Nominated 2016. Beverly Ann graduated from Berlin High School in 1948. She attended Oshkosh State Teacher’s College and graduated from Palm Beach Junior College in West Palm Beach, Florida.
What started out as a little girl’s dream of dancing became a life-long passion and avocation for Beverly. She began taking lessons at the age of eight and continued to adulthood. All during this time she took every opportunity to perform for family and friends. Another talent she developed was learning to play the marimba. In 1942 she appeared on a radio station in Madison playing her marimba. She has shared this talent over the years in special appearances at church and in the community.
In 1964 she returned to Berlin and was encouraged by former teachers to open her own dance studio. Having previously taught in the Children’s Dance Dept. for the Fred Astaire Studio while in West Palm Beach, this seemed a perfect fit. With the help of her parents she opened Beverly Ann’s School of the Dance. Over the years hundreds of Berlin=s youth and adults would spend class time with “Miss Beverly” honing their own dance skills. One hundred plus students of all ages and experience levels took her classes each year. She also held classes in several surrounding communities.
To assist her in her work, Bev was a member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts (NADAA) Greater Midwest #37. She attended conventions and workshops, learning the latest dance steps and routines from other instructors. In addition she served on the faculty for the organization and held the offices of Secretary, Vice-President and twice President.
In 1999, after 35 years, she retired her studio. This did not signal the end of her dancing career, however. Spending winters in Florida, she became involved with a dance troupe there. All the dancers were in their 70’s and did routines to show tunes performing in and around the area.
Believing that dance develops poise, discipline and self-confidence, Beverly shared that philosophy with her thousands of students, some multiple generations of families and proved that a touch of culture can grow anywhere. The inspiration provided in that little basement-turned-dance-studio positively impacted the lives of her students to live their dream.
Words to Live By: Dance is beautiful, graceful, powerful and fills us with so much joy. Remember to cherish every moment, friendship and DANCE because one day, they will be your wonderful memories.