Raper's
Who's Who in Swing Dance

Index - B

Hy Baggish
Elaine Balden
Laureen Baldovi
Erica Balky
Ballrooms - Famous
Helen Bangs
Bart Bartolo
Jerry Basolin
Margaret Batiuchok
Big Bea
Little Bea
Dan Beck
Deanna Becker
Sue Bennett
Heather Benson
Paul Benton
Kate Berardino
Pepsi Bethel
Mike Bicklein
Krissy Biernacki
Todd Biernacki
Joy Biever
Jonathan Bixby
Keldee Bjernkees
Skippy Blair
Dawn Harris Blorstad
John Boden
Smiley Bonka
Jimmy BonTemple
Boogie Red
Beverly Boots
Tom Boots
Francis Bostwick
Sharlot Jansen Bott
Wayne Bott
Katie Bourgeois
Sharon Bowman
Dot Bradford
Gil Brady
Nikki Brady
Michele Brakerbill
Bob Brewer

Jack Bridges
Jody Bridges
Mary Ann Bridges
Tina Bright
Bob Brooks
Norman Brown
Connie Bryant
Marie Bryant
Pat Bryant
Robert L. Bryant
Sandee Chavez Bryant
John Buckner
Kelly Buckwalter
Beverly Budzynski
Bob Budzynsli
Tiny Bunch
Bobbie Burgess
Amber Burke (See  Amber Burke Cross)
Elaine Burkow
Rosemarie Burrell
Dewey Burton

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Hy Baggish

Honors:
1990 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Rising Star Nomination

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Elaine Balden

Television Variety:
On Lawrence Welk Show with regular dance partner partner Bobbie Burgess
Also see Swing Dance Related Film & TV listings.

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Laureen Baldovi

Competition Dancing:
1993 US Open, Classic Div., 2nd Place, partner Robert Royston
1995 US Open, Classic Div., 1st Place, partner Robert Royston

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Erica Balky

Competition Dancing:
1992 US Open, Advanced Jack-N-Jill, 3rd Place, partner Avner Yuzan

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Ballrooms - Famous

Alhambra Ballroom (New York, NY)
Alpine Village (Torrance, CA)
Balboa Pavilion (Balboa California)
Barn, The (Long Beach - Belmont Shore, CA)
Casa Manana (Culver City, CA)
Casino Gardens Ballroom
Colliseum Ballroom
Crystal Palace (Ocean Park Pier)
Dianna Ballroom (West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA) - Ray Randazzle, Mgr.
Domar Ballroom (opened 1940) (On the Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA)
Gable Ballroom, The
Golden West Ballroom (Norwalk, CA)

Imperial Palace Ballroom (Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV)
Lake Pier Ballroom
Lido Ballroom (previously known as the Majestic Ballroom)
Majestic Ballroom (later known as the Lido Ballroom)
Make Believe Ballroom (New York, NY
Madarin Ballroom (Redondo Beach, CA)
Manhattan Casino (New York, NY)
Mesa Ballroom (La Merk Park)
Mission Beach Ballroom (San Diego, CA)
Montebello Ballroom (Montebello, CA)
Myron's Ballroom (1024 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA)
   (was renamed Dillon's during the Disco era (late 1970s) then renamed to Myron's Ballroom)
New Star Casino Ballroom (New York, NY)
Palladium Ballroom (Hollywood, CA)
Palomar Ballroom (CA)
    (previously was Rainbow Gardens Ballroom)
Rainbow Gardens Ballroom (CA)
    (renamed Palomar Ballroom)
Renaissance Ballroom
Rendezvous Ballroom (Santa Monica, CA) (built in 1926)
Roseland Ballroom (New York, NY)
Ross' Ballroom (6130 Pacific Blvd., Huntington Park, CA)
Savoy Ballroom (141st St. & Lenox Ave., New York, NY) (1926-1959)
Stardust Ballroom (Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA)
Sweets Ballroom (Oakland, CA)
Treanon Ballroom (Seattle, WA)
Treanon Ballroom (Ocean Park, Southgate, CA)
Venice Ballroom (Venice, CA)
Zenda Ballroom
            

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Helen Bangs

Film Short Subject:
1946 Boogiemania

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Lou "Bart" Bartolo

Television Variety Show
1983 Steve Allen Show "In The Swing," partner Kathy Lovelady (12/7/1983) ... Film Clips ... 1 ... 2 ... 3
Home Movies, Jam Session, Unknown
Film Clips ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4
Honors:
1992 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Golden Star Nomination
1993 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Golden Star Award
Associations:
1994 Los Angeles Swing Dance Club, Inc., President

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Jerry Basolin

Competition Dancing:
1994 US Open, Masters Div., 2nd Place, partner Kathleen Sauser

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Margaret Batiuchok

Margaret did an excellent job describing the Lindy Hop and its history and evolution in her Masters Thesis which includes a video presentation which includes interviews with Lindy dancers and exhibitions of the Lindy Hop.
Competition Dancing:
1983 Winner of Harvest Moon Ball, partner George Lloyd.
Associations:
New York Swing Dance Society, Co-Founder.
Author:
Jitterbug Magazine
Dancing USA
The Ballroom Review
Video Documentary:
Margaret's Masters Research Thesis & 4 accompanying videotapes on Frankie Manning, George Lloyd, Charlie Meade and Tom Lewis.
Instructional Videos:
Instructor on 10 instructional videos.

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Big Bea

Was one of the greats of Lindy Hop in the Kat's Corner at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City, NY in the 1930s.

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Little Bea

Was one of the greats of Lindy Hop in the Kat's Corner at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City, NY in the 1930s.

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Dan Beck

Competition Dancing
1995 US Open, Masters Div., 4th Place, partner Deana Becker

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Deanna Becker

Competition Dancing
1995 US Open, Masters Div., 4th Place, partner Dan Beck

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Sue Bennett

Television Variety Show:
1950s Dick Clark Show

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Heather Benson

Competition Dancing
1995 US Open, Cabaret Div., 2nd Place, partner Brent Mills

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Paul Benton

Associations:
1970 Founder & President of the Swing Dance Club of America (now known as the San Diego Swing Dance Club, Inc.).

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Kate Berardino

Competition Dancing:
1994 US Open, Young America Div. (ages 13-18), 2nd Place, partner Tim Auclair
1995 US Open, Young America Div. (ages 13-17), 1st Place, partner Tim Auclair
1997 US Open, Showcase Div., 2nd Place, partner Keith Heisinger

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Pepsi Bethel

Was one of the greats of Lindy Hop in the Kat's Corner at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City, NY in the 1940s.
Motion Pictures:
1943 Crazy House ... Film Clip
Film Documentary:
Jazz with Pepsi Bethel.
Author:
Authentic Jazz with Pepsi Bethel (Book).

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Mike Bicklein

Comp: 1991 2nd Place, Young America Div. (ages 12-18), U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, partner Amy Walters; 1992 3rd Place, Young America Div. (ages 13-18), U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, partner Amy Walters.

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Krissy Biernacki

Competition Dancing
1997 US Open, Lindy Hop Div., 3rd Place, partner Todd Biernacki

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Todd Biernacki

Competiton Dancing
1997 US Open, Lindy Hop Div., partner Krissy Biernacki

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Joy Biever

Publication:
Jitterbug Magazine (Sept. 1992 - pgs 9,28 Photos)

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Jonathan Bixby ... Web Site ... E-mail

Television Special:
1995 Gotta Dance, partner Sylvia Sykes (5/10/1995 and 5/17/1995) ... Film Clip
Competition Dancing:
1985 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner: Sylvia Sykes
1986 US Open, Classic Div., 2nd Place, partner: Sylvia Sykes
1987 US Open, Classic Div., 5th Place, partner: Sylvia Sykes
1988 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner: Sylvia Sykes
Home Movies, Jam Sessions, Unknown
Jam at Bobby McGee's, partner Sylvia Sykes ... Film Clips ... 1
Honors:
1990 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1991 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1992 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Award
Publication:
1992 Jitterbug Magazine (Sept. 1992 - cover Photo; pgs 6, 7 Article & Photo)
Teaching:
Dance Instruction in Santa Barbara, CA since 1979
Guest Instructor in the US, Europe, and Australia 1985 to Present

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Keldee Bjernkees

Competition Dancing:
1991 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner Robert Cordoba
1992 US Open, Classic Div., 1st Place, partner Robert Cordoba
1995 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner Robert Cordoba
Publication
Jitterbug Magazine (Sept 1992 - pg 20 Photo)
Honors:
1993 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1995 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination

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Skippy Blair - Biography - Web Site - E-mail

Skippy is best known for creating the Universal Unit System and for deriving methods to upgrade skills of dance instructors through an instructor training and certification program offered by the Golden State Dance Teachers Association which she founded.
Television Movie:
1975 Queen Of The Stardust Ballroom
Associations:
Founder and President of Golden State Dance Teachers Assn.
Founder and President of World Swing Dance Council.
Contact Information:
10804 Woodruf, Downey, CA 90241. Phone: (310)869-8949, Fax: (310)862-7129.

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Dawn Harris Blorstad

Competition Dancing:
1991 US Open, Showcase Div., 1st Place, partner Barry Durand
1991 US Open, Cabaret Div., 1st Place, partner Barry Durand
1992 US Open, Showcase Div., 4th Place, partner Barry Durand
1992 US Open, Grand Champion Jack-N-Jill, 1st Place, partner Phil Trau
1992 US Open, Grand Champion Jack-N-Jill, 2nd Place, partner Dale Rouggly
1993 US Open, Showcase Div., 1st Place, partner Barry Durand
1994 US Open, Showcase Div., 2nd Place, partner Barry Durand
1995 US Open, Classic Div., 9th Place, partner Dean Garrish
Publication:
Jitterbug Magazine (Sept 1992 - pg 20 Photo)

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Smiley Bonka

Honors
1995 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Special Award to Founder of California Swing Dance Hall of Fame

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John Boden

Competition Dancing
1995 US Open, Masters Div., 1st Place, partner Cher Chilton

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Jimmy BonTemple E-mail

Dance Teacher:
Studied and worked with Ray Fox for many years. Jimmy took over Ray Fox's dance studio when Ray Fox died. He was also the resident dance instructor for the Los Angeles Swing Dance Club for many years - a highly respected dance instructor.
Author:
1984/1985 "Who's Who in Swing Dance", Ken Gegg was Editor
Honors
1995 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Shining Star Award

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Boogie Red

We need help obtaining information on this person.

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Beverly Boots

Comp:
1977 National Swing Competition, 1st Place, partner: Tom Boots.
Associations:
Past President of Los Angeles Swing Dance Club, Inc.

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Tom Boots

Television Variety Shows:
1981 Dance Fever, partner: Shirley Fietsam (6/27/1981)
1981 Dance Fever Christmas Show (Winner), partner: Shirley Fietsam (12/19/1981)
1981 Merv Griffin's Dance Fever press Party, partner: Shirley Fietsam (12/9/1981)
1983 Steve Allen Show "In The Swing," partner: Shirley Fietsam (12/7/1983) ... Film Clips ... 1 ... 2 ... 3
Tnews:
1981 Eye On LA, partner: Shirley Fietsam (11/17/1981)
1982 Two On The Town (2/9/1982), partner: Shirley Fietsam ... Film Clip
1983 Two On The Town (2/3/1983), partner: Shirley Fietsam
Competition Dancing:
1977 National Swing Competition, 1st Place, partner Beverly Boots
1983 US Open, Showcase Div., 3rd Place, partner: Shirley Fietsam
Associations:
President of the Los Angeles Swing Dance Club, Inc.

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Francis Bostwick

Competition Dancing:
1989 US Open, Classic Div., 4th Place, partner: Romiro Gonzales
1990 US Open, Classic Div., 1st Place, partner Mario Robau, Jr.

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Sharlot Jansen Bott

Motion Picture:
1991 Midnight Rider (1991)
Competition Dancing:
1985 US Open, Showcase Div., 1st Place, partner: James Fisk
1986 US Open, Showcase Div., 1st Place, partner: Lance Shermoen
1987 US Open, Showcase Div., 4th Place, partner: Lance Shermoen
1988 US Open, Showcase Div., 4th Place, partner: Lance Shermoen
1990 US Open, Showcase Div., 1st Place, partner: Lance Shermoen
1992 US Open, Classic Div., 5th Place, partner: Wayne Bott
1992 US Open, Grand Champion Jack-N-Jill Div., 5th Place, partner Mario Robau, Jr
1993 US Open, Classic Div., 4th Place, partner Wayne Bott
Honors:
1990 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1991 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1992 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1993 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Rising Star Award

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Wayne Bott

Competition Dancing:
1992 US Open, Classic Div., 5th Place, partner: Sharlotte Jansen Bott
1993 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner: Sharlot Jansen Bott
Honors:
1993 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination
1995 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Nova Star Nomination

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Katie Bourgeois

Competition Dancing:
1989 US Open, Young America Div. (ages 6-11), 2nd Place, partner: Dean Tomkins
1990 US Open, Young America Div. (ages 6-11), 3rd Place, partner: Dean Tomkins

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Sharon Bowman

Competition Dancing:
1973 World Swing Dance Championships, Contestant, Palladium, Hollywood, CA, partner: Jim Jackson

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Dot Bradford

Performances:
1937 Roxy Theatre, New York City
1938 Tour with Hal Kemp
1939 World's Fair.

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Gil Brady

Motion Pictures:
1955 Rock Around The Clock, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1955 Running Wild, partner Nikki Brady
1955 Benny Goodman Story, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1956 Bundle of Joy, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1956 Don't Knock The Rock, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clips 1 ... 2 ... 3
1956 The Girl Can't Help It, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1956 That Certain Feeling, partner Nikki Brady
1957 Carnival Rock, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1957 Untamed Youth, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1958 Houseboat, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clip
1959 Juke Box Rhythm, partner Nikki Brady ... Film Clips ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4
Home Movies, Jam Sessions, Unknown
Jam at Bobby McGee's ... Film Clips ... 1
Honors:
1992 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Shining Star Award

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Nikki Brady

Motion Pictures:
1955 Rock Around The Clock, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1955 Running Wild, partner Gil Brady
1955 Benny Goodman Story, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1956 Bundle of Joy, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1956 Don't Knock The Rock, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clips 1 ... 2 ... 3
1956 The Girl Can't Help It, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1956 That Certain Feeling, partner Gil Brady
1957 Carnival Rock, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1957 Untamed Youth, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1958 Houseboat, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clip
1959 Juke Box Rhythm, partner Gil Brady ... Film Clips ... 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... 4
Honors:
1991 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Stellar Star Award

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Michele Brakerbill

Competition Dancing:
1990 US Open, Classic Div., 3rd Place, partner: Randy Albers

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Bob Brewer

Associations:
President of California Swing Dance Hall of Fame
D.J.
D.J. for Los Angeles Swing Dance Club
News Article:
Orange County Register, Orange County, CA (June 20, 1986 - pg 28).

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Jack Bridges

Dance Event Producer
Coproducer with his wife Mary Ann Bridges of the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships which started in 1983
Associations:
Vice President of San Diego Swing Dance Club (1976 & 1977)
News Article:
The American Patriot (Summer 1993).

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Jody Bridges

Competition Dancing:
1977 National Swing Competition, Contestant, partner: Jerry Crim
1985 US Open, Classic Div., 5th Place, partner: Jerry Crim

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Mary Ann Bridges

Dance Event Producer
Coproducer with her husband Jack Bridges of the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships which started in 1983
Author:
Jitterbug Magazine (Author of many profiles).

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Tina Bright

Competition Dancing:
1985 US Open, Showcase Div., 3rd Place, partner: Eddie Frias

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Bob Brooks

Competition Dancing:
1983 US Open, Showcase Div., 4th Place, partner: Star Hester
1986 US Open, Showcase Div., 4th Place, partner: Valerie LaFemina

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Norman Brown

Honors:
1991 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Rising Star Nomination
1992 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Rising Star Award

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Connie Bryant

We need help with information on this person

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Marie Bryant

Film Short Subject:
1944 Jamin' the Blues, partner Archie Savage

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Pat Bryant

Author:
L.A. Swing Dance Club of America Newsletter (May 1973 Article)
Associations:
Music Director of L.A. Swing Dance Club of America

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Robert L. Bryant

Competition Dancing:
2004 Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club of the Decade, 1st Place
2004 Las Vegas Matinee Convention (Stickly), 1st Place
2004 Las Vegas Matinee Convention (masters), 1st Place
1995 Jack & Jill O'Rama (old time greats), 2nd Place
1994 Las Vegas Swing Dance Convention, 1st Place
1992 Las Vegas Mainee Convention, 1st Place
1991 Rebels Swing Dance Convention, 2nd Place
1988 San Diego Spring Fling, 1st Place
1988 San Francisco Swing Dance Club, 1st Place
1987 US Open Swing Dance Championships, 2nd Place
1987 Dallas Dance, 1st Place
1986 US Open Swing Dance Championships, Jack-N-Jill Div., 1st Place, partner Diane Randazzo
1986 San Diego Spring Fling, 1st Place
1985 Las Vegas Swing Dance Club, 1st Place
1983 Int'l Dance Tournament, MGM Grand Hotel, Grand Finalist, 1st Place
1983 Las Vegas Matinee Swing Dance Club, 1st Place
1983 Las Vegas Swing Dance Club, 1st Place
1983 San Diego Spring Fling, 1st Place
1982 Kent Dance of the Century, 1st Place
1982 San Diego Spring Fling, 1st Place
1977 National Swing Competition, 2nd Place, partner Sandee Bryant
Associations:
United States Swing Dance Council, past President
Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club, past President
Awards
1996 US Open Swing Dance Championships Humanitarian Award
1993 National Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Inductee
1990 California Hall of Fame, Inductee
1985-1996 Presidential award from Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club
1986-1987 Presidential award from Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club

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Sandee Chavez Bryant

Competition Dancing:
1977 National Swing Competition, 2nd Place, partner Robert Bryant
Honors:
1990 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Shining Star Award

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John Buckner

Television Movie:
1975 Queen Of The Stardust Ballroom

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Kelly Buckwalter

Competition Dancing:
1988 US Open, Classic Div., 1st Place (tie), partner: Dominick Yen
1994 US Open, Jack-N-Jill Div., 1st Place, partner: Tom Paderna
Honors
1995 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Rising Star Nomination

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Beverly Budzynski

Competition Dancing:
1994 US Open, Masters Div., 3rd Place, partner: Bob Budzynski.

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Bob Budzynski

Competition Dancing:
1994 US Open, Masters Div., 3rd Place, partner: Beverly Budzynski

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Tiny Bunch

Biography - Archives of Early Lindyhop
Tiny was very light on his feet and a great dancer for a big man of about 350 pounds and about 6 feet 5 inches tall. He was one of the greats of Lindy Hop in the Kat's Corner at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City, NY in the 1930s. He danced a lot with Dottie Johnson.
Motion Picture:
1937 Radio City Rebels, partner Dottie Johnson

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Bobbie Burgess

Television Variety:
Bobbie spend many years dancing on the Lawrence Welk Show with partners Elaine Balden and Cissy King. Also see Swing Dance Related Film & TV listings.

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Amber Burke

See Amber Burke Cross

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Elaine Burkow

Competition Dancing:
1994 US Open, Jack-N-Jill, 3rd Place, partner: Steve Wong

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Rosemarie Burrell

Competition Dancing:
1985 US Open, Jack-N-Jill Div., 1st Place, partner: Dominick Yen
1991 US Open, Advanced Jack-N-Jill Div., 2nd Place, partner: Romero Gonzales
Associations
President of Southern Arizona Swing Dance Club

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Dewey Burton

Competition Dancing:
1977 National Swing Competition, Contestant, partner: Nancy Allen