Stan’s first memory of dancing was standing on his mother’s toes learning the waltz box step in the kitchen. He went on to do an Irish Jig for 6th grade talent show and won first place with his rag sock monkey entry at a Junior High sock hop. In college it was rock and roll and square dancing with Calico and Boots square dance club. In Fairbanks, he started with folk dancing before picking up contra dancing and eventually arriving at ballroom dancing. If asked to pick his favorite dance, he has a hard time answering because his love of the art is absolute.
Barb arrived in Fairbanks with her family in 1970, when her parents decided to bring their heating & sheet metal business from a small town in Washington State. She worked in construction and later as a legal secretary and office assistant at a law firm. Barb began working at Fairbanks Title in 1986, and retired in ’08, as an escrow manager/corporate secretary of 21 years. Along side her work in the business community, Barb has served on the Board of Literacy Council of Fairbanks and Sunriser’s Rotary Club. She served as Co-Chair for Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption and was a part of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce. Barb came to the Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks in early 2010 with the hope of learning how to dance. Her love for dance has grown as has her friendship with the club. She has two beautiful daughters, Christina and Mandra. She is passionate about her family’s well being and places them above all else.
Liz signed up, quite reluctantly, for her first dance lessons five years ago……and hasn’t stopped dancing since! She met her sweetheart, Jim, the very first time she went to a Saturday dance practice, and the shared interest in dancing has been a special bond between them ever since. When not dancing, she enjoys exploring the breathtaking natural world around us on foot, bike, and skis or in her kayak. She also loves just hanging out at home with her two teenagers and brat of a dog, Fritz. Life is good.
Jennifer was born and raised in Alaska and began taking dance classes at a young age to stay warm and active during the winter (and it was fun!). She went on to attend UAF where she took classes in Latin and Ballroom dance to break up the academic courses. After college, Jennifer became serious about learning to ballroom dance. She found the Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks where she met wonderful instructors and a community who shared the love of dance. Jennifer signed up with a partner who was also excited about studying dance. They found romance on the dance floor, married, and are dedicated to learning all dance forms. As she expands her dance capabilities, Jennifer loves dance ever more. Jennifer currently teaches 1st grade and is excited to go to work each day.
Nam is of Korean background. He lived in Canada and the Midwest US and found Alaska seven years ago. Nam is a licensed acupuncturist currently working at Fairbanks Family Wellness Center; his specialty is pain management and addiction recovery. He also teaches meditation and spiritual development at Turning Point Counseling Services.
Nam was introduced to ballroom dance upon moving to Fairbanks and has been an active member of the community ever since. He has a history of volunteering including previous service as a board member of Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks. Nam is especially devoted to learning Argentine Tango and has been hosting Argentine Tango practice every Saturday for a few years. He is devoted to helping others to make dance a part of passion in their life. How can we live life fully without music and dance?
~ ”If I cannot help others dance, I cannot enjoy dancing myself.”
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