Just so everyone knows that this "ain’t my first rodeo" I thought I’d tell you a bit about my web background. I’ve acquired quite a bit of experience working with web pages through my professional responsibilities as a Systems Librarian. I’m also an instructor with Amigos Library Services contracted to teach website design and HTML encoding to librarians across the state. I presented a session on website design at the Texas State Library Association convention last year that went so well that they’ve invited me back to conduct an all day workshop on the same topic this coming April.

Since becoming the Twisters webmaster, I’ve been busy creating a base set of graphic elements all designed to create a sense of "place," giving our website a clearly defined look. The design elements were created drawing heavily on those design elements present in our club logo. The base colors red, black and white are used throughout the site. Also, the twister and the Texas silhouettes have both been incorporated into the site design as bullets and as Java activated buttons. A neutral tan leather background balances the bolder colors and the logo and club description serve both as title and a graphic anchor on each page.

There are several sections to the site and a very good outline is in place indicating the type and scope of the information that will eventually be on the site. That information, including dance sheets, info on lessons and dancing in the DFW area, club info, archived newsletters, web links, a calendar of events and more, will be filled in gradually over the next couple weeks…which is where I need the help of my fellow Twisters:

1. If you have photos of our Ft. Worth performance or of any of our rehearsals or of the Halloween party, then please let me borrow them long enough so that I can scan some of them for the website.

2. If you wish to have your email or website listed on the links page then contact me.

3. If you have suggestions or comments about what you would like to see on the site then contact me.

The website address is: http://www.texastwisters.org
and my email is: cowboydancer@texastwisters.org

Keep Twistin’
– Tony

I would like to thank several people for the success we've had so far. First, I would like to thank the dance team. You all have worked hard to make our first performance successful and your professionalism and commitment have been outstanding (even you, Dan).

Second, I would like to thank Rowdy. Rowdy has been there from the beginning, providing us with a place to rehearse and the education to raise our performance standard. I would also like to thank KC Dance Studios for allowing us to rehearse at a low cost. We appreciate how you have opened up your business to help us get our start.

Thanks to Carol and the staff at the 651. You have also been there from the beginning, immediately ready to provide support to our cause. Thanks also to the Roundup Saloon, where Texas Twisters got our start. We really appreciate what you have done and hope to be able to give back to you over the next few years.

It has been a long road--organizing the group, putting together bylaws, starting a performance team, getting costumes--but all in all it has been FUN for me. I do think that everyone else on the team has had fun as well. And there is more fun to come.

These performances have sparked an interest in members of the country dance community. We have had several inquiries about how to join the club and how to be a part of the team. Everyone should know that no matter what your dancing ability, you can be a Texas Twister. We will be looking for all people interested to become a part of our group and / or our team.

We have what I believe are some really obtainable goals for the next year, including the following:

• Raising our general membership to 50 members.
• Building a stronger, larger dance performance team.
• Building a competition team to compete and perform in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
• Havin fundraisers and social outings, which will give us a chance to do something outside of the bar environment (although we do want to have group gatherings at the bars, as well).

I believe if we work hard and think positively, we can succeed with all of these goals.

Another personal goal I have is not only to be able to host a local dance event, but to bid for an Annual or Semi-Annual convention of the IAGLCWDC (International Association of Gay and Lesbian Country / Western Dance Clubs). These conventions draw people from all over the world, people who are really serious about country music and dance. Having an annual convention here would be a chance to host a dance competition, a great opportunity for Dallas / Ft. Worth dancers to show off their talents and compete with people from around the world.

With all this in mind, if you are not yet a member of Texas Twisters, we would love for you to check us out. You are welcome to attend any of our rehearsals, as well as any dance clinics we hold. The dance clinics are separate from the regular dance classes you might normally attend. They are geared to bring in dance styles and line dances that the local community has not seen or done before.