George C. Felton Memorial Dance Test Fee Fund

George C. Felton Memorial Dance Test Fee Fund

Funder: Oregon Skating Council Inc (OSC)
Established: 2008 by Dr. Jerilyn Felton in memory of George C. Felton
Geographic Scope: Oregon and regionally connected areas

Purpose

To encourage more skaters to participate in ice dancing by waiving dance test fees. This fund removes the "cost of testing" barrier and supports skaters in climbing the dance testing ladder.

Eligible Dance Tests

Test fee waivers available for:

Preliminary Dances:

Dutch Waltz

Canasta Tango

Rhythm Blues

Pre-Bronze Dances:

Fiesta Tango

ChaCha

Swing Dance

Bronze Dances:

Willow Waltz

Hickory Hoedown

Ten Fox

Eligibility Requirements

• Membership: Full membership in an OSC member club
• Dance level: Preliminary, Pre-Bronze, or Bronze level patterned partnered and solo pattern dances only
• Age limit: No age restrictions
• Test timing: Dance tests must be taken within the membership year of sign-up date
• Test format: Applies to both in-person and virtual tests hosted by OSC member clubs

Benefit Details

• Available on: First come/first serve basis
• Duration: Until allotted funds for that fiscal year are exhausted
• Application method: Test fee waiver processed at time of test sign-up
• Fiscal year: Funds allocated per fiscal year; benefits reset annually

Additional Benefits

Fund supports broader skating community by:
1. Allowing current coaches to increase lesson time and income teaching low-level patterned dances
2. Developing more well-rounded skaters who can excel in competitive ranks
3. Enhancing skater credentials for future coaching or judging careers

Background

George C. Felton was a dedicated ice dancer who retired at age 76 due to fall risk but maintained his passion for dance. With his passing in 2008 at age 88, Dr. Jerilyn Felton established this fund to share the joy of ice dancing with others. Both George and Dr. Felton enjoyed working toward passing dance tests, and this fund was created to make that opportunity accessible to all skaters regardless of financial barriers.

Policy Updates

• Proposal accepted by OSC Board: 6-17-2021
• Amended by OSC Board: 5-19-2022