To: SGA President Dominic Volpi

CC: Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Michelle Yovanovich

Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. J. Mike Rollo
From: Thomas Durso (ENC 3250)
Date: 10/19/15
Subject: Proposal for Funding Event For The Ballroom Club
The Ballroom Club is proposing a Dance-A-Thon event and we would like your assistance. Total
funding costs would be approximately $8,000. It will feature a guest speaker from the Arthur
Murray Dance Studio in Fort Myers. In addition, I would also like to include a Ballroom DanceA-Thon to be held in the Cohen Center Ballroom located in Florida Gulf Coast University. This
would consist of professional dance couples who would love to show off their ballroom dancing
skills of various types of dance. It would also include lunch and a brief recess. I would like to
hold this event sometime in January of 2016. The entrance fee will be $5 per person. A raffle will
be held at $1 per ticket. The winner will receive a free dance lesson of their choice for two at the
Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Fort Myers.
The audience would be exposed to different styles of dance such as Rumba, Cha Cha, Waltz, etc.
The purpose of holding it in January is because many snowbirds would be down in the
Southwest Florida area who would like to participate. We would also receive a greater turn out
during this time.
Education Made Fun!
I feel this event would broaden anyones interest in Ballroom dancing, from a beginner who may
not know how to go about learning from professional dancers, to experts who would love to pass
on their knowledge would attend. I feel Ballroom dancing is a lost art, a nostalgic expression of
dance that has almost vanished from this generation. I would love to bring it back again and
pique an individuals curious interest. The USA Dance Chapter #6049 of Southwest Florida is
continually sponsoring events daily on their calendar. Their local events include dance lessons
that range from the Cha Cha, Waltz, and East Coast Swing among others.
Their website shows similar photos of the various Ballroom dance styles. They charge a minimal
fee at these events. I feel that this Dance-A-Thon will attract the same crowd as the USA Dance
Chapter #6049 does. Our advantage is that we are not charging as much as they are which is
about half as much.

Weekly TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance
exposes different types of dance to a variety of audiences. Folks can enjoy Ballroom dancing,
maybe even saying, Hey, I want to learn how to dance like that. This event can allow them to
broaden their horizons and bring out a hidden talent they never knew they had. Young and old
alike can take advantage of this Ballroom event at no cost to them. Professional dancers add to
the excitement of their learning experience. The guest speaker can also give helpful hints and
advice such as stretching exercises to loosen up tight muscles before dancing. Current as well as
older songs are utilized in the dances in order to add interest to the younger crowd. For example,
as in Dancing with the Stars, dances such as the Cha Cha can be a fun way to dance to a top 40
hit.
My idea would begin with an announcement from the guest speaker giving an overview of the
days event. After that, some dances will be shown, followed by a 45 minute lunch break. Folks
can then get acquainted with the guest speaker as well as the professional dancers during this
time. After lunch, there will be a short announcement, then continuation of the various types of
dance.
Make a Good Thing Even Better!
This Ballroom Club can benefit through this event by adding more members and allowing a taste
of various style dance routines. The already existing members can broaden their knowledge and
can learn from the pros and up their dance factor. Audience participation would be encouraged.
Couples who would love to give a new dance a try would be welcomed. Step by step instructions
on a few chosen dances will get everyone on their feet. Professional dancers would provide one
on one dance instruction to a lucky few. Im sure this would thrill many ballroom dancing buffs!
Location, Location, Location!
There would be no better place to present this event than in the Cohen Center Ballroom located
in Florida Gulf Coast University. Staying on Campus where the Ballroom Club originates would
add more meaning to this event. In fact, if time provides, the Ballroom Club can hold a simple
synopsis or overview to those interested in joining the club. This could consist of meeting times,
dues, responsibilities, outings, etc. A clipboard would also be made available with sign up
information in order to give a follow up call to those who request to join the club.
My projected funds for this event are as follows:

Accommodations
Rental of Cohen Center Ballroom
Approximately 3 hours
Guest speaker from Arthur Murray Dance
Studio
Classic Selections Buffet
100-150 attendees @ 13.99 pp
Professional Dance Couples per hour rate
DJ to Provide Music
Approximately $150 per hour
Flyers, banners, table decorations, etc.
Free Dance Lesson Raffle
Approximately 1 hour rate
Total Funding

Cost (Approximate)
$1,500
$1,000
$2,100
$2,500
$450
$400
$75
$8,000 (Approximately)

Thank you for considering my proposal. I am very excited for this event and I think it will open
up new doors for those who would like to give Ballroom Dancing a try. I hope you agree with
my idea and it meets your approval. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

WORKS CITED
USA Dance (SW FL) Chapter #6049Fort Myers, FL." Home USA Dance (SW FL) Chapter
#6049. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.
"Florida Gulf Coast University." Campus Conferences. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.
"Dancing With The Stars 2015 Season 21 ABC.com." ABC. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.
"So You Think You Can Dance - TV Series News, Show Information - FOX." So You Think You
Can Dance on FOX. Web. 2 Nov. 2015.