Visalia Smooth Dancers
Ballroom dancing since 1975
Queen Laura's Coronation
An Evening of Royal Elegance
May 16, 2026
Social Hour
Susan, Florence and Maria
Earl wears theme color
Kristine and Stan
Craig tackles a champagne cork
Photos by Lew Griswold, Craig McNeilly, Margaret Moholt, Dan Ansaldi, Somjai Cochran
Royal Guard Paul escorts arrivals
Joann George
Tamara Craig
Florence and Carolyn
Myra
Shane and David
Florence, Cheryl and Margaret
Dan chats with Lorraine
Guests Margie and Ron
Margaret takes a photo of Cheryl and Dean
SFV Queen Roberta
Margaret and Mary
Franco, Mary and Sally
David and Earl
Jim, Sue, Susan, Carolyn, Karl
Coronation
Cakes with floral accents
Table centerpiece
Yvette serves as MC
Laura and David enter the hall
State Queen Vera crowns Laura
VSD Queen Laura and court as she wears the crown for a second year
Laura and David
Queen's Dance - Night Club Two-Step
Chapter Queens join in Queens' Waltz
Greg and Barbara perform a Viennese Waltz for the Queen's Honor Dance
Newly crowned Queen Laura and David make their exit
Queens from San Diego, San Fernando Valley, Palomar, Bakersfield, Golden Gate and Fresno join Laura and David for photos
Roberto and Ruth perform a tango for post-ceremony entertainment
Social Dancing
Greg, David and Johnny confer at the DJ table
Moving across the dance floor
More Photos
Golden Gate Smooth Dancers journeyed to Visalia for Laura's coronation
David and Carol
Danny and Laura
Laura and David
Queens' Breakfast at the home of Karl and Carolyn
Celebrating
Mimosa station
Laura and Maria
Greg and Carla
Jim grills potatoes
Strawberries
Wendy and Carol
Carolyn
Barbara, Greg, Amy, Dan, Carla and David
Carol, Carolyn, Karl, David and Melissa
Dance friends visit
Jerry Florence
VSD Queens Wendy, Margaret, Barbara, Laura and Carol
Queens from all clubs
The Committee
Committee: Kristine Lewis, Stan Medina, Kelly DaFonte, Carol Bixler, Margaret Moholt, Barbara Uichanco, Nancy Cargill (decor)
Hospitality Chair: Sally Bailey
Hospitality Helpers: Wendy Storey, Stan Medina, Somjai Cochran
Master of Ceremonies: Yvette Haworth
Dance Report
May 16, 2026
Queen Laura’s Coronation Day began with Hospitality chaired by Sally Bailey. Stan Medina expertly mixed the margaritas. Queen Penny from Palomar, Queen Stacey from Bakersfield, Queen Roberta from San Fernando Valley and Queen Mum Carla from Fresno joined the gathering at the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building.
This is Laura’s second coronation as she was crowned a year ago. Laura is honored to serve again: “I look forward to another wonderful year of representing our chapter with pride, elegance and dedication while continuing to share the spirit of dance culture and community with all who join us on the dance floor.”
To get the 6 p.m social hour off to a good start, Craig McNeilly carefully prepared the wine and champagne service. Tamara Galli poured wine into glassware. More than 90 people, including several from out of town, were in attendance.
The coronation ceremony began with a pair of Royal Guards stepping forth with their scepters aloft so all the Queens and their escorts could enter the room with an extra flourish. Barbara Uichanco came up with the idea of Royal Guards, purchased the necessary accoutrements -- royal bearskin caps, capes, scepters -- then sought out a pair of volunteers. Paul Storey and Lew Griswold agreed to perform the role. Yvette Haworth served as Master of Ceremonies.
State Queen Vera placed the crown upon Laura’s tresses.
For the Queen's Dance, Shane Nielsen and Laura performed a flowing Night Club 2 Step.
For the Queen’s Honor Dance, Greg and Barbara performed a Viennese Waltz.
The Happy Cookers from Tulare prepared a dinner of perfectly cooked tri-tip, plus chicken, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, salad and rolls. Frosted cakes provided by Queen Laura was served as dessert.
For post-ceremony entertainment, Ruth and Roberto of Fresno performed a wonderful tango.
Greg Uichanco ably supervised the dance music. Dance hosts JD, Franco, Rei, Joaquin, Artemi and Nathan were busy for an evening of ballroom and social dancing. So many in attendance were beautifully attired the dance floor was a sight to behold.
- Lew Griswold