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Never taking any formal dance training, it wasn’t too long when my dad, Ken, nicknamed me “Goob”. I don’t really know the significance or where that came from, but it didn’t last that long. My first competition partner was Krystal Taylor. In 1990, at 14, we danced our first competition and had a ball. We danced competitively for two years. Alicia Burdick and I teamed up and did real well on the scene. Following Alicia, came Shea Carver. She and I did real well. We won, placed and lost some events, but overall, we had a great time. Shea and I went to the 1995 U.S. Open and took 1st place in their first time ever, Shag Division. We were thrilled. I first saw Swing when I went to the 1994 U.S. Open to see Sy Creed and Dana Brown dance. After watching some of the Swing routines, I wondered how all those people could hit all the nuances of every song they danced! I was determined that I would return and compete at this very prestigious event. In l995 Shea and I returned and competed in the Classic Division. We placed 8th and knew we had a lot to learn. When Charlie & Jackie had their first Grand Nationals Convention they invited the Swing dance community. I was in heaven! Like all the other Juniors, we were eager to show and learn footwork from each other. I was intrigued. I again saw Swing dancers doing these incredible performances. Routine was the word I would hear the most over the weekend. It was the one word I didn’t know much about. Along with cutting music and hitting lines. What are these people talkin’ about? I knew I wanted to learn more. Lots more. My parents have always supported me in this arena. They pushed hard. Be the best you could be in whatever you choose. I have many people that taught me through the years, but Susie Beaver taught me the “Heart of the Dance.” She used to tell me that winning isn’t everything. Don’t just look like you’re havin’ a good time, HAVE a good time! Sy Creed also played a major role in my teachings. My all time idol has always been, and still is, David Campbell. He has a style that I truly admire. A lot of what I do came from David. Pure talent, just havin’ a good time. There are many things I want to accomplish in the world of dance. Swing has taught me and continues to teach me so much. Performing is getting easier, but continues to be a major challenge for me. Routines? They kill me! This part of competition is the most difficult and challenging. Practice, Practice, Practice. And if that wasn’t enough, practice some more! I have met so many people to thank in the Swing world. Without their teachings and patience I could have never accomplished what I have in such a relatively short time. Ramiro Gonzales. A true friend. We made a deal. I’d teach him a little and he’d teach me a lot. There are no words to express this talent. He is so aware of his every move, his every posture, where he’s been and where he’s goin’, in every dance. Mario Robau Jr. I don’t really know what anyone can say about Mario. People have talked about this incredible dancer for years. There is no other. Watching the Master and his “Casper” create a routine is mind boggling. A most humbling experience. My gratitude for his creativity on Kellese’s and my routines, will be one of those forever things. Speaking of my Kellese. She is my all time favorite everything! I have danced with many women and, yes, she is my significant other, but Kellese is the epitome of dancing. When she and I compete/perform it is extremely intense. We dance for the love of the dance. We dance to hold each other. We dance to excite each other. We dance to feel each others souls. Every time we dance, we fall in love over and over again, socially or competitively. There is no greater joy! We live for each other and our two miracle boys, Chase and Tag.
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