Some Celebrants
at the Rich Reel
50th Birthday Party
on 12/12/12
Rich & Tony.
Atia and Russ.
Marilynn & Mark.
SF Chronicle Story
Brad and Alistair in the HMRC Ballroom
The Chronicle recently published an article about the popularity of square dancing among baby boomers.
[LINK]
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Steve: January 7
Carol: January 8
David: January 15
Eloise: January 17
Lewis: January 18
Louis: January 24
Leon: January 25
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
David: February 8
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
Russ: March 1
Dan: March 7
Tony: March 10
Steve: March 10
Steve: March 26
Kathy: March 31
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
April 15: Matt
April 25: Mario
May Birthdays
May 5: Fen
May 6: Ron
May 14: Mimi
May 20: Jay
May 26: Richard
May 31: Dave
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Fabian: December 7
Alistair: December 9
Randy: December 10
Rich: December 12
WSD Class Instructor
Allan: December 14
Club Night Caller
Gary: December 15
Harlan: December 18
Club Night Caller
Steve: December 19
Craig: December 27
Remembering the Year 2011
TONY TIME
The 2011 inductee into The Order of the Two Left Feet brought panache to the proceedings of Western Star events.
Tony wishes all a Happy New Year!
Madhatter Party: Tony's debut as Theme Night host in January.
Tony ushered in the Lunar New Year at the February 3 class.
Tony played Cupid for the Valentine Party.
In March, Tony was beadazzled for Mardi Gras Party
Tony turned Leprechaun for St.Pat's Party
Tony Cottontail at the Easter Party in April
Tony celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Mainstream Graduation night
Accident prone, nerdy Tony at the Halloween Dance
Holiday spirited Tony at the InterClub Social
Past Homepage Highlights
Previously Published Stories
2013
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from February 2013
A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts
Darren Gallina called "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" with dancers under the collosal statue of Marilyn Monroe
during the Palm Springs Fly-In.
VIDEO CLIP: Watch for Ann & Tony, Willie & James, and Steve Meyer.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Mardi Gras king Rich Reel.
Steve and Ann celebrated at February 11 dance.
Valentine Class Night
February 14.
Ron & Atia
Tony & Rich
Louis and Jay
Walk and Dodge the Rain Dance
February 16.
VIDEO CLIP [35 seconds]: Warming up during the Pre-Rounds with Fiddlestepper's Polka, then square dancing to the Over the Rainbow finale.
Thom and caller Darren Gallina
Michael and Tony
Hans and Ann
Nancy and cuer John Flora
On the Town
Contra Dancing in the Dark
February 22.
With the romantic lighting it may be difficult to see, but in the video clip, Elise, Russ and Art are dancing with the group near to the stage. On the Town
Dancing in the Dark
February 27.
.
PHOTO: Gary and Ann at the BLACK LIGHT BALL. VIDEO CLIP: With lights out, the white gloves float in the dance hall. Eric Henerlau is the caller.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from March 2013
Wearing of the Green
When "Irish" eyes are smiling...
James and Ann.
Video Clip: Multi-layered event--
Last month, Rich performed a Christmas song for Arlene's and Jim's birthday on St.Patrick's eve.
Scenes from the
Western Star 31st Anniversary Dance
March 23
VIDEO: Hunter Keller performed his yodeling cowboy skills.
Nancy, The Easter Bunny (Steve Huggins)and Elise.
Willie and James award the champagne basket door prize (donated by Davida & Gary) to Tony.
Dancing THE BUNNY HOP
Not only did the anniversary dance feature squares with Hunter Keller and pre-rounds with John Flora; but the multi-talented Michael Levy was there to lead the line for The Bunny Hop.
Class Level Dancing with Hunter
Y.M.C.A.
New dancers enjoyed a bit of patter drill, and Hunter's special rendition of Y.M.C.A.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from April 2013
Mainstream Graduation
The WSD Mainstream class completion ceremony was held on Thursday, April 18.
WSD Class Coordinator Tony, Instructor Rich, graduates Jay, Alistair and Steve.
More photos and a video clip are displayed on the Website
CLASS PAGE.
Tableau Vivant
At the Oaktown 8s Tea Dance on April 7, Brad and Alistair struck a slightly familiar pose. See photo that accompanies Chronicle story in Left SideBar.
James peered around Tony as Willie was awestruck by the photo of Ann's dance boots in the Chronicle Datebook.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from January 2012
WSD Convention Photo Archive
Following several months of volunteer work, the archive collection of Western Star group photos from past conventions is now uploaded to the WSD website and displayed for permanent view. Due to the large size of the files, the photos have been cropped and reduced, but in most cases, clicking on the photo will expand the picture to the original size and content. Rick, Richard and Gary worked on processing photo scans, editing and uploading; and Russ and Freeman researched and provided photos to fill in the gaps where pictures were missing from the collection.
WSD Convention Page Archive [LINK]
Mouse-over to see expanded photo.
Square Phenomenon.
In a rare occurence, a gender-correct square formed spontaneously during the WSD Mainstream Class. Ann & TonyL, Alice & TonyC, Elise & Lewis, and Atia & Steve were the astounded couples in the chance harmonic convergence.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from February 2012
Changes Made to E-Mail Promotions
-Change to Fly-In Promotions
Forwarding of e-mail to the WSD membership from clubs outside the Bay Area will no longer be used to promote their events. WSD members who would like information on upcoming fly-ins may check the Fly-Ins link in the CALENDARS section on the right side-bar of this page.
-Change to Local Dance Promotions
Previously, dance announcements and follow-up reminders sent by Bay Area clubs to promote local dances were forwarded to the WSD membership. Reminders will no longer be sent. Only the original announcement will be provided. Dancers are encouraged to mark their calendars at that time.
On The Town
Cupid Gets Around
Cupid met Ali MacGraw at the Castro Theater tribute. That Pink Fairy thing was also in attendance.
Ann and John at FCD's Walk & Dodge the Rain.
25th Anniversary AIDS Quilt Display: WSD Panels
To coincide with the recent quilt display, Freeman has supplied to our archives a WSD documentary about the 1988 Washington, D.C., National Mall display; the excerpts in the following video clip focus on the panels for WSD members and others in the IAGSDC family.[At 4 minutes, the above clip may take several moments to buffer.]
The 25th Anniversary of the AIDS Memorial Quilt was commemorated in the Castro during February 2012. The original 12' x 12' block created by members of Western Star Dancers in 1987 was been selected for inclusion in the display.
At ceremonies on February 12, Former S.F. Supervisor Harry Britt read the names of the Western Stars. Russ was was also a names reader.
COVERAGE FROM OPENING CEREMONY [S.F. Chronicle LINK]
VIDEO: A privately produced clip uploaded to YouTube includes glimpses of the Western Star panels.
30 YEARS OF WESTERN STARS:
New Photo Archive Aquisition
Russ recently contributed this club picture, photograhed at the July 1984 graduation, to the WSD Photo Archive. Russ can be seen near the left in the back row. A 30-Year Anniversary celebration will take place on March 17 with caller Eric Henerlau.Mouse-over to see expanded photo.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from March 2012
Photos from the ShamRock the Boat WSD 30th Anniversary Dance on March 17
Ann & Tony going green.
Ostritch getting goosed...Steve and Steve dressed for St.Patrick's Day.
Mainstream class members Ron, Atia and Gerard.
St.Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland so James could promenade as Medusa
Erik waving through The Western Star (created by Todd and Joe for Anniversary Dances).
Dishers Dined on March 26
In a special non-dancing social event, several WSD club members attended the first Dine & Dish of the year.
In the photo (provided by Steve Scott), diners standing are (L-R) Tony, Ron, John, Bob, Dan, Donald, Eloise, Rick, Russ, Mark, Elise, Harlan, Tomas, Steve, and Peter. Seated dishers are Steve, Ann, Atia, Steve, Richard (event orgainzer) and Ron.
Mouse-over to see full-size photo.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from April 2012
Postcard from Tracey
I had a great night dancing at your club, everyone was so welcoming. It was such a highlight in my dancing experience, so I thank you so much. I will definately recommend your club to fellow travelling Aussie dancers.
Cheers :-)
Tracey from Down Under.
Visiting San Francisco from Australia, Tracey had corresponded with WSD General Contact John Dobson about dance opportunities in The City. In the above photo, he is welcoming her to the April 19 class night. In the picture below, Joe is showing her the special styling for Weave the Ring. 
Tracey is used to the common condition where there are more women than men and the ladies need to dance both roles; so she enjoyed the opposite situation, as can be seen in the video clip where she is dancing with seven men.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
Appointment of WSD Delegate to Vancouver Convention
Mario [above], WSD incumbent Delegate to the IAGSDC, has volunteered to serve again this July as club representative in Vancouver. Steve Huggins will serve as Alternate Delegate.
Video and Photos from the Ghost Riders 40th Anniversary Dance
Hunter Keller can be heard calling to the live music of The Ghost Riders. Watch for Ann & Tony swing dancing; Matt, Caroline, and Steve in the square; and Willie & James in the Cha Cha!
Gary and Ann.
Willie and Matt.
Elise won the door prize.
On The Town
Steve and Paul attending 2012 Easter festivities in Dolores Park.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from May 2012
Tomas in Video Interview
He discusses Advance-Level call Brace Thru
Dan has produced a video clip showing Tomas explaining how he worked on changing the name of the Advance-Level call previously known as Half Breed Thru. [WSD-TV LINK].
At The Stumptown Stomp
Event was held May 18 - 20
BELOW: At the Stomp: Bob and Gary
Ready to Stomp: Tony and John
Feeling a Stomp Coming On: Rick and Bob
Stompers at Rest: Tony and Fabian
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from June 2012
Promenade to Equality
Dance event was held June 9.
This year's Pride theme of Equality Around the World was celebrated at the joint-venture Western Star/Foggy City Promenade to Equality dance with caller Sandie Bryant. Six squares filled the hall at Forest Hill. 
PHOTO ABOVE: Mr.SquareDance & Russ
Tony & Elise
Tony & Ann
Steve, Gary, Alice and EdVIDEO CLIP BELOW: Michael Levy gives Steve Meyer a whirl and twirl.
Mainstream Graduation Photos and Video Clip
See the WSD Website CLASSES PAGE for grad pictures and a clip of the 16-Dancers Specialty Tip [LINK]
Special thanks to Art for bringing the wonderful cake, to Art, Bob and Louis for setting up the dance studio every week, and especially to Archangel Steve Meyer for managing the weekly classes, frequently bringing snacks, and making announcements. And congratulations to instructor Rich Reel for teaching another group of talented dancers.
Have your cake and eat it, too: Steve force-feeds Art.
Plus-Level Class Archangel
The new Plus Class started on June 7. Louis (pictured), is the Class Coordinator, "The Archangel-Plus Louis."
Cost of class is $75 for first-time Plus students; $35 for "re-takers."
Classes are held on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the second floor dance studio at HMRC.
SING OUT, LOUIS: As Mainstream Archangel Steve officially turned the class over to incoming Archangel-Plus Louis, Louis collapsed in hysterical embarassment after having made an unexpected rude noise... Luckily, Steve was not holding the microphone at the wrong end.
SPECIAL LOUIS BIO FEATURE (originally published July 2010): Read about a life with early years in a segregated school juxtaposed to a special Inauguration Day trip to Washington, D.C. [LINK]
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from July 2012
Scenes from The Roadrunner Dance
Eric Henerlau called at the July 28 dance. In the video clip, he can be seen singing on-stage (in white jacket), then later dancing a Round on the floor along with Tony & Ann and Willie & James.2013 S.F. Convention Hotel Reservations Now Available
Rate information and hotel contact sources appear on the WSD Website CONVENTON PAGE [LINK]
Convention Photos
The dancers have returned from Vancouver. Thanks to Tony & Ann for the pictures below and in the Right Side Bar.
Ann & Tony
James & Willie; Ron & Richard
Tony & Rich
Mario and Tony
Future Convention News
and updates from Vancouver
DATELINE Vancouver--
Lorenzo (at left in photo with Brad) reports that the 2015 Convention will be held in St. Louis, and that it is back to Toronto in 2016. The previous Toronto Convention was held in 2002. It is now time to start working on the 2013 San Francisco Convention. Volunteers are needed for the Entertainment Committee [INFO LINK].
TRAILS OF THE CITY:
The skit performed in Vancouver to promote the Weave Your Heart 2013 S.F. Convention got good reviews. The skit featured Caroline (in photo above) in a spoof of Tales of the City.
MORE NEWS from VANCOUVER:
- A conventioneer from Atlanta won the raffle for the 2013 S.F. hotel.
- The new Honky Tonk Queens are the Dick Clark & Davy Jones Zombies from the Toronto Triangle Squares.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from August 2012
Here I Come
Getting the Word Out
Steve promoted Weave Your Heart while James promoted the Squarecrow's Ball during square dance festivities at The Sunnyvale Centennial on August 25.
VIDEO CLIP: Excerpts from "California, Here I Come" with Arlene, Kurt, Caroline, Jeff, Willie & James.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
Pride Booth Earnings
Eleven shifts of work were listed by members of Western Star for an earning of over $420 to the club treasury. Thanks to all who volunteered and to those who listed WSD as the beneficiary. The ledger of earnings for all the clubs is listed near the bottom of the left sidebar on this page.
EARNINGS by CLUB
Shifts-Club-Earned22 FCD $845.86
12 O8's $461.37
11 WSD $422.92
04 2013 $153.79
01 ECR $38.44
02 MS $76.89
03 DD $115.34
TOTAL 55 shifts:
$2114.64
Earned per server shift:
$38.44
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from September 2012
Louis Inducted into Order of the Two Left Feet
The Order of the Two Left Feet is bestowed once a year on that member who has brought humor and whimsy to WSD. The 2012 investiture of Louis into The Order was officiated by Tony, O2LF'11. Louis has served as Plus Class Archangel and also produced the Mardi Gras Class Night. Previous inductees: Davida, O2LF'10; Tomas, O2LF'09; SteveS, O2LF'08; Gary, O2LF'07, Daniel, O2LF'06; Ammon, O2LF'05.
Circulate San Francisco
LINK TO PHOTOS AND VIDEO
The bus tour dance and picnic took place Saturday September 29. Several photos and video clips are displayed on the WSD Website "CIRCULATE PAGE" [LINK].
Rich and Vicki were callers at Jubilee
Jubilee Rich
Western Star class instructor Rich Reel was a caller at Jubilee in mid-September. In the 18-second video clip, he sings "Ghostriders in the Sky." The square includes Gary & Caroline, Willie & James, and Alice & Ed.
BELOW: Elise and Gary at Jubilee.
CREDITS: Photo by Steve Huggins; Video by Elise; vocals by Rich.
Web TV Promotes Beginner Class
Click on photo below to jump to the WSD/TV Page and watch John and Marilynn in a special program promoting Western Star classes.
Fall Frolic Dance
Event Was Held September 8
PHOTO AT RIGHT: 50/50 Winner Duane.
BELOW: Russ and Elise attended the dance featuring caller Anne Uebelacker.
FAR BELOW: Gary and Brandon resting between tips.
Peggy and Anne at Fall Frolic dance.
Plus Class Graduation
Plus Class graduates Dave and Gerard flank Class Coordinator Louis during ceremonies on September 6.
Labor Day Past
This video clip shows a few quick moments from the 2009 WSD Labor Day Picnic. For 2012, a picnic is sheduled during the Circulate San Francisco event on September 29.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from October 2012
Castro Street Fair Photos
David and David (and The Little Mermaid)
Tony and James
New class member Steve and Steve
Willie dancing with Tony
VIDEO CLIP: Willie & Tony Two-Step; Erik Shadow Dance; Steve says "Ahhhh"
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from November 2012
Elf Night at WSD
Although Rudolph was sniffing around The Holiday Elf at the WSD seasonal celebration on December 6 (The Feast of St. Nicholas), both managed to produce a fabulous pot luck and gift exchange night in collaboration with WSD Special Events Coordinator Paul, who created the Nutcracker Fantasy to frame the gift display.
VIDEO CLIP: Dancing to tunes of the season.
Orange Blossom Special Dancers
at the Rich Reel Birthday Party
Event was 12/12/12.
Video Clip
Keeping Warm at the InterClub Social.
Event was December 27.
InterClub Socialites: Tony and Elise.
John Kenny, organizer of the event, reports that donations totaled $674, which will be transmitted to
the All Join Hands Foundation to be targeted to GCA
activities.
High Society: Ann and Gary
AND SCENES FROM POSADA
Posadamites: Davida, Atia, Tony
More Posadamites: David and David
Exotic Dancing
Silver Bells Sync and Strip
VIDEO CLIP: Entertainment from the Posada. Davida "sings" and Spike strips. 90 seconds.
Looking Back on the Old Year--
It Happened in 2012
Mario and The Western Star Dancers banner.That was the year that was.
WSD 30th Anniversary Dance.
ShamRock the Boat (St. Patrick's Day).
March 17, 2012
ABOVE: Fabian, Richard, Marie and Kathy
Stumptown Stomp.
May 18, 2012.
Stompers Rick and Bob.
Mainstream Class of 2012 Graduation.
May 31, 2012.
Rich (instructor), Denis, Gerard, Ron, Atia, and Steve (Archangel).
Promenade to Equality Dance.
June 9, 2012.
Mr.SquareDance and Russ.
Pride Day Fund-Raiser Beverage Booth.
June 24, 2012.
Louis and Brandon; Tomas.
Vancouver Convention.
July, 2012.
Plus Class Completion.
September 6, 2012.
Dave, instructor Rich, Gerard, and Archangel Louis.
Fall Frolic Dance.
September 8, 2012.
Peggy and Anne.
Circulate San Francisco.
September 29, 2012.
Joint Midnight Squares-Foggy City-Western Star Dance. WSD Holiday Celebration. InterClub Social.
November 17, 2012.
December 6, 2012.
December 27, 2012.
Rich, Harlan and Kurt.
Erik and The Western Star
..............................
2011
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from July 2011
Pot-Luckers Squared Up
The WSD Mid-Summer Pot Luck hosted by Lorenzo on July 24 included two squares and plenty of good food. (27 seconds)
Tribute Was Held at PLAYLAND
Remembering Richard Tuck
Several of Richard's friends attended the celebration of his life on July 23 at Playland-Not-At-The-Beach in El Cerrito.
Tony enjoys the Playland arcade.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
__________________________.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from August 2011
How Steve Spent His Birthday
Photo card by BRANDON.
How Tony Spent His Summer Vacation. Part 1 of a Series.
Recalling that in past eras people would make a day of visiting the cemetery with picnics and music, square dance conventioneers to Atlanta went to Oakland Cemetery and danced near the grave site of Margaret Mitchell. Tony made a pilgrimage to the Sleeping Lion of the Confederacy.
VIDEO CLIP: The Mitchell grave; dancing; Tony & the Lion.Plus Grads
Tony, Steve and Lewis, pictured with instructor Rich Reel, graduated from the WSD Plus Class on August 18.
Skateboard Squares
The Plus graduation took place in the HMRC Photo Exhibit Room where windows overlook the park. During the dancing, watch for the skate boarders outside the window.
Scenes from the Squarecrow's Ball
The August 20th event with caller Scot Byars was a major success with several squares and many potential dancers trying out the intro tips. Western Star's upcoming beginner class was promoted at the ball.
Ann & John enjoyed the Squarecrow's Ball
Nancy arriving at the ball
Matt with James
VIDEO CLIP: Dancing in the Dark. Scenes from the Squarecrow's Ball.
MORE VIDEO: The video clip of The Queens Waltz performed at the ball can be viewed on WSD/TV Channel 4 [LINK].
"Sunday Streets"
Sunday Streets on August 14 included square dancing with Caper Cutters caller Jim Osborne.
ABOVE: Cecilia &TonyL, Jane & SteveS, TonyC
Huntington Square Dance
Circulate S.F. 2011 Video Clips
[Mouse-over and click on group photo to see full-size]
Dancing in Huntington Square on Nob Hill is featured in the video below. Clips of the Mexican Bus Ride with visit to Japan Town, and dancing at Aquatic Park, Alamo Square, and also Civic Center are displayed on the PHOTOS/VIDEO Page [LINK]. Thanks to Rich and Paul for a great day!
When the Devil Comes A-Courtin'
Olde Tymes with Vicki and Andy
FCD's first Chase the Rainbow session of the summer ended the evening with Vicki Woods calling Pickle Up A Doodle-- always a challenge since there is a sudden ROLL PROMENADE quickly followed by a GENTS ROLL BACK. Andy spent an hour work-shopping it at convention before the crowd got it right.
(VIDEO CLIP: 55 seconds)
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from September 2011
Harvest Moon Dance
FCD Plus/Advance Event Had Good WSD Representation
At the September 17th dance with caller Vic Cedar, several WSD dancers showed up, including 50/50 winner Steve, and Lewis (pictured with Elise, BELOW).
Handing Over the Wings
New Class Gets New Archangel
At the new term Introduction Session on September 15, Class of 2011 Archangel John posed with new dancer Elissa. Class of 2012 Archangel Steve began his term by welcoming the new students, including Gerard [BELOW LEFT].
Remembering 9/11
Beth and Stephanie at the September 11 Opera in the Park-S.F. Civic Observance Commemorating the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11
How Tony Spent His Summer Vacation. Part 4 of a Series.
ABOVE: Atlanta's Finest escorts Tony.
After mounting The Lion of the Confederacy, establishing his reputation as a chick magnet, and re-enacting the Battle of Atlanta while attending his first Square Dance Convention (read of those adventures below), Tony had a heart to heart talk with Officer Dallas. Back at the hotel, Tony learned that square dancing culture embraces a variety of dance forms as he watched the square dancers perform Contra steps to live music.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
How Tony Spent His Summer Vacation. Part 3 of a Series.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Tony, James & Willie, Steve.
While at the Atlanta Square Dance Convention, Tony and the group on the Fun Badge Tour enjoyed the spectacle of the Atlanta Cyclorama. It is not possible to capture the wonder of the 40 ft. x 360 ft. painting that depicts The Battle of Atlanta in a photograph or on film. The audience members assumed the diorama figures were life size until live spectators were invited to step up to the display.
VIDEO CLIP: Fun Badge Tour visit to the Cyclorama. [20 seconds]
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
How Tony Spent His Summer Vacation. Part 2 of a Series.
ABOVE: Chick Magnet Tony
The Junior National Volleyball Championship athletes were housed at the same hotel as the square dancers during the Atlanta Convention. In a most unusual juxtaposition of dancers, the Volley Ball Girls and the conventioneers enjoyed the ballroom together during the "Leather Tip."
VIDEO CLIP: Perhaps the most joyous combined dance moment ever. Brown-eyed girls and brown-eyed boys. Michael Kellogg (in white fedora) can be seen in the square behind the girls. [69 seconds]
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
There Was Dancing at Davida's
While the Rec Center was "dark" on September 1, the recently graduated Plus class was invited to dance on Davida's rooftop deck with caller Rich Reel.Thanks to Rich and Davida for providing the class with extra floor time.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from October 2011
Scenes From WSD Fall Dance
Joint Dance on October 29th celebrated Foggy City Dancers 28th Anniversary.
ABOVE: Administrators Gary (WSD) & Steve (FCD) cut the Joint Dance cake. RIGHT: Nancy of Midnight Squares, posing with caller Ken Ritucci, won the 50/50 raffle. BELOW: Davida as Hitchcock blonde Tippi Hedren, battled The Birds.
This Is Alice
Alice, who has served as an "angel" off and on for the past few months, has joined the club and is now Western Star's newest member. Alice had previously danced with Midnight Squares, belonged to a tap dancing performance group, and is an accomplished round dancer. See the tap dance video clip of a performance in the ballroom at HMRC. Alice is in the center of the back row in the first segment, and also after the fabulous costume change.
Never one to be outdone, and giving Alice a run for the money, Steve performed at the Fall Dance. 
On The Town
"Bad Seeders"
WSD member Marilynn Fowler performed as Rhoda Penmark at the Castro Theater on October 15 in a spoof of The Bad Seed.
Steve, who often channels Patty McCormack, congratulated Marilynn after the show.
Caroline of the Crinolines breaks box office records
Caroline and Steve at Circulate San Francisco.
The video featuring Caroline caught up in a swirl of queens, kilts and crinolines is the most popular clip of the season with 100 hits--an impressive record considering a very recent premiere on the WSD Website.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
Scenes from Quads Hoedown
James, Caroline, and Capper Cutters caller Jim Osborne at the Hoedown.
The Challenging Plus Hoedown presented by the Stanford Quads in Palo Alto on October 8 included a lot of left-handed calls and unusual formations. A few seconds of easier calls from Rob French and two-step cuer John Flora are included in the video clip. [42 seconds]
Postcard from Lorenzo
These pictures are from the Mountain Mix fly-in in Winter Park Colorado: Lorenzo and Rusty in Rocky Mountain National Park; and callers Bronc Wise and Bear Miller with the mountains in the background.
New Member: Joe Cherry
In the photo below, WSD staff caller Rich Reel welcomes Joe Cherry into the club on September 22. Joe is also WSD's newest "angel" volunteering to help fill the squares at the Basic/Mainstream class.
Annual Member's Meeting
and September Board Meeting Minutes
John, the WSD Secretary, has issued the Minutes of the two meetings held in September. They can be viewed from the Board Page.
[Minutes LINK]
Castro Street Fair C/W Dancing
For the first time in many years, WSD did not have a dance booth at the fair. Instead, some dancers tried out the two-steps and waltzes at the Sundance area. In the video clip, watch for square dancers Mick, Willie & James, and Tony & Steve.
How do you spell Y.M.C.A.?
This clip is a bit longer than most that are presented here, but it becomes more comical as it progresses and everyone ends up facing different directions. Watch for good old Sol leading the group, Jane, Bill, Ann, Steve Meyer, and the bemused Willie.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from November 2011
WSD Board of Directors Election Results.
WSD Elections Director Steve Scott announced that 22 club members had voted in the November 17 election. He and Tally Mistress Elise verified that all 6 candidates had been elected. Steve Meyer and Art Bradley (in photo) are now new members on the Board. Four incumbents were re-elected.
Mayor Square
Because WSD does not endorse civic candidates for office, these pictures were held for publication until after the local election. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee came out from City Hall to "join our square" during Sunday Streets.
Above: WSD Administrator Gary with the mayor.
Below: WSD member Tony (Caper Cutters Vice President), Mayor Lee, and Former WSD Administrator Russ.
Pride Beverage Booth Earnings
Bob, WSD Treasurer, reports that a total of $555 (including tips) was raised for WSD at the beverage booth. Following a year of financial concerns, these earning will help the club to enter 2012 in good shape.
Steve, Louis and Bob were among the beverage booth volunteers.
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
--News Items from December 2011
Scenes from WSD Holiday Party
Potluck buffet at the Holiday Party
Holiday Elf with Bad Seed braids interviews Elise
Alice and Atia at WSD Holiday Party
InterClub Holiday Social
Dance
$805 raised for All Join Hands
John Kenny (above left) was the host and Steve Meyer (right) represented the Western Star Dancers at the event on December 26.
VIDEO CLIP: A few moments of the dancing. 38 seconds.
Squareoling
Square dancers welcomed the season by dancing to holiday songs along a route through the Castro neighborhood.
Posada at Casa Tomás
Although not a club event, Tomás invited all WSD members and students to this festive event at his home.
Ron, Atia and Elise enjoying Posada.
Relay the Reindeer
Moments from the Diablo Dancers Event
ABOVE: WSD members Craig and Lorenzo get into the holiday spririt at Relay the Reindeer dance.
VIDEO CLIP: See Santa dance. Hear Deborah yodel.
If a video clip stalls, click on PAUSE and allow for it to buffer for a few moments, then click on PLAY.
................................................
2010
PREVIOUS WEBSITE EDITIONS
2010 News Items
Items are indexed in reverse chronology. At end of index, scroll down to story by date.
-
Web TV Promotes New Class. September 14, 2010
-
Plus Class Finishes. September 23, 2010
-
Circulate the Golden Gate. August 28, 2010
-
Dan Interviews Louis. July 28, 2010
-
Dan on Peter's TV Show. July 24, 2010
-
Hawaiian Club Night. July 21, 2010
-
Medallion Dancers. July 8, 2010
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WSD Members in Androcles June 18, 2010
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Mainstream Grads. May 25, 2010
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Stumptown: CottonEye Joe. May 17, 2010
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WSD Anniversary Dance: Where Were You in '82? March 7, 2010
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New Home: Hello to HMRC. January 5, 2010
Web TV Promotes New WSD Class
September 14, 2010Click on photo below to jump to the WSD/TV Page and watch John and Marilynn in a special program promoting the upcoming class.
Plus Class Finishes
September 23, 2010
Green Fairy Steve with new Plus Grad Cliff
Circulate the Golden Gate
August 28, 2010In the following video clip, two lady tourists, on their way to visit the museum at the Legion of Honor, jumped into the square forming at the Eagles Nest Overlook.
CIRCULATE PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY
For Circulate photos and video clips, go to the Photos Page [LINK].
WSD Member Profile:
All About Louis
July 28, 2010
Read about a life with early years in a segregated school juxtaposed to a special Inauguration Day trip to Washington, D.C. [LINK]
Dan & Peter Do Du Fu
July 24, 2010Dan appeared on Peter's community access TV program, A View for You, to discuss the poetry of Du Fu.
View on YouTube.
Part 1 of 3 [LINK].
Hawaiian Club Night
July 21, 2010The July 21 Hawaiian-Theme Club Night.
Russ and Steve flank Cliff
O2LF-Inductee Davida
Medallion Dancers
July 8, 2010
At the Chicago Convention, Michael (photo above) was awarded a 10-Year and Felix (below) was awarded a 20-Year Medallion. The video clip shows Bob congratulating Michael, and a few seconds of Felix on the dias; and 20-Year recipient Ed, the Midnight Squares liason to WSD, was the final honoree.
Social Scene: Androcles and the Lion
June 18, 2010
Dan as "Christian Captive" with theater fan Davida
WSD members Elise, Cindy, Dan and DavidH were all involved in the SFFCT production of Androcles and the Lion.
Mainstream Class of 2010
May 25, 2010
Link to YouTube to see the blindfold tip celebrating class completion.
[Blindfold Link]
Grads Cliff and Abby flank the Green Class Fairy
Scenes from
The Stumptown Stomp
May 17, 2010
As seen in the following video clip, WSD's Anniversary Dance caller Eric and Fiesta Club Night caller Michael joined in the fun between tips at the Stomp.
Where Were You in '82?
March 7, 2010In 1982, some of us were in Western Star's first Mainstream class. On March 6, we celebrated the occasion at our 28th Anniversary Dance, called by club-favorite Eric Henerlau. Here are some video highlights:
Hello HMRC
January 5, 2010We're up and running at our new class location, the upstairs Dance Studio at Harvey Milk Rec Center (HMRC), 50 Scott Street, at the west end of Duboce Park. Reaction to the new space has been positive, and the parking situation has'nt been bad at all.
We introduced ourselves to the other HMRC folks at the Open House Celebration. See highlights from our demo tip:
Updated Jan. 2012