In the Spotlight

Beverly has been an enthusiastic member of Young @ Heart since 2008. Her sense of humor keeps us smiling and me on my toes. I am very happy to name her this month’s tapper in the spotlight. To learn more about Beverly, read her bio below.

As you all have come to know me as a “professional” tap dancer, I want to shed some light on my journey to reach this most prestigious position (I know you’re all laughing at this last statement, well so am I).

Life started in Minnesota, but my memories all started in the San Fernando Valley, growing up as the original “valley girl”. Topanga Beach, Malibu, cruising Bob’s Big Boy on Van Nuys Blvd.  It was all great fun.

We all know employment is a necessity for all of us and mine started in the construction industry as a design consultant for a major home builder.  It afforded me the chance to start getting out in the world.

One thing led to another and I ended up at Litton Industries with a Top Secret Clearance (me … a top secret clearance!!! Holy Moly!).  I was lucky that the FBI never knocked on my front door, but a headhunter did and that led me to a prestigious law firm in Beverly Hills. 

Those were interesting years and great jobs, but my career really began at Cal Poly Pomona University.  It was there that I enjoyed 34 years in the Physics Department, an interesting and rewarding time.  During my Cal Poly days, I met Doug ( the love of my life) and my life really “took off”. On our first date, he took me flying in an open cockpit biplane, and my life hasn’t been the same since.  Aviation is a major part of our lives. While he was flying WWII aircraft, I was getting qualified as an aircraft marshaller.  I worked many major air shows in California and Texas marshaling bombers, fighters, trainers and the like.  To this day, Doug still flies the vintage airplanes, and as opportunities come along, I still fly with him.

Upon retirement, I gave up marshaling and enrolled in a line dance class taught by Louise Pewsey.  She then asked me to take her tap class.  So, I thought, why not? I’d never taken any dance classes and thought it might be fun.  The fun really started when Suellen took over teaching the classes. Dancing is fun and it’s always great to learn something new.  I recently tackled golf, or better said, it’s tackling me. But with that like our dancing, I appreciate the confidence that approaching something new has afforded me. Dancing is fun, but without any doubt, it’s all the new friendships that these endeavors have afforded me for which I am most grateful.

As I did in my career, I look forward to each and every class.  I’m sure I have aged Suellen along the way, but it’s been fun.  It’s still fun and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Beverly