It started, as all ideas do, with one person and has snowballed across the country in just twelve (12) years. In 1989 Mary Helen McSweeney, New York City, had an idea along with some of her fellow dancers to put together a "Ballroom Week" which would run from April 21st to 28th. The week was to bring ALL of the dancing community together and present Ballroom Dancing at its best to the public. Members of the Greater New York Chapter of the USABDA bonded with studios, pros, the city government and caused dancing everyplace in the city. A concept had been put in place.

In 1990 the editors of the major dance publications in the United States, Dancing USA, Dance Action International and Amateur Dancers, got together, and in consensus, agreed to publish the proposition of the whole country having a NATIONAL BALLROOM DANCE WEEK with the Amateurs, the Pros, the Studios, the governments, vendors and other interested parties. It was decided to have a full week with "anchor events" at each end of the week. Then USABDA president, Peter Pover, even got then President George Bush and Mrs. Bush to poise for a picture dancing.

In 1991 the week was extended to ten days so that there would be two really "full" anchor weekends". The National media started to pick up on NBDW. Emphasis was on "Everyone Dance - at least a Waltz or a Cha Cha."

National Ballroom Dance Week continues to grow strong across the country. The aim of this week of dance is to help more people discover the joys of dancing. The real benefits include the fun of socializing while enlarging your circle of friends, shaping leisure time, pursuing healthful and entertaining physical exercise and even developing added personal confidence. Dance can offer one a more positive outlook on life; dance keeps you feeling youthful by developing steadfast friends, many of whom will contribute to a more balanced everyday life. Besides, dancing is one of the most absolutely pleasant work outs one can do.

In 2000 the Adult Center of Prescott sponsored a "free ballroom dance" which was hosted by the Mile High Ballroom Dance Club. We had over 60 people show up to enjoy dancing, visiting with old and new friends, and participating in a great event.

In 2001 we are hoping to make it even a bigger event in Prescott with the addition of a "Tea Dance" at the Ponderosa Mall and a "Grand Ball" at the Adult Center.

NOTE:    Information in this article provided by the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association (USABDA).