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How it all Began
YPSILANTI AREA DANCERS (YAD) was formed in 1969 by three local women who
taught dance and shared a desire to provide encouragement and opportunities
for young dancers in Ypsilanti and its surrounding areas. The founders were
Marjorie Randazzo, Suzanne Buck and Ruth Deake. Soon after, Madge Davidson
joined them. These four women had danced together while growing up in the
Ypsilanti area.
Marjorie, the artistic director, has operated a dance studio in
Ypsilanti for many years. She studied ballet not only in the United States,
but also in Canada, England, and Denmark. Suzanne taught for many years at
the Randazzo Studio and is currently teaching at her daughter's studio,
Dance Arts Academy, in Chelsea. Ruth taught dance while in high school.
Madge Davidson has her own studio in Ypsilanti.
In 1968, with the help of Suzanne, Ruth and parents, Marjorie presented
La Boutique Fantasque, which was performed at Willow Run High School.
Because this performance was very successful the partnership was formed
between The Greater Ypsilanti Dancers and the Salvation Army Advisory Board
to benefit the Salvation Army Building Fund. At that time Leonard Stark was
chairperson of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
1970 was the first year the full length Nutcracker Ballet was performed
making Greater Ypsilanti Area Dancers the first group in the Ann Arbor area
to perform this ballet with local talent. It was presented on Saturday,
December 5th in the Lincoln High School auditorium and two performances on
December i9th in Quirk Theatre, at Eastern Michigan University. The
"Christmas Ballet" moved to the new Ypsilanti High School
Auditorium in 1973 and performances have been presented there each year
since.
In 1975 at a meeting held at the home of Judge Edward and Ruth Deake,
the company was organized as a non-profit organization under the name of
Ypsilanti Area Dancers (YAD). Suzanne Buck served as president the first
two years with the help of board members: Vice-President Mary Egnor,
secretary Diana Anderson, treasurer John Davidson, Board Chairperson Ruth
Deake and Membership Chairperson Marilyn Briggs. Ruth Deake took over as
president the next four years; followed by Luene Smith for six years; in
1986 Suzanne returned to the office for two years; then Joyce Amberg and
Holly Ramsey each served two years and Lynn Farwig one year. The current
president is Kathleen Martin. Ruth Deake, Vincent Buck and Karen Walker are
Salvation Army Advisory Board members who have worked closely with YAD
through the years.
Marjorie Randazzo continues to be the artistic director for YAD and she
was joined in 1983 by her daughter and former company member, Sara
Randazzo-Rodriguez. This is truly a dance family. Marjorie's son, Anthony,
who began his career as a member of YAD, dances professionally as a
principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet Company.
In addition to the annual Christmas Ballet YAD has performed in area schools,
the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and the
Michigan Youth Art's Festival. In 1985, following an invitation from the
Chamber of Commerce of Costa del Sol, under the presidency of Luene Smith,
18 dancers, company staff and parents (a total of 36 people) traveled to southern
Spain to present performances in five small villages.
The company is indebted to parents and friends whose help through the
years has made the performances possible. Ann Bass, who was part of the
company from 1969-1982, was co-director, dancer and choreographed many
pieces including Degas, Dancing Through the Years and Twelve Dancing
Princesses. We are still using mouse costumes she created for The
Nutcracker. Roya Panahi's first appearance was in 1977 as an elf in A
Christmas Fantasy. She has danced each year since, and for several years
has taught classes and assisted the Artistic Director. Roya's mother,
Bonita, was Membership Chairperson for several years and her brothers and
sister have also appeared in a number of performances. The Gillman family
has worked with the company since it began. Joanne made many costumes and
opened her home for company parties. Her daughters, Deborah, Denise and
Michelle danced for many years, as well as her son Greg. Another family
that has been wonderful help through the years is the John Bloss family.
Both Donna and Randy have danced, and the entire family has been helpful
wherever needed. The Nissen family has been involved over the years. Pat
made costumes for dancers Anna, Eva, Jim and Jon. Most recently Eugene
performed as Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker.
Madge Davidson, on the Executive Board since 1977, has made a major
contribution as historian, and because of her efforts we have scrapbooks
that cover YAD'S entire history. Her husband John did the lights for many
years, was the first treasurer, videotapes performances, and helps wherever
he is needed. Since early 1980, Floyd Smith Jr has taken charge of the
dance floor, pulled curtains, and been the stage manager. Year after year
he brings a calming, confidence to the backstage arena. The wonderful
support of all dance families these past 25 years has made it possible for
the company to fulfill its purpose to promote and encourage young dancers
in the Ypsilanti area and to instill cultural pride in the youth of the
community.
Suzanne Buck has held several positions on the board, been business
manager and production coordinator. She has been the person who has seen to
it that everything came together. Manoric Randazzo have worked as a team to
make YAD a success. The Ypsilanti community, 400 dancers, and their
families are greatly enriched because of the talent and sacrifice of these
caring, committed woman.
Copyright 1993 Ypsilanti Area Dancers/Marjorie Randazzo all rights
reserved.
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