festival or convention is a lot of work. The organizational requirements often intimidate volunteers from tackling the job. This session will offer some tips and advice to help you plan a successful event. Included will be sample documents like budgets, contracts, schedules and other handy information to help take some of the fear out of planning your event.
    • Bonnie Abramson is a long-time square dancer from Sacramento, CA. She is a past General Chairman for Harvest Hoedown in Yuba City, CA, and was chairman of the 2008 California State Square Dance Convention. For over 35 years Bonnie was a professional meeting/event planner for several non-profit associations, 15 of those years as a Certified Meeting Professional.

Taking the Fear Out of Diagonal Gores
Saturday, August 18, 2018; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

  • Gored skirts are simple to make, but many struggle when it comes to adding diagonal or accent gores.  April Kendall takes the fear out of dealing with diagonals gores during this great session. Learn how to customize your skirts in fun and festive ways without fear of failure.
    • April Kendall is an accomplished seamstress from Fairfield, CA. She and her husband, Gary, a square dance caller, have been active dancers for many years. She makes outfits for herself, family and friends that really show off her creative talents. They are members of the Clutch Busters in Concord, the Boots & Belles in Napa and the Twin City Steppers in Fairfield.

Live Lively – Square Dance! An Update on the Re-Imaging Program
Saturday, August 18, 2018; 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

  • Jim & Judy Taylor will provide an update on the Live Lively - Square Dance! Re-imaging program. Developed by the ARTS-Dance organization, the program is devoted to creating a newer, more modern image of Square Dancing. The program was introduced to the public and non-dancers in the hope that more people will see the benefits of a lively lifestyle, which includes dancing. They will report on what information is readily available for your clubs' publicity and marketing efforts, and how to access it.
    • Jim & Judy Taylor currently serve as Secretary for the ARTS-Dance organization as well as Treasurers for the United Square Dancer of America. They are from Littleton, CO, and have been active dancers and officers for over 25 years on the local and state level in their home state.

Party Time! An Apron For Every Occasion
Saturday, April 18, 2018; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

  • Learn how to dress up your square dance outfit with a cute, easy-to-do apron suitable for any party dance or special occasion. Sue Regadanz will show you how to dress up any basic dress or skirt & blouse outfit and make it festive with creative fabrics and trims.
    • Sue Regadanz is a very active member of the Galt, CA, Diamond Dancers as well as serving as the Membership Director for the Associated Square Dancers of Superior California.  Sue is an accomplished seamstress and paint artist who brings her talent and creativity to everything she does.

CSCS Online Caller School: A New Idea For Caller Training
Saturday, August 18, 2018; 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

  • Not everyone has access, or the time, to attend an in‐person caller school. Kip Garvey has developed the first on‐line training program to assist individuals interested in learning how to be a square dance caller or want to improve their skills. Kip will walk us through his website that hosts his Central Sierra Caller School, pointing out the salient features and advantages an online school offers.
  • Kip Garvey is a recording artist with Lou‐Mac Records, currently living in Pioneer, CA. He started calling as a youth and has called in 48 states plus several foreign countries. After a move to California in 1980, Kip worked regularly with Bill Davis in development of much of the current day technical theory regarding choreographic structure and sight calling technique. Both Kip and Bill were among the first CALLERLAB endorsed Caller Coaches. In addition to offering caller training through both online and more conventional caller schools, Kip has authored two books targeted toward callers and the calling profession, "Nuts And Bolts" and "Call Me Crazy."

 

Schedule

It's here!!!!!

Browse the Program Book with the schedule online or Download the Program Book

 

 

 

Our Commitment

Thanks for visiting USA West 2018, Reno NV. We are committed to providing you the best dance experience possible. Our two host hotels, Circus Circus and Silver Legacy, are connected by an indoor walkway so you never have to leave the facilities. Along with great dancing we have the pleasure of having the Ghost Riders band to perform a special concert on Wednesday evening - you won't want to miss it. What more? Dancing, lodging, food, entertainment, and of course the friendship of other dancers attending. We look forward to seeing you in 2018!

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