Dave Watson

Dave Watson has been a professional Ballroom Dance Instructor since January 1973. He was an Associate Member of the Fred Astaire National Dance Board, and held every position in a studio one can hold, from janitor & toilet cleaner to Supervisor & Dance Director. Eventually he co-owned 3 FADS studios in NJ and went on to open Ballroom Parkrose here in Portland. He is a fully certified adjudicator in all 5 styles of Ballroom Dance: American Smooth & Rhythm, International Standard & Latin, and Theater Arts. He briefly competed professionally in all except Latin, but settled into the Standard and rose to the level of National Semi-finalist in that style. As a Pro/Am instructor/competitor, Mr. Watson was the recipient of numerous Top Awards for Teacher, Students, & Studio. He retired from competing a few years ago but still teaches and dances regularly. “I love Ballroom. I love teaching it – I love studying it – I love the elegance of the Smooth & Standard, and I love the excitement & energy of the Latin & Rhythm. I love performing Showcase routines, and I love the dancing. I feel extraordinarily lucky to have a job that I look forward to every day.”