HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & INFORMATION

Interest in ballroom dancing in Barrie was sparked in 1985 when the city first offered an "Introduction to Social Dancing" class at the Allandale Recreation Centre. While the world drifted into "Rock" and "Disco", many parts of Europe and North America remained loyal to ballroom dancing. These courses were subsequently expanded to meet the increasing enrollment.

With this resurgence of interest, and as the expertise of the dancers increased, they spawned a new demand - a place to practice and enjoy Ballroom music. A small group of people who wanted enough space and appropriate music available to practice what they were learning in their dance classes, decided it was time to see what could be done. Spurred on by their new-found love of dance and with great enthusiasm, they formed what is now called the Barrie Ballroom Dance Club. Let's share a piece of the history.

MINUTES OF THE VERY FIRST MEETING

Friday, February 12, 1988

Lion's Embassy Hall, Blake St., Barrie, Ontario
Time: 8:30 P.M.

Members Present:
Bette and Wallace Ainslie
Sandra Morrison and Ron Armstrong
Barb and Dino Evangelinos
Stasia and John Huby
Lee and Harald Moeller
Diane and Lucien Senneville
Pamela and David Williams
Karen and Paul Riggs

The Barrie Ballroom Dance Club objective;
The meeting was organized by Harald to propose the formation of the Barrie Ballroom Dance Club. He described his objectives, mainly the promotion of ballroom dancing in the Barrie area. Harald's suggestion was enthusiastically accepted.

Election of Officers;
The following slate of officers was accepted:
President - Harald Moeller
Vice-President - David Williams
Secretary/Treasurer - Sandra Morrison
Director/ Membership - Bette Ainslee
Director - John Huby

Lucien Senneville agreed to act in an advisory capacity whenever requested.

Honorary Membership;
Diane and Lucien were presented with honorary memberships to the new club in recognition that the growth in popularity of ballroom dancing in Barrie has been a result of their lessons. The Barrie Ballroom Dance Club is grateful for the Sennevilles continued support.

Lee moved to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.

The meeting was followed by a dance. Despite blustery weather, 28 people attended. Brett Moeller supplied the music. A good time was had by all.

Receipts: 28 @ $4.00 = $112.00
Expenses: Music - $20.00
Hall - $75.00
Refreshments - $2.50 $ 97.50
Balance $ 14.50

Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Morrison

*************

As we can see, even a cold winters night did not put off the sounds of waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango, and the Latin rhythms of cha-cha, rumba, jive, salsa, and meringue, as they could be heard emanating from the Lions Embassy Hall. Now, more than 20 years later, the clubs' monthly dances are still "practice dances".

BBDC CONSTITUTION...
John Huby was responsible for putting together the constitution. The final draft, which was typed by Ron Armstrong, was presented and unanimously adopted by the Board at the November 19th, 1988 meeting.

The constitution has been updated throughout the years to reflect the requirements as necessary.

BBDC LOGO

On March 5th, 1989 it was motioned by Sandra Morrison that we adopt Pam Williams Logo as the official logo of the Barrie Ballroom Dance Club, seconded by John Huby, and motion carried.

BBDC PAST-PRESIDENTS
Harald Moeller ('88), Sandra Morrison ('89), Ron Armstrong ('90), Karen Riggs ('91), Ian Davidson ('92), Ron Armstrong ('93), Lois Marshall ('94), Jim Cousineau ('95), Joe Libralesso ('96), Mary Hardwick ('97,'98,'99,'00,'01), Chris Tobiasz ('02,'03), Dr. Randolph Lee ('04,'05), Dino Evangelinos ('06,'07,'08,'09,'10,'11)

WORDS OF RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION

An excerpt from the 1st AGM minutes, January 21st, 1989: "Sandra Morrison then welcomed everyone as the new President, she thanked Harald and Lucien and Diane for their help in forming the club. This was Haralds idea and he did all the ground work, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have a club."

Since inception, there have been countless individuals who have volunteered their time and talents to insure the functioning and continuity of the club. Some of these individuals have contributed directly by sitting as executives and/or directors. They are the ones who regularly meet to plan and organize the dances (set-up, music, food, etc.). Those with indirect involvement such as those who have helped to set-up and clean-up at our dances, the door attendant, the dance instructors who promote the club to their students, the sponsors who have and continue to give door prizes, and lastly, the members and the guests who come out for the enjoyment. Thank you to everyone, especially to our historian, for researching this information for this historical webpage.