Dear Colleagues:
I sincerely hope that this issue on INSIGHTS finds you and your family in good health.
As 1998 sets in, I hope that each of you were able to reflect back on 1997 and be proud for your accomplishments as a director, coach or sponsor. With each passing year the art of dance, especially in the Pep Arts, changes technically. It has become necessary for us as educators to embark on new avenues to help better prepare ourselves to educate our students. With this in mind the DTDA Executive board is working hard to provide you with an informative and most up to date publication as well as curriculums for our Convention and Regional Conference. I hope that you will be able to attend one of this year's events. DTDA will be hosting the National Convention in Austin, Texas, April 16-18, 1998 and the Midwest Regional Conference in Des Moines, Iowa, May 1-2, 1998.
As I reflect back the last few years DTDA has reached milestones. DTDA is taking shape to become a truly national organization. A "Timeline 2000" was created by the executive board in 1995. We have achieved many of the goals set forth and in some cases have exceeded our own expectations. I would like to share some of these accomplishments. They are as follows:
- March 1995- 800 number/voice mail system established to improve communication
- April 1995- Changed location of National Convention to increase membersip and attendance at the convention
- March 1996 - Contracted an Attorney to assist members with legal questions
- April 1996- Established a means of serving and appealing to the Junior Directors by hosting specific junior Director Workshops
- June 1996- Hired an executive secretary to regulate and maintain accounts and membership information
- June 1996 - Restructure to look and content of the directors INSIGHTS
- June 1996- Non-Profit Status recognized
- June 1997 - Establish a committee to hook into hosting a regional conference
- December 1997 - Develop regional information in INSIGHTS form different state organizations.
- May 1998 - Host the first regional conference
I am very proud to be a member of DTDA and I hope you are too. It takes a special person to be a teacher and even more special person to be a dance/drill team director. I wish you and your team the best during your contest or basketball season.
As always the DTDA board is here to serve your. If you need anything please do not hesitate to call 1-800-695-6910.
I would like to leave you with special thought dear to my heart. "Attitude is the mind's paintbrush, it can color any situation."
In the Dance and Drill Team Spirit,
Cathy Cook
