THE LEGACY CONTINUES... 

After 17 years at the helm of The USA Grand Nationals, Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee are stepping down as Directors and handing their event over to a pair of familiar and popular dancers, Michael & Leann Norris.  Michael and Leann have shone on the Swing and Shag dance circuits for more than xx years, earning numerous titles and gaining the respect of everyone who has met them.  

At this important juncture, we asked them to discuss their thoughts and share their plans for this new chapter in Swing dance history. 
 

USASN: You guys are taking over one of the most popular and prestigious Swing dance events in the country. You're also succeeding two of the most respected and beloved event directors in the country in Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee. Share your thoughts of excitement, pride and responsibility for that legacy.

M&L: We are honored to be able to carry on the tradition that Charlie and Jackie established 17 years ago. We know we have huge shoes to fill, which is a little scary but we are extremely excited about the event and hope that we can meet and succeed everyone's expectations. Our goal is to continue to have a classy, family-oriented event where dancers and attendees can expect: competitions to run on-time, socialization with their friends, and fun had by all.
 

USASN: For those who may not know a lot about you, give us a brief rundown of your major dance accomplishments.

M&L: Michael and LeAnn Norris have been dance partners in the Carolina Shag for 17 years, winning for the first time in the Junior I Division of the National Shag Dance Championships in 1994. They are 9 time National Shag Dance Champions and 4 time Overall Champions. In 1995, they were the first Junior couple to win the USA Grand National Dance Championships Junior Shag Division. They went on to win 2 titles in the Junior Shag Division, 8 titles in the Carolina Classic Division, and 7 Team Division titles at the USA Grand Nationals. Michael is also an accomplished professional "Swing" dancer, winning the US Open in 1999 with partner, Ginger Pickerel, and in 2007 with Kellese Key. Michael and Kellese also won the 2007 Classic Division at the USA Grand Nationals along with winning the title, "Impact Couple of the Year." In 2009, Michael and LeAnn won the Shag Division at the US Open Swing Dance Championships for the 7th time and are 2-time TEAM Swing Challenge Champions.
 

USASN: You each danced with other partners, then with each other, then got married.  What's the difference between dancing with a partner and dancing with a spouse?

M&L: The major difference is the chemistry in our opinion. The chemistry you have with your dance partner as your spouse involves a deeper connection than perhaps having a dance partner who is not your spouse. It's harder sometimes to have a spouse as a partner, too. There are times where we know we need to practice but we would rather go out to dinner, see a movie, work in the yard, etc. When your dance partner is not your spouse, you feel obligated to make sure you make the most out of your practice sessions as much as possible and usually feel bad if you have to cancel practice or if you are having an "off" day. There also needs to be some boundaries as far as what you allow yourself to get upset over and what you can laugh at and move on. We have always had the agreement that what "happens on the dance floor stays on the dance floor or in our dance room" so that we don't carry over any arguments or bad feelings towards each other. Also, dancing for us is for fun, and we don't ever want to participate in something that causes a strain on our relationship. Luckily for us, we were best friends growing up and continued to strengthen our relationship as we got older, which eventually led to marriage. Its the small moments that mean the most - like doing a dance step in the kitchen while cooking dinner, or dancing while cleaning, etc. There is definitely NEVER a dull moment in our house.  
 

USASN: When did you first come to the USA Grand Nationals and what is the most memorable competition moment for each of you?

M&L: We have been fortunate enough to attend all 16 years of the Grand Nationals. We were here the very first year and I don't think either one of us will ever forget the feeling that we felt that first year seeing West Coast Swing for the first time and meeting all of what are now - our amazing friends. The most memorable moment for us from a competition standpoint was our first dance in 1995 as Juniors and our last dance in 2010 as Professionals. I'll never forget finishing our dance last year knowing that we would never compete at that event again. Such mixed feelings brought tears to both of our eyes.

USASN: How did each of you get started in dance and what do you love about it?

M&L: We both were introduced to shag by our parents. Both of our parents were taking lessons and introduced us to the dance at a very young age. We were fortunate enough to start dancing during a period where Shag was experiencing a "rebirth" of junior dancers. We met in 1991 and the rest is history. We both feel our life would be extremely different had we not been apart of the wonderful shag community. We love everything about shag - the dance, the history, the music, the people, the lifestyle. Without shag, Michael and I would have never met.    
 

USASN: You are both principally noted for Shag?  Describe your dance style(s) for us.

M&L: Hard question...perhaps we are most known for our fast footwork, togetherness, and degree of difficulty. We like to be innovative and attempt to take the dance "to the next level". We used to love to dance mostly fast as juniors, but now that we are a little older, we appreciate slow music and have come to realize that dancing to a smoothie is much harder than dancing fast.  
 

USASN: Define the USA Grand Nationals for us - its purpose, its image, it's uniqueness.

M&L: The USA Grand Nationals is very different in comparison to all of the other Swing dance events. This is the most unique event in the country with the attendees being partially from the Swing world and Shag world. It takes dancers from both genres to make this event work. In the past, we have also enjoyed having Hand Dance and Lindy Hop as part of the event. I often think of this event as the original "melting pot" of the various dances. This event was created by Charlie and Jackie because they felt that both dance communities needed an opportunity to meet in one place to showcase each dance, but also allow each dance to share components of the other. There were also a large number of Junior dancers (ourselves included) during this time and they wanted to create an event for them - an opportunity for these dancers to see other styles of dance and meet other young dancers from all over the country. Charlie and Jackie have laid the foundation for this event, we have just updated the image just a bit. We want people to still feel like they are at the same event that they know and love, but with a new look.
 

USASN: What new plans do you have for the event in the way of staging, seating, decor, entertainment, and special features?  What things will change over time now that you are in charge?

M&L: The biggest change for us has been the new "look". We changed the logo, new website, new backdrop, etc. We also wanted to incorporate a few new divisions including non-professional Carolina Classic, open Strictly Swing, and Pro-am divisions. We have incorporated a more technology into the event.  You can purchase tickets on-line, registration on-line, etc. We have also gone ticketless based on feedback from attendees. We would like to eventually move to a process where our attendees can go on-line and actually pick the seat they would like to sit in. We are hoping to incorporate this next year. We are also a part of idance mobile which allows attendees to view schedules, receive announcements, and post pictures, etc. on their cell phone throughout the year and at the event. To be a part of idance mobile, go to the itunes apps store and download it for free. Throughout the weekend, we will be sending text messages on various announcements which will hopefully keep the attendees informed if there are any scheduling changes, etc. GNDC also has a Facebook page as well as a Twitter account (and is also a member of The USA Swing Dance Network), so we have been advertising and sending updates throughout the year through these social media outlets. As for other entertainment and "special features" - our lips are sealed!! 
 

USASN: Can you name one particular memorable dance performance by another couple that took place at the USA Grand Nationals and stands out from ALL the rest?

M&L: There are way too many moments to mention just one, but the most memorable dance moments for both of us would be Mario Robau and Carmen Scarborough's Classic Routine in 1995, "Shake Your Groove Thing" and Vivienne Ramsey and David Howland's 1999 Cabaret routine, "Every man needs a woman". These two routines were not only amazing, but received standing ovations and left the attendees wanting more.

USASN: What would you like to say to Charlie and Jackie as you take over the leadership of this venerable event?

M&L: We love you and are forever grateful to you both for creating an event that showcases both the Shag and Swing community. There are no words to express the impact you've had on both dances. Additionally, thank you for entrusting your Dream in our hands. We hope that we can make you both proud!

USASN: What would you like to say to the Swing and Shag dancers across America?

M&L: The 17th annual Grand National Dance Championship is going to be a memorable event. Mark your calendars, book your hotel, register to dance, and buy your tickets! We will see you in Atlanta Memorial Day Weekend!!


Thanks, Michael and Leann. Good luck. We'll all be supporting you!



Visit www.usagrandnationals.com for details about this Memorial Weekend event.