KATHRYN ROBERTS

DANCER EXTRAORDINAIRE 

December 11th 1910 - April 2nd 2006

ARTICLE FROM THE AUGUST 7th 2003 DANCE BUDDIES NEWSLETTER

Well, this past weekend was the 10th Anniversary of the Nations Capitol's largest and most prestigious Swing competition, Barry Durand's "Swing Fling".  Highlights included, me winning the Professional Invitational Jack and Jill and the Top Male Teacher Award for Pro/Am's. But, two of my proudest moments were on the dance floor in the Novice Pro/Am Swing division with my Mom, Patricia Williamson and my Grand Ma, Kathryn Roberts.

My Mom was a bit nervous and reluctant. You see, she didn't know that I had signed her up to do a Pro/Am. We had all talked about it and my Grand Ma said OK. But my Mom, I guess, didn't think I was serious. Just the same she stepped up to the plate and said OK. With great pride in my heart, I dance and watched as my Mom at 72 yrs, got out there and strutted her stuff, twinkled her feet and smiled her way to earn herself a Silver medal. Yea Mom! Way to go!

 Now, as for my Graaaaaaand Maaaaaa.... she was pinned with a competitors number and sitting on the sidelines watching all the other dancers in her division, of which there was about 25. My Mom had already danced in the 3rd heat and Grand Ma was in the 10th heat. After watching all of the other dancers in their 20's through 50's strut their stuff, Grand Ma said, "I can't do all that". I said to her, "You don't have to Grand Ma. You just do what you do". With that said, she said OK. We walked out on to the floor and the crowd gave her a wonderful applause. All eyes were on the little old lady of 92yrs, that was about to dance. We started off slow and then, I broke away from Grand Ma and while facing her, busted into the classic Lindy boogie move from the 30's, the Shorty George. Grand Ma responded by mimicking me and the room erupted. Then I threw in a Hip Hop pop lock move and Grand Ma followed me like a mirror image. From then on she seemed to own the crowd. She shook her booty at the audience and showed some of her fancy foot work. It was only a minute and a half of dancing but it was something that seemed to touch every dancers heart in the room. 

At the end, she received a standing ovation and went on to win 4th place over all and a Gold medal. As the kids say Grand Ma... "You rocked". I love you Mom and you Grand Ma for giving me and my dance friends such a wonderful experience and memory. I know how lucky I am. Thanks from my heart.

Your Son and Grandson
Kenny

Grand Ma strutting her stuff in an encore performance at the 2004 Winter Blues Blaster at Cherryhill Park