SYNOPSIS by Margaret L. Crager
Birth took place in the City of Los Angeles in the year 1937. The sires of
this group were members of a hilarious early morning radio talk show. Their
interests were many - dancing was one of them. They had become highly
disturbed over a wild new dance craze that had just hit the dance board called
the "jitterbug". They wanted no part of the wild gyrations and
decided to form a club of their own. It was further decided that each member
could bring in five new members.
In six months they had 40 members who had successfully met their criteria.
Their rules were strict. One required the gentleman, entering a major dance
contest, to have the heels of his shoes chalked. Should the heel touch the
floor, he was eliminated. They wore truly smooth dancers. You were required to
be an American Citizen, win at least three major dance contests, and own a
tuxedo and a white suit for summer.
In 1939, two years after their founding, women were permitted to join, but
they had no voice. Rumblings of World War II drastically curtailed dance
activities in the Los Angeles and beach area. In 1942, all clubs were forced
to disband because the men had become part of the Armed Forces and the
fabulous dance bands were sent to play at some of the military installations.
After D-Day, some of the dance clubs re-grouped and in 1947 the Los
Angeles group incorporated themselves. In 1949, a dance group in
San
Diego exercised the same privilege. In 1950, group number three was
established in San Francisco and was named
Golden
Gate Chapter. Good news traveled fast and soon there were chapters in
Fresno,
Palamar,
Visalia,
San Fernando and
Bakersfield. NSD expanded up and down California to a total of 14
chapters.
The first State Convention was held in 1951 in the City of San Francisco and
Golden Gate had not yet had their first birthday! It was also the first year
of the publication of Dance Whispers, the monthly newsletter which we still
eagerly look forward to reading which lists the coming attractions and social
activities which we all enjoy.
The election of the first State Queen took place in 1952. This high honor is
given to me lady who has devoted much time and energy to and for the
betterment other chapter. She also served and continues to serve as an
ambassadress when visiting other chapters.
NSD is a non-profit organization. Every year, each chapter elects to sponsor
some group or charitable organization that we hope can profit from our hobby
and love of dancing. In doing so, we can contribute to our respective
communities.
Today, there are nine chapters that carry out me real purpose of NSD, namely,
to promote the great enjoyment of dance. After 65 years, our love of dancing
has not diminished and our new and lasting friendships have brought great joy
and happiness to each one of us. Whoever you are, keep dancing!
Bakersfield Smooth Dancers, Inc. was chartered May
30, 1964, with 29 charter members. As of March 2007 we have 166 members.
Like all chapters we have a Queen. The Queen is a special
ambassador who represents us at other chapter coronations and is an honorary
position. She is the chapter hostess at all events. All chapters join in
the coronation pageant in March which is three day affair called "The
State Board.." The coronation evening is the
highlight of three days of dancing, dance competition,
and fine food.
