History
In 1980 Bud and Shirley Parrott, Lloyd and Elise Ward, and Bill and Elaine Funk got together and discussed how there was a need to get all of the Round Dance teachers around Oregon together several times a year to compare notes, let each other know what was being taught around the state, and to help each other with dance figures. Elaine was assigned the task of contacting organizations from other states to gather their bylaws and determine how they did things. After several discussions, these three couples called a meeting at the 1981 Mid Winter Festival with many of the Oregon Round Dance teachers. They met at a Eugene restaurant for breakfast. The three couples presented their proposal for a teachers organization to the group. The group accepted the proposal and started the Oregon Round Dance Teachers Association, also known as ORDTA. As noted in the June 2001 OFN, Elaine Funk is the only living founding member of ORDTA.
The Oregon Round Dance teachers attending the organizational meeting, in addition to the three founding couples, were: Ray and Virginia Walz, Tom and Ida Serface, Bud and Deloris Trowbridge, Ray and Betty Hanna, Dennis and Virginia Aldredge, Ward and Joyce Foster, Bill and Shirley Mayhew, John and Jo Archibald, Dick and Marge Pentecost, and Dennis and Suzanne Smith. These teachers are considered to be the charter members of ORDTA. Several of these teachers are still teaching today.
The purpose of ORDTA is: to improve, strengthen, promote, and encourage the enjoyment of the Round Dance movement in the State of Oregon, in all phases; to cooperate with other leaders, callers, and organizations; to promote Round Dancing as a part of Square Dancing; to provide a vehicle for teachers and leaders to exchange ideas, dance material information, and good fellowship; and to assist in the improvement of the professional development and skills of area Round Dance teachers and leaders. ORDTA holds meetings four times each year. In addition to meeting at the Summer and Mid Winter Festivals, they hold one meeting in the spring and the other in the fall.
ORDTA was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1983. They joined the Oregon Federation as a non-area club in November 1986. The ORDTA Chairman is accorded a place with the other appointed officers of the Oregon Federation and is afforded the opportunity to make reports at the State Federation meetings.
ORDTA appoints the Round Dance Screening Committee Chairman. This committee's function is to assist the Areas in the selection of the Round of the Month (ROM). ORDTA also selects a classic round for the March ROM of each year.
Anyone interested in ORDTA should contact an ORDTA member or officer for more information.
