Ping DiBella

Ping DiBella and Belle at The Great Chicago Crossfire, 2017

Michael F DiBella
05 Oct 1961 - 16 Jan 2023

Clubs & Associations

In Their Own Words

Willie Wonka in Wilmington
Not long after starting Mainstream class in October 2012, Bob Bauer, my square dance mentor, started talking to me about something called a fly-in. “It’s so much fun!” he told me. “You’ll meet new people! You’ll hone your skills! You’ll gain confidence in your abilities!”

Other class angels enthusiastically echoed his sentiments. Now, these were intended to be enticing statements, but the thought of displaying my limited talents in front of a large number of experienced dancers from all over the country sounded about as enticing as food poisoning. Still, in a weak moment, Bob managed to get me to register for the Philadelphia Fly-In.

Before I knew it, there I was in Wilmington with Bob dragging me to my first dance like a calf being led to the slaughter. I envisioned it ending with people giving me looks of pity or frustration and offering words of tepid consolation. Word would get out about me, and I would spend the rest of the weekend being a wallflower.

Au contraire. The other dancers were nothing short of friendly, helpful, and encouraging. This pattern continued over the rest of the weekend.

Angels from my class who attended the fly-in checked on me periodically to make sure I was okay. I met other Times Squares veterans who warmly welcomed me to the ranks. People from other clubs were asking me to dance and then asking me to dance again. I had crackerjack dancers apologizing to me because they blew a call, and I was able to recognize that they weren’t just being kind to save my pride. (I must confess that I was partially to blame in one instance. My partner and I held up a square for almost half a minute, both of us swearing that we were holding left hands even as we stared directly at our tightly clenched right hands.)

By Saturday night, I was barely obsessing over the calls and just having a blast. After the last dance on Sunday afternoon, Bob pretty much had to drag me to the car. I think I spent most of the drive home rambling on about the wonderful time I had. No one was more surprised at me than I was.

To all the folks who encouraged me to go and who helped make my first fly-in a memorable experience, I offer heartfelt thanks. To Bob Bauer, I give permission to smugly say, “See, I told you so”. As for my fellow Mainstream graduates, I hope to hear that you’ll be going to the San Francisco convention or one of the upcoming fly-ins. (Check the newsletter for details.)

C’mon... It’s so much fun! You’ll meet new people! You’ll hone your skills! You’ll gain confidence in your abilities!^[1]

Media Feature

Member Profile: Michael "Ping" DiBella^[2]

Obituary

We are sad to announce that on January 16, 2023, Michael F DiBella (Franklin Square, New York) passed away. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Michael F DiBella to pay them a last tribute.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22nd 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Krauss Funeral Home (1097 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010). A mass of christian burial will be held on Monday, January 23rd 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Sienna Rc Church (33 New Hyde Park Rd, Franklin Square, NY 11010).^[3]