2018
Doug and Jane Harrington
Doug and Jane have been members of the Tampa Bay Beach Boppers since 1993 and fell in love with the Carolina Shag and the music and have supported it since. Jane is a highly respected DJ and is known for playing music that lends itself to Shag, Bop, East Coast, and West Coast styles. Doug and Jane have been guest DJs at “Sweet Home Chicago” and Rollin’ On The River” as well as other out of town events several times.
They teach the Carolina Shag and have done exhibitions at many dance conventions. The demonstrated the Carolina Shag at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta and are members of the National Living Legends, Florida Shag Hall of Fame and the TBBB Hall of Fame.
Don Downs
Don Downs has 26+ years of service in the dance community with Ruth Puckett by his side! He was a key in the start-up of 2 ABA dance clubs (Little Rock Bop Club & Spa City Club) and attends both clubs regularly. Don, as President, was a visionary for the very successful “Bop on the Lake” and offered invaluable insight and advise on “Bop in the Rock.” He is an outstanding dance talent (90 next year!) with a willingness to share his love of dancing with everyone, go anywhere and do anything for the dance community!
2019
Beth Stenberg
Beth joined the DCBC in 2005 and shortly after she became the club secretary. Beth set up an internal audit and financial records. Her recommendations led the DCBC to a flourishing club as a result.
She also served as Vice President and President for several years and got involved with the clubs’ annual event “Boogie In The Bluegrass” and has served as either Chair or Co-Chair since 2010.
Beth has attended many out-of-town events and her bucket list is to attend all of the ABA Clubs major events.
Judy Waters
Judy has been dancing all of her life and been involved in the dance community for many years. Her willingness to contribute has touched nearly every club in the area, and at charitable events. Her involvement in the Moolah Shrine Swing Dance Club goes back to beginning in 2011 where she has taught lessons and worked at nearly every event.
Previously, Judy served on the board of the South Side Imperial Swing Dance Club and President for 3 years. She’s served on the Midwest Swing Dance Federation as Treasurer for several years and she’s the MSSDC representative to the ABA.
2020
Frank and Char Miller
Frank and Char joined the Cincinnati Bop Club in 1995 and soon held positions on the Board. Frank became a club DJ, managed the club sound equipment, dance floor and served as Vice President.
They were actively involved in the clubs’ dance event “Move Across The River”. Char was active in the club, handling decorations, registration, hospitality and teaching.
They moved to Kentucky and joined the TOKDC and stayed very active in the club. They worked with the ABA and became a member club.
Judy Ciaramitaro
Judy joined the MUSIC Dance Club in 2006, joined the board and served as dance director and taught. She then moved to the St. Louis Imperial Dance Club in 2012 where she served as member-at-large, Newsletter Editor, Webmaster and President. SLIDC is the oldest dance club established in 1973.
She also served as President of the Midwest Swing Dance Federation since 2015 and chaired the annual New Years Eve Dance for years. Judy is the club representative to the ABA and as Secretary of the ABA.
2021
Mike and Linda Edwards
Mike and Linda joined the Derby City Bop Club in 2001. Mike served as Treasurer for the club and for their annual event “Boogie In The Bluegrass” since 2013. He also helped other clubs set up their financial accounting systems, and has been Treasurer for the ABA.
Linda served as Cruise Director for events on the Belle Of Louisville during BIB. She handles birthday and club shirt nights for the club and started a shoe donation drive with a local organization, WaterStep, which provides clean drinking water globally. They received the President’s Award in 2015 and continue their services.
Rose Kellar
Rose joined the CCSC in 1995 and soon after served on the board as Publicity Director, club Newsletter Editor, and Membership Chairperson. In 2003 she was elected President and served in that position for 2 years.
During that period, she became Chair of the clubs’ annual event “Shag Tracks” for 18 years. Through those efforts, the club has raised over $300,000 for several charities such as Chattanooga Food Bank, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Big Sisters, Big Brothers, St. Jude’s Hospital, and the Alhambra Shriners, where she instituted the slogan, “Let’s Dance So Kids Can Walk”.