"My introduction to dancing was six lessons at the Fargo Arthur Murray Dance Studio paid for by my mother after I graduated from high school," notes Joyce Westfall. "But the man I married was a non-dancer, so we only danced occasionally." Mother and Arthur Murray also brought Ed Westfall onto the dance floor. Deciding that her sports-oriented son needed social skills, Ed's mother enrolled the Salinas, California high schooler in the local studio. The reluctant dancer's interest was drawn to the 'belle of the ball" a number of years later in Cooperstown, North Dakota where he was an Air Force radar specialist at the nearby missile site. "There's a gal I'll never meet," he lamented from the sideline. Three months later they were married.
Back in California, Ed enrolled in college, signing up for chemistry and other required courses. But when he attempted to fill the remaining slot with a dance class, it had filled. "I learned my lesson, " he observed. "Next semester ballroom dancing was the first class I signed up for." After several months of secret class work, he arrived home announcing, "Lets go out dining and dancing tonight." Thinking the only enjoyable part of the evening would be the meal, his wife was delighted to discover she was married to a dancer.
While Arthur Murray studios introduced both Joyce and Ed to dance, it was a Fargo-Moorhead dance club that brought them together. After Joyce's husband died she joined a local singles dance group. Having lost his spouse as well, Ed was in the same club.
Married in 1998, the couple are active members of NLB and regularly teach at the club's Friday evening waltz, foxtrot, and Latin dance sessions. During Spring 2009 they taught a popular 10 week East Coast Swing class.
"We enjoy dancing. It keeps us young," Joyce notes. "Sometimes when we're out dancing, a couple will come over and ask, 'How do you do that step?' So we show them. It's fun sharing with others. Even though the music might be mostly western, ballroom dance, foxtrot steps for example, work just fine. They're fun and look impressive." If teaching and going out to dance aren't enough, the Westfalls need go no further than their basement which hosts a dance floor.
Joyce & Ed Westfall dancers/teachers/NLB members fall 2009
"You'll get exercise, you'll grow in confidence, you'll meet great people. Dance!!"
Favorite Dance? "Rumba", the smiling male voice replied without hesitation. "Yes, the rumba", echoed the smiling female beside him, " and the waltz". Whether it is their favorite ballroom steps or other dances, busy Fargo residents, Ari and Theja Wijetunga (Dr Ari is a MSUM mathematics professor and Dr Theja a biochemistry researcher at NDSU), like dance because it is an opportunity to spend time together. The fact that dancing is fun is added incentive. These skilled dancers learned as adults, incentive for all others who didn't learn while growing up.
While pursing ballroom dance steps - the couple recently completed NLB s Introduction to Salsa, they allocate time to preserve the culture of their homeland. Theja, who learned traditional dancing in Sri Lanka teaches local students (most are from Sri Lanka but any one can join). Her group is a must see attraction at Pangea, Cultivate Our Cultures, the multi-ethnic showcase of music, dance, and culinary arts held each fall at Hjemkomst in Moorhead. Since 2002 Theja s dancers have also been impressing crowds at Festival of Nations held each spring in Minneapolis.
"Dancing is good exercise", Ari continues. Both like the idea that dancing engages the body and the brain. Their advice to others: start now, sign up for lessons, practice.
Ari and Theja Wijetunga dancers/NLB members Fall 2009
"Although I'm not a ballroom dancer in the strictest sense, I love breaking down and experimenting with new moves whether they be in swing, lindy hop, or salsa. I love helping dancers figure out something new so they can light up the floor.
I got into dancing when I fell in love with swing music back in the 90s. In subsequent years, my enjoyment of salsa and tango nuevo music lead to expanding to Latin dances. If music is good, you should dance to it. And if you're going to dance, why not dance well!"
Steven "Steve" Blomquist Salsa teacher, fall 2009
"I have always enjoyed dancing. In high school, I took four years of jazz and two years of tap. After graduating from college, I came back to Fargo and found the Fargo Swing Club. I enjoyed learning swing and lindy hop. When I met Steve, he wanted to learn salsa and I was interested too. It has been a great experience teaching because it makes me a better dancer. It's fun to watch people progress and become better dancers themselves."
"My introduction to dancing was six lessons at the Fargo Arthur Murray Dance Studio paid for by my mother after I graduated from high school," notes Joyce Westfall. "But the man I married was a non-dancer, so we only danced occasionally." Mother and Arthur Murray also brought Ed Westfall onto the dance floor. Deciding that her sports-oriented son needed social skills, Ed's mother enrolled the Salinas, California high schooler in the local studio. The reluctant dancer's interest was drawn to the 'belle of the ball" a number of years later in Cooperstown, North Dakota where he was an Air Force radar specialist at the nearby missile site. "There's a gal I'll never meet," he lamented from the sideline. Three months later they were married. 
Favorite Dance? "Rumba", the smiling male voice replied without hesitation. "Yes, the rumba", echoed the smiling female beside him, " and the waltz". Whether it is their favorite ballroom steps or other dances, busy Fargo residents, Ari and Theja Wijetunga (Dr Ari is a MSUM mathematics professor and Dr Theja a biochemistry researcher at NDSU), like dance because it is an opportunity to spend time together. The fact that dancing is fun is added incentive. These skilled dancers learned as adults, incentive for all others who didn't learn while growing up.