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The History of Dance/Drill
Team Directors of America
1979-1999
by Kim Burge & Melissa Interrante
In the beginning, there was a small group of enthusiastic band and
drill team camp instructors working together at camps over the summer.
The band directors spoke highly of their own professional organization
called Texas Band Masters. They told the drill team directors about the
annual convention they attended and the membership benefits they received
as members. Fortunately for us, those drill team instructors were able
to envision such an organization for their own kind. As they continued
to work throughout the summer, anticipation and excitement for the upcoming
organization began to build.
1979-1980
Organizers of DTDA began to meet in the fall of 1979 to organize a
national association for drill team directors. Their efforts produced DTDA's
first convention held at North Park Inn in Dallas, TX on April 18th and
19th, 1980. The goals for the organization were established. It was agreed
that DTDA should conduct a national convention and publish a newsletter
in hopes of bonding drill team directors from across the nation together.
The purposes of the organization would include:
1) To achieve the highest standards of the performance of drill teams.
2) To improve the professional status of Drill Team Directors
3) To promote cultural, intellectual, material, social, and civic interests
of the profession
4) To advise and to counsel with educational agencies on matters of
educational and professional interests.
5) To promote a nationwide clinic/convention devoted to the development
and improvement of drill teams and their directors.
The original proposed name was "American Drill Team Directors Association"
but became "Drill Team Directors of America". Organizers included: Butch
Arnold, Virginia Arsers, Gussie Nell Davis, Terry Davis, Dr. Irving Dreibrodt,
Kim Baird Elmore, Byron Felder, Pam Hamberger Willis, Clem Lewis, Barbara
Lown, Dorothy Mize, Jan Paxton, Joyce Pennington, Sherrie Prahl, Beverly
Skipper and Lynda Taylor. "Honorary Lifetime Membership" was awarded to
Miss Gussie Nell Davis and Dr. Irving Dreibrodt. 53 directors joined DTDA
that first year, and 37 were able to attend the convention. The Guest speaker
was Gussie Nell Davis and the first drill team fashion show was held. DTDA
also attracted 12 exhibitors that momentous year.
1980-1981
DTDA selected its first set of officers at the April, 1980 convention:
President Barbara Lown, 1st Vice President Joyce Pennington, 2nd Vice President
Beverly Skipper, Secretary/Treasurer Terry Davis, Parliamentarian Carol
Hancock , and Sergeant At Arms Sherrie Prahl. With one convention behind
them and interest in the organization building, DTDA set off for a successful
year. DTDA began publishing a quarterly newsletter. They also began to
research information about our nation's drill teams by conducting a survey
concerning contests, workshops, and salaries. The board established a professional
relationship with band music publishers in hopes of encouraging band arrangements
that would be ideal for drill teams. The convention was held at North Park
Inn in Dallas on May 1-2, 1981. Convention goers received a notebook with
handouts and information when they checked in at convention. 65 directors
attended convention, with 72 joining for the year. The exhibit hall, under
Joyce Pennington's management, grew to 31 booths. It only cost directors
$10 to attend convention, with $15 set as the membership fee.
1981-1982
A new slate of officers were elected at the 1981 convention. They were
President Lynda Taylor, 1st Vice President Laura Davis, 2nd Vice President
Gene Baker, Secretary/Treasurer Dorothy Mize, Sergeant at Arms Debra Roth,
Parliamentarian Melodye Montgomery, and Exhibit Manager Joyce Pennington.
The board focused on increasing membership throughout the year by conducting
a membership drive. They also expanded the convention schedule to cover
three days, offering more opportunities for workshops and speakers. The
3rd Annual Convention was held May 6-8, 1982 at North Park Inn, Dallas,
Texas. 108 directors joined the organization, with 75 attending convention.
Since the convention lasted three days, the convention fee increased to
$25. The exhibit hall had 30 booths.
1982-1983
The new executive officers for 1982-83 were President Beverly Skipper,
1st Vice President Sue Bratton, 2nd Vice President Debra Roth, Secretary/Treasurer
Dorothy Mize, Sergeant at Arms Laura Davis, Parliamentarian Fredelyn Cavender,
and Exhibit Manager Joyce Pennington. The board worked hard to improve
the professional image of directors and of the organization. They asked
the Texas Coaches Directory and the National Director of High School Coaches
to include a listing of drill team directors in annual reports. The board
also developed specific guidelines for executive officer duties to help
facilitate convention planning and to make yearly transitions between serving
board members more smooth. Four states were targeted for membership in
a bulk mailing. The board also initiated proceedings to declare DTDA as
a non-profit organization. A new logo was adopted. The newsletter took
shape and included reports from several states. The 4th Annual Convention
was held in Dallas at the North Park Inn on May 5-7, 1983. DTDA hosted
85 directors at the convention, which included an enjoyable entertainment
night. The convention notebook was expanded and topics where organized
by color. The guest speaker was Gussie Nell Davis. 136 members joined DTDA
for the year. The convention fee increased to $30. A large growth occurred
in the exhibit hall that expanded from 30 booths to 51.
1983-1984
DTDA Officers for the 1983-84 term were President Sue Bratton, 1st
Vice President Fredelyn Cavender, 2nd Vice President Debbie Byrd, Secretary/Treasurer
Juanita Ross, Sergeant at Arms Kim Burge, and Parliamentarian Susan Gorham.
Past President Beverly Skipper, and Exhibit Manager Joyce Pennington. The
newsletter format was again modified to display a more professional image.
In addition, the DTDA logo adopted the previous year was printed on all
correspondence materials. The constitution was updated, refined and adopted.
The board strongly desired to unite directors from all over the country.
Many state associations had formed in the late 70's and early 80's, but
were all working independently from each other. The board extended an invitation
to all state drill team director organizations to affiliate with DTDA.
Membership dues for state and national organizations were kept separate
from one another. However, a more concentrated effort began for the organizations
to work together. State organizations began to regularly submit news to
the national DTDA newsletter. In addition, the state organization encouraged
their members to join the national organization. This was the first year
that a significant number of out of Texas members joined DTDA. Successful
membership drives resulted in increasing membership to 260. DTDA needed
a computer to help manage the record keeping which resulted in the purchase
of a Compaq DOS format computer and printer. The hotel site changed to
the Dallas Hyatt Regency to offer a larger exhibit hall, which grew from
51 to 70 booths. 134 convention guests were present at the 5th annual convention
on May 3-5, 1984. Barbara Lown (our first president), Joyce Pennington
(charter member, the exhibit hall manager and past board member) and Beverly
Skipper (charter member and a past president) were all honored with "Lifetime
Honorary Membership." Again, Miss Gussie Nell Davis was the featured speaker
at convention. The convention raised to $40 this year.
1984-1985
Some big changes would take place this year under the direction of
President Kim Burge, 1st Vice President: Nika Carter, 2nd Vice President
Juanita Ross, Secretary Lynn Tumlison, Parliamentarian Susan Gorham, Sergeant
At Arms Debbie Byrd, Past President: Sue Bratton, and Exhibit Manager Joyce
Pennington. The greatest change involved the DTDA newsletter. The board
voted to change the format from an 8.5"x11" newsletter handout to a black
and white magazine. Advertising was sold to offset printing expenses. By
the end of the year we saw the birth of the new magazine publication called
"Insight". The board also hired Minnie Orm to serve in a staff position
as Executive Secretary for DTDA. Use of the new computer allowed for the
development of a membership database. A push for a more professional image
saw the development of an official membership form. National membership
drives continued through bulk mailings. The 6th Annual Convention was held
May 2-4, 1985 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The cost of
attending the convention went up to $60.00, with membership fees raising
to $25.00. Gloria Gilbert Barron (Miss Texas 1983) was the keynote speaker
at the convention. The exhibit hall presented 68 booths. DTDA honored two
of its members as Lifetime Honorary Members. They were Dorothy Mize (a
charter member and former board member of DTDA), and Jessie Horton (long-time
director at Arlington Lamar High School, Arlington, TX).
1985-1986
The 1985-86 officers were President and Editor Nika Carter, 1st Vice
President Carolyn Rasor, 2nd Vice President Lisa Dalton, Secretary Debbie
Lynd, Sergeant at Arms Molly Cannon, Parliamentarian Cindy English, Past
President Kim Burge, Exhibit Manager Joyce Pennington, and Executive Secretary,
Minnie Orm. DTDA officially changed its name to include the element of
dance in its name. The new name, "Dance/Drill Team Directors of America",
still abbreviated DTDA, required a new logo. Throughout the year, the board
focused on three areas of the new name...Dance, Director and America. After
two issues of INSIGHT were published, the board decided to specifically
concentrate on content that would enrich a director of a dance or drill
team. The name of the magazine was adjusted to better describe its purpose,
Director's Insight. The board voted to add the office of "Editor" to the
Executive Board. The board also finalized the incorporation process, adding
", Inc." to its new name. Financial responsibilities were charged to the
executive secretary. Membership increased by 24% this year and DTDA welcomed
its first international member from Australia. More computer software was
purchased to help manage the production of the magazine. The 7th annual
convention was held May 8-10, 1986 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas.
Lifetime Honorary Membership was awarded to Kay Teer Crawford (a pioneer
and originator of drill team who carried the concept to California) and
Wayne Carpenter (a director from Zanesville, Ohio who also served on the
Ohio Activities Association's Buckeye Drill Team Association).
1986-1987
The business of DTDA for 1986-1987 was carried out by President Carolyn
Rasor, 1st Vice President Cindy English, 2nd Vice President Deidra Robertson,
Secretary Wendy Lockwood, Sergeant at Arms Trumanell Maples, Parliamentarian
Becky Kegans, Past President and Editor Nika Carter, Exhibit Managers Joyce
Pennington and Dorothy Mize, and Executive Secretary Minnie Orm. The major
accomplishment for the year would be a lasting contribution. Judges Certification
workshops were added to the convention schedule, offering "Adjudication
Certification" in two areas: Phase I: Line and Officer Tryouts and Phase
II: Competition. The 8th annual convention was held at the Hyatt Regency
Hotel in Dallas on May 7-9, 1987. Over 300 members attended convention,
and 100 exhibitors were present.
1987-1988
Executive officers were President Cindy English, 1st Vice President
and Editor Deidra Robertson, 2nd Vice President Kay Lynn Renfro, Secretary
Sally Haynes, Sergeant at Arms Trumanell Maples, Parliamentarian Becky
Kegans, Past President Carolyn Rasor, Exhibit Managers Joyce Pennington
and Dorothy Mize, and Executive Secretary Tama Blend. The board voted to
increase membership dues to $35 for the year. They also introduced DTDA
Sweatshirts, socks, and briefcases that were sold to members. As printing
technology improved, so did the look of our magazine. The 9th annual convention
moved to the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Dallas, TX and was held May 5-7,
1988.
1988-1989
The 1988-89 officers were President Kay Lynn Renfro, 1st Vice President
Cindy Nick, 2nd Vice President Alice Martinez, Secretary Carolyn Stockton,
Sergeant at Arms Melissa Preston, Parliamentarian Janet Newton, Past President
Cindy English, Exhibit Manager Dorothy Mize and Editor and Executive Secretary
Sue Bratton. "Director's Insight", formerly published five times per year,
would now be published quarterly with Fall, Winter, Spring and Convention/Summer
issues. New computer software was purchased to assist in typesetting the
magazine. The board made a big push for membership this year with a massive
mailing effort. DTDA was also represented at the TDDTEA convention in an
effort to increase membership. Throughout the year, an effort was made
to locate colleges that have dance teams in order to promote college director
membership and to inform directors about post-high school dance opportunities
for their students. The 10th annual convention, appropriately named "Celebrate",
was held May 11-13, 1989 at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
This was the first year that the convention had a theme that tied the festivities
together. A large group photo was taken of the members in attendance. The
convention fees were $65.00. The board introduced two constitutional changes
at convention:
1) 3rd Vice president shall serve as chairperson of the Exhibitor-Sustaining
Membership (this amendment added the position of 3rd Vice President to
the Executive Board).
2) Established qualifications and guidelines for the selection of Honorary
Lifetime Membership.
1989-1990
The executive board members for 1989-90 were President Cindy Nick,
1st Vice President Gayle Epperson, 2nd Vice President Alice Martinez, 3rd
Vice President Sharon Rosales, Secretary Sandy Morton, Sergeant at Arms
Nan Nowlin, Parliamentarian Sherri Mallard, Past President and Editor Kay
Lynn Renfro, and Executive Secretary Sue Bratton. National membership recruiting
was a priority for the year. State updates were included in every issue
of Director's Insight. In addition, the board planned to create Member-at-large
positions for states with over 10 members. The 11th annual convention cost
$80 to attend and was held May 3-5, 1990 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in
Dallas, Texas. The convention location moved back to the Hyatt due to overwhelming
requests from the exhibitors who preferred the facilities at the Hyatt.
Instead of a banquet, the directors went to West End Market for a dinner
at Spaghetti Warehouse. Many people will remember this convention because
of the excessive rain and flooding that delayed many guests' arrival. This
was the last year that all convention guests received a Director's Notebook.
From this point forward, notebooks were given to new members only or could
be purchased by current members for $25.00.
1990-1991
For the first time, DTDA would have a president serve two terms in
office. Officers for the year were President Cindy Nick, 1st Vice President
Karen Sowers, 2nd Vice President Alice Martinez, 3rd Vice President Sharon
Rosales, Secretary Sandy Morton, Sergeant at Arms LouJan Hokett, Parliamentarian
Diane Martin, Editor and Executive Secretary Melinda Barton. The 12th annual
convention, "Let the Good Times Roll", was held May 2-4, 1991 at the Fairmont
Hotel, in Dallas, Texas. With a change in hotel locations, the board spent
the majority of the year concentrating on the details of the convention.
They wanted the directors and exhibitors to be pleased with the new hotel
choice. Indeed, the Fairmont Hotel was a unique, beautiful choice for the
convention. The Venetian Room was a memorable location for the Luncheon
and Fashion Show. The banquet was very entertaining with a casino party
theme. The exhibit hall held 105 exhibitors. The motivational speaker was
noted Dallas celebrity, Susie Humphries. Sue Bratton (former director of
the Grapevine HS Fillies Drill Team for her service to DTDA as President,
Editor, and Executive Secretary) and Donna Mastandrea (director of the
TCU Showgirls, guest writer for Director's Insight, clinician, and Executive
Director of Marching Auxiliaries) were honored as Lifetime Honorary Members.
1991-1992
Executive Officers for 1991-92 were President Lou Jan Hokett, 1st Vice
President Marsha Fields, 2nd Vice President Cindy Russell, 3rd Vice President
Cindy Van Meter, Secretary Callie Hoffman, Sergeant at Arms Danese Fondren,
Parliamentarian Melissa Holliman, Past President Cindy Nick, Editor and
Executive Coordinator Malinda Barton. A change occurred in position title
of Executive Secretary to Executive Coordinator. The Executive Coordinator
became a more powerful force in the day-to-day management of DTDA, making
many decisions, plans, and purchases for DTDA without formal consent or
voting by the executive board. As a result, the record keeping minutes/financial
reports that normally chart the flow of decisions made by the board were
limited in scope for the following two years. Membership dues increased
from $35.00 to $40.00 for the year. The convention had originally been
scheduled for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas. When the Hyatt defaulted
on the contract, a lawsuit was filed by DTDA against the Hyatt Regency
Hotel. Luckily, the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, TX was available to host
the convention. DTDA purchased a fax machine with answering machine capabilities.
Malinda Barton represented DTDA as a member of the "Professional Convention
Managers Association". The 13th annual convention, "Midnight Masquerade",
was held April 30-May 2, 1992. The festive banquet included a casino and
masquerade party theme.
1992-1993
Executive officers for 1992-93 were President Marsha Fields, 1st Vice
President Danese Fondren, 2nd Vice President Cindy Russell, 3rd Vice President
Erin Green, Secretary Callie Hoffman, Sergeant at Arms Tiffany Tacker,
Parliamentarian Robin Wentzel, Past President Lou Jan Hokett, National
All-Star Drill Team Coordinator Cindy Nick, Job Fair Coordinator Joyce
Pennington, and Executive Coordinator and Editor Malinda Barton. The board
accepted a settlement with the Hyatt Regency Hotel, for default of contract,
for the sum of $26,900.00. The 1993 convention site was moved to Grapevine,
minutes from DFW airport, at the DFW Hilton Executive Conference Center
and Austin Ranch. The new hotel held 99 exhibitor booths and had enough
meeting rooms to host workshops for DTDA members and to train the new National
All Star Drill Team. The theme for the convention was "Kick Up Your Heels"
and it was held on April 28-May 1, 1993. Convention fees increased to $100.00.
To promote membership and the convention, a mass mailing to 3000 dance
and drill team directors was produced. The first membership directory was
published. Another first, DTDA held its first Job Fair at convention under
the management of Joyce Pennington. The board also announced the establishment
of a "Long Range Planning Committee" that would set goals and establish
the general direction for the future of DTDA. The committee planned to
present its ideas at the 1994 convention. DTDA hosted its first National
All Star Drill Team during the convention under the leadership of Cindy
Nick. The goal for the NASDT was to provide outstanding choreographers,
renowned guest speakers and workshop clinicians with an atmosphere of fun
and espirit de cor. The first NASDT performance was choreographed by Molly
Cannon, Missy Sumpter, and Mary Wendt. The girls took a charter bus to
Planet Hollywood in the West End. Some consideration was given to moving
the convention to San Antonio in the future. Some of the board members
traveled to San Antonio to investigate the possibilities.
1993-1994
Following the 1993 Convention, Malinda Barton resigned from her staff
position as Executive Coordinator. The Executive Board reviewed the financial
status of DTDA and chose not to fill the position of Executive Coordinator.
The Convention was held May 5-7, 1994 at the DFW Hilton in Grapevine, with
"Fiesta" as the theme. The exhibit hall was completely filled with 99 booths.
The banquet speaker was Ms. Toody Byrd who proved to be very motivating
and entertaining. The National All Star Drill Team performance was choreographed
by Betsy Heathcock. The girls were used as models in the style show. They
also enjoyed workshops taught by Kelli McGonagill, the director of the
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and Gracie Toons, a master tap instructor.
Constitutional changes that were passed at convention that year included:
· The NASDT Chairman will be a voting member of the Executive
Board.
· The DTDA President will have charge of all funds and provide
financial statements at each meeting of the executive board.
· Two signatures will be required on any expenditure over $50.00.
· An accounting firm will be hired annually to review/audit
the DTDA financial records.
· National All Star Drill Team members will serve as models
for the style show.
Executive Board members for 1993-94 were President Marsha Fields, 1st
Vice President Kim Burge, 2nd Vice President Judy Lee, 3rd Vice President
Kristi Martin, Secretary Dee Anne Fowler, Sergeant at Arms Staci Stephens,
Parliamentarian Mary Beth Kepper, National All-Star Coordinator Cindy Nick,
and Editor Kim Burge. The 93-94 board successfully held the pieces of DTDA
together during their year of service. With little operating money to last
the year, they chose to personally pay for many expenses they encountered
during the year for travel and communications. It is no surprise that after
an exhausting year, the 94-95 board would hold only two veteran board members.
1994-95
The new board consisted of President Kara Guinn, 1st Vice President
Melissa Interrante, 2nd Vice President Becky Ganong, 3rd VP Kristi Creamer,
Secretary Karen McGowan, Parliamentarian Vivian Stewart Juarez, Sergeant-at-Arms
Gina Sawyer, NASDT Chairperson Kay Lynn Renfro, Editor of INSIGHTS Joe
Guttery, and Past President Marsha Fields. The good news is that many of
the new officers would continue to serve in the years to come. Following
the 94 convention, DTDA was able to pay off its outstanding legal fees,
and the organization had a workable operating budget. DTDA was financially
able to pay Joe Guttery to work as editor for INSIGHTS, though all other
business was completely handled by its board. An 800 number that is still
in use today and DTDA's first voice mail system that allowed all board
members to communicate more effectively with each other and the membership
were implemented the month prior to the 95 convention. In January, the
board approved and adopted the "Timeline 2000" which outlined goals and
target dates for the following years of DTDA. One of the tallest orders
of business for this board was to find a new site for future conventions
that would allow for growth of the exhibit hall and provide sufficient
rehearsal space for the National All Star Drill Team. Many cities were
considered for the move including New Orleans, Galveston, Houston, Austin,
San Antonio, Fort Worth, and other hotels in Dallas. San Antonio was selected
because it offered the most growth potential for the exhibit hall and was
the greatest tourist attraction in Texas. The move not only changed the
location of the convention, but it forced a date change from DTDA's traditional
convention weekend. Other significant changes included new database files
that were started in March using Microsoft Accessä to house all of
the membership data from year to year. Several board members attended the
TDDTEA convention held in January to promote the organization. Finally,
May arrived and the "Escape to Treasure Isle" convention held at the DFW
Hilton was a huge success. Significant gains in membership were achieved
with a strong turn out for convention. The National All Star Drill Team,
now in its 3rd year, was instructed by Marching Auxiliaries as they performed
a pirate theme dance to keep the "treasure isle" theme going. One special
session that was planned for all members to attend was a time management
seminar presented by Daytimerä . Sample personal planners were given
to the members in attendance. At the banquet, Melba Murkin, from Southeast
Polk High School in Iowa, was recognized as a lifetime honorary member
for her lengthy career as a drill team director and for her service to
the Iowa State Drill Team Association. A new position, Junior/Associate
Liaison, was added as an advisory position to the board.
1995-96
The 1995-96 board consisting of President Melissa Interrante, 1st VP
Vivian Stewart Juarez, 2nd VP Gina Sawyer, 3rd VP Cathy Cook, Secretary
Christie McCullough, Parliamentarian Kathi Haralson, Sergeant-at-Arms Annette
Stark, NASDT Chairperson Tami Prevett, Editor of INSIGHTS Joe Guttery,
Junior/Associate Membership Liaison Millie Alford and Past President Kara
Guinn busied themselves with the task of moving the convention to San Antonio.
To improve the financial accountability of DTDA, they implemented an annual
review of the books that would be performed by a certified public accountant.
A new system for accounting was put into place so that every expense was
categorized and explained. Detailed account transactions and balances were
distributed to all board members at monthly meetings for review. They also
acquired a federal tax id number and re-acquired articles of incorporation
from the state of Texas so that an application for national tax exemption
status could be successfully filed. Realizing the need to give DTDA members
greater benefits, they added legal counsel as a benefit of membership and
developed a mentor program to join new directors with veteran directors
to help improve first-year directing experiences. DTDA also began to develop
its own national mailing list of directors. The names and addresses were
contributed from exhibitors and also purchased from state directory services.
The board decided that INSIGHTS, our organization's professional publication,
should take on a new look the following year, both inside and out. Erin
Green, the new editor, and Melissa Interrante, as advertising director,
began to work out the details for improving the magazine. Membership fees
were raised ($50 Active, $45 In-Active and Associate, $15 Student (no change)).
This change was effective beginning with the following year to help pay
for all of these benefit improvements/additions. The board also introduced
the Top Ten Directors of DTDA awards program at the national convention
to offer greater recognition possibilities to the membership. Three PC
computers and ink jet printers were purchased to help maintain records
and improve the flow of business from one year to the next. The Fiesta
Del Rio convention arrived in April and was held at the San Antonio Hyatt
on the Riverwalk with the exhibit hall housed in the large banquet hall
of the San Antonio Convention Center. The exhibit hall grew, but the move
and change in date did bring a decrease in the number of convention goers.
The pre-convention schedule was expanded to include a computer training
workshop pioneered by Cindy Nick and Kim Burge, and the Coaches'/Directors'
Certification Workshop. The Friday evening banquet was an enjoyable night.
Deanna Bolton Covin, former director of the Kilgore College Rangerettes,
was the featured speaker. Starmakers produced the National All Star Drill
Team performance. Two members, Judy Porter (long-time director of the Spruce
High School Drill Team in Dallas, TX) and Kim Burge (director at Keller
High School for her service to DTDA as President, First Vice President,
Editor, Sergeant-at-Arms, guest writer for INSIGHTS and workshop presenter)
were presented as honorary lifetime members.
1996-97
DTDA members were pleasantly surprised when their Fall 1996 issue of
INSIGHTS arrived at their homes. Erin had done an incredible job laying
out the new look for the magazine. Magazine articles were also available
on-line through DTDA's websites at www.danceusa.com/dtda and www.danceusa.com/insights.
Working with Dance Teacher Now magazine, DTDA was able to produce convention/membership
information that was mailed to every high school drill team in America.
In all, nearly 10,000 DTDA brochures were mailed this year. Our membership
numbers recovered from the previous year and were up by 13%. During the
course of the year, our Federal Tax-Exempt, Non-Profit Status was approved,
1998 and 1999 convention contracts were signed that would move our convention
to Austin, Texas, in future years, and the board attended the 1997 TDDTEA
convention to promote DTDA membership. Our second year in San Antonio looked
much different than the first. The exhibit hall, workshops, and meals were
all held at the convention center. DTDA members were able to choose from
three hotels for accommodations. The convention, "Come Together", was held
in mid-April. Other changes included a greater variety of sponsorships
for convention workshops, and the exhibit hall offered a "Booth in a Box"
program for non-attending sustaining members. DTDA also introduced a state
delegate program that allowed each state organization to bring two delegates
from their state. This effort helped lay a good foundation for regional
conferences that would begin the following year. The National All-Star
Drill Team was directed by Showtime International. Also at the banquet,
a tribute to Barbara Tidwell, the director and founder of the SWTSU Strutters
was featured. The executive board for 96-97 included President Vivian Stewart
Juarez, 1st VP Kristi Creamer, 2nd VP Christy Berg, 3rd VP Cathy Cook,
Secretary & Junior Associate Liaison Millie Alford, Parliamentarian
Kathi Haralson, Sergeant-at-Arms Annette Stark, NASDT Tami Prevett, Editor
of INSIGHTS Erin Green, Past President, Advertising Director, & Executive
Coordinator Melissa Interrante. Learning from past mistakes, the position
of Executive Coordinator was limited to perform duties that were expressly
authorized by the board. The executive coordinator was responsible for
all membership databases and financial record keeping. Other duties that
normally were charged to the executive coordinator included artwork development,
mailings, brochure production, and hotel contract negotiations.
1997-98
The new board: President Cathy Cook, 1st VP Annette Stark, 2nd VP Christy
Berg, 3rd VP Robin Yates, Secretary Millie Alford, Parliamentarian Tonya
Gelsthorpe, Sergeant-at-Arms Tami Prevett, NASDT Martha Cortinas Fernandez,
Junior/Associate Membership Liaison Gina Sawyer, Regional Conference Coordinator
Kathy Enyart, Past President Vivian Stewart Juarez, Editor of INSIGHTS
and Executive Coordinator Melissa Interrante, and Assistant Editor Renee
Garvin hit the ground running. For the first time, the board was charged
with planning a national convention in a new city and a regional conference
outside of Texas. Kathy Enyart met with Cathy Cook, Christy Berg and Melissa
Interrante during the summer to work on the hotel contract and develop
a budget for the event. "Dance Across America" was chosen as the theme
for the conference and the convention. The Midwest Regional Conference
was held on May 7-8, 1998 in Des Moines, IA at the Fort Des Moines Hotel,
though it was originally scheduled for the Savery Hotel and Spa. The conference
package was $100 per member and included 10 workshops, an exhibit hall
featuring 25 companies, a banquet and a sack lunch. Dr. Kay Crawford was
the banquet speaker at the conference and delighted everyone with her account
of the history of drill team. The Iowa State Drill Team Association held
their annual business meeting on the eve of the conference. Focus on increasing
membership in the Midwest and West Coast regions of the US led board members
to attend conferences and contests in Oregon, Iowa and Texas. They also
mailed support materials and magazines to Missouri and Illinois to be distributed
to directors attending state contests. As the responsibilities of the board
increased, the need for better communication prompted the expansion of
the voice mail system to include its 13 officers (from the original 9)
and a dedicated fax number. DTDA's three computers were upgraded with faster
processors, CD roms, and more memory. A new 600dpi laser printer was also
purchased for INSIGHTS. The board also voted to begin accepting credit
cards for INSIGHTS advertising and for convention fees and membership dues.
By September, the credit card purchases began rolling in. Board member,
Gina Sawyer, worked to develop the first Collegiate Profile that was distributed
to the National All Star Drill Team at convention. Her foundational work
led to the development of a college dance team database. The National Convention
was held April 15-18 at the Austin Renaissance Hotel. Everyone seemed to
enjoy the beautiful hotel and having everything under one roof again. At
the banquet, new Lifetime Honorary Members were recognized: Kathy Enyart
(Executive Director of the Iowa State Drill Team Association and Midwest
Regional Conference Coordinator for DTDA) and Cindy Nick (director at John
Tyler High School in Tyler, TX and former President, 1st Vice President,
and National All Star Drill Team Chairperson for DTDA). Cindy Nick also
presented a movie about the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles. A spectacular
National All Star Drill Team performance was produced by Showmakers and
enjoyed by all. At the annual business meeting, a constitutional amendment
was approved that reversed the duties of Sergeant-at Arms (now responsible
for membership services) and Second Vice President (now the curriculum
coordinator for convention). DTDA members were also encouraged to complete
the 1998 National Standards Survey published in the convention issue of
INSIGHTS. The computer workshops offered on Wednesday night at convention
were expanded to include training on both Macintosh and PC computers. In
addition, two computers were available in the exhibit hall with Internet
access. Directors enjoyed looking at dance related sites and checking their
e-mails while away from home. It was a busy, fruitful year for DTDA with
a membership growth of 11% overall, and strong growth in the Midwest (up
by 18%).
1998-99
The 1998-99 board began their year in Salado at Joyce Pennington's
home for a weekend planning retreat. The board members for 98-99 were President
Annette Stark, 1st VP Tami Prevett, 2nd VP Tonya Gelsthorpe, 3rd VP Robin
Yates, Secretary Millie Alford, Parliamentarian Tisha Smith, Sergeant-at-Arms
Amanda Wages, NASDT Chairperson Shannon Cross, Junior Liaison Sherry Harwood,
Associate Liaison Gina Sawyer, Exhibitor Liaison Joyce Pennington, Past
President and Executive Coordinator Cathy Cook, Editor of INSIGHTS Melissa
Interrante, Assistant Editor of INSIGHTS Renee Garvin. A great deal of
time would be spent throughout the year on making DTDA's 20th convention
special. The theme, "Celebrate" was promoted in each issue of INSIGHTS
which were titled, "Celebrate Half-Time," "Celebrate Contests," "Celebrate
Tryouts" and finally, "Celebrate DTDA's 20th year." The 2000 convention
contract was signed for the Austin Renaissance Hotel and plans were made
to move the convention back to Dallas for the years 2001 and 2002. The
board created an Exhibitor Liaison position to be filled by a sustaining
member. The position was established to provide better communication between
exhibitors and the board. The board also separated the Junior/Associate
Liaison position into two separate offices to better meet the needs of
Junior Team Directors and Studio directors. The expanded board, now up
to 14 and projected to grow in 1999-2000, prompted the purchase of a voice
mail/fax system that would allow greater versatility through fax dispersal
and pre-recorded subject announcements. Board members attended the 1998
TDDTEA convention and sent support materials to Oregon, Iowa, New Mexico,
Missouri, and Illinois contests and conferences. They also worked to organize
a National Standards Committee to make recommendations on higher standards
for drill team programs across the country. The DTDA Website was greatly
expanded this year to include the DTDA Job Fair job postings, and the Collegiate
Profile. The board also began to develop an on-line directors' membership
notebook where members could download ready to use files. Once downloaded,
these files could be edited by the member to personalize the table, constitution,
chart, or graphic for their own team's use. The projected completion of
this project was set for Fall of 1999. The board purchased another laptop
computer and desktop computer to be used by the board. The President, First
Vice President, Second Vice President, Executive Coordinator and the Editor
of INSIGHTS now use DTDA computers. Another board accomplishment included
the creation of a comprehensive budget to better manage DTDA's cash flow.
In addition, the Executive Coordinator, Cathy Cook, changed DTDA's accounting
software to a more in-depth, advanced system using Quickbooksä . With
increasing food costs and operating expenses, convention fees were raised
to $135. In addition, student membership fees were increased to $25. On
April 14-17, 1999 at the Austin Renaissance Hotel, the membership celebrated
DTDA's 20 years, inviting back prominent members of DTDA and photographing
some historically significant groups. Great effort was made to recognize
and appreciate the many individuals who had contributed personally to the
success of DTDA. Lifetime Honorary Member Nominees for the year included
Nika Carter (director at Weatherford High School in Weatherford, TX and
former President, First Vice President, Editor) and Melissa Interrante
(former DTDA President, 1st Vice President, and Executive Coordinator,
and current Editor of INSIGHTS). The NASDT performance was produced by
HTE.
Kim Burge
o Past President of DTDA
o Lifetime Honorary Member of DTDA
o Director at Keller High School, Keller, TX
Melissa Interrante
· Past President of DTDA and Lifetime Honorary Member
· Editor of INSIGHTS, 1997-1999
· Owner of DanceUSA website
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