MIAMI VALLEY DANCE COUNCIL

1992 Honor Roll Dancers

Ann & Sam Ballinger

Miami Valley Folk Dancers

Dayton, Ohio

Ann & Sam Ballinger, who began dancing thirty‑five years ago, have been active folk, round, square, and contra dancers and have made, on a volunteer basis, exceptional contributions to the promotion of recreational dancing in the Miami Valley through administration, teaching and public relations.

For over 20 years they have been the backbone of the Miami Valley Folk Dancers (MVFD). Not only have they served as the driving force of the group but they have trained others to be leaders as well. Both have actively served as mentors to individuals wishing to promote dancing and the understanding of other cultures. They have given responsibility yet provided any necessary support in the training of others to teach and lead workshops and demonstrations. Sam has been treasurer for sixteen of the last seventeen years, and through his direction the group has been able to maintain the one‑dollar‑per‑month dues which were initiated over 35 years ago.

Ann's teaching contributions are unequaled. For seventeen years, she has taught or directed others to teach the beginners' class for the group from seven until eight o'clock every Thursday evening. She also has been very active in the Girl Scout Council and has taught over 2,500 girl scouts and leaders how to dance. The impact of her dedication to teaching extends beyond MVFD, where over seventy‑five percent of the members learned to dance through her efforts, to much of the Miami Valley. Former members of her classes have taught folk dancing at public schools within the Miami Valley and to students at Wright State University, University of Dayton, and Miami University. In addition to all her teaching activities, Ann has been secretary, treasurer and on the program committee (four years) of MVFD and has chaired seven weekend workshops.

The Ballingers have been responsible for the promotion of dance through public demonstrations, by supporting the Dayton International Festival and in coordinating international folk dancing for the Miami Valley Dance Council. Each year Miami Valley Folk Dancers present, under their direction, an average of eight public demonstrations at places such as West Milton, Aullwood, and Wright State University, as well as many nursing homes and retirement centers. The demonstrations include the Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville where thousands have been given their first opportunity to view recreational folk dancing. Ann has been coordinator for these performances for twelve years. Sam and Ann have played a key role in each International Festival held in Dayton. In addition to performing and leading participation dancing, they have coordinated clean up, information and ticket sale efforts. They also have been responsible for coordinating folk dancing demonstrations for the Miami Valley Dance Council at "Day in the Park" and the state square dance convention when it is held in Dayton.

In recognition of and appreciation for their dedication and outstanding, continuous contributions to the support and promotion of the various facets of the square dance activity, Ann and Sam Ballinger have been chosen the Miami Valley Dance Council's 1992 Honor Roll Dancers.