Bud Ayers
Before 1988, you'd be more likely to find me on the softball field than on a dance floor.  How things change!  I was introduced to ballroom dancing by a friend, and the rest is history.  I believe that many times, it takes a friend to introduce us to something we eventually grow to love.  I started Shall We Dance with some friends with the thought in mind that this is where friends come to dance.  I have been teaching since 1995 and love every minute of it.  My love of teaching comes from wanting to share with you all the other benefits of dance.  Things like meeting people, having fun, and getting away from the hustle & bustle of the Valley.  And, of course, bringing romance into a relationship.  

Bud and Deborah

Deborah Borlase
Bud & I met on the dance floor in 1995, and it was love at first sight, or rather, dance!  Since then, I have learned a lot about dance.  I will help you wherever I can, however, there will be lots of times when I will defer the question to Bud.  I may be a good follower, but I'm still learning too!  You'll most likely see me at the door collecting money & signing folks in during the dance lesson, assisting Bud at the intermediate lesson, setting out food & drinks, or whatever is left to be done.  I'm the marketing contact, and am in charge of updating our flyers, e-mail & guest lists, in addition to our website (with a great deal of help from friends on the technical aspects).  Bud & I also compete when we have the opportunity.  Besides dance, my other hobbies include gardening, sewing costumes, attending period costume events, cross-stitching and enjoying an evening with friends at home.
 

Scott Sahlman
Scott is a friend of Dawn's who also had previously taken group lessons with Bud, and started coming to the Friday night dance parties for fun.  He eventually got recruited into the heart of the business.  He is now our DJ and the fourth member of our team.  Thanks to a little encouragement from Dawn, Scott initially went to competitions to support his friends, but lo & behold, guess who got bitten by the bug?  Yup, you guessed it.  You'll see Scott on the competition dance floor as well!  He competes with his teacher Melissa in Pro/Am, and with his new partner Lisa in amateur events

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Dawn
Although Dawn has taken a sabbatical, we are still proud & pleased to continue to consider her as an integral and important part of our group.  Dawn started with us from our beginning years ago, having taken Bud's classes at a previous studio & she has stuck with us every week since.  She pitched in right away, helping us with the set up and break down of equipment.  She also brought her friends and tells everyone about us, being our most ardent supporter!  She's usually the one you'll see helping us set up, working at the registration desk, or making certain anyone peeking into the ballroom doesn't go away without their questions answered and a flyer in hand.  She was bitten by the competition dance bug, so look for her on the competition dance floor.

Ed Tremper
Ed came to us via the swing classes taught by Bud at the Community Center. He had been attending the Friday Night Parties and was interested in seeing a competition, so we invited him to the City Lights Ball competition in 2001. Seeing all those dancers live and up close inspired Ed to do more. He has now been in several formations performing in every one we've done for the last few years.  The dance bug got him good!   He jumped at the chance to help us set up when Dawn decided to take a break. He has been a tremendous help and support. Ed is always positive and constantly moving. We are very fortunate to have him join us.  By the way, he is looking for a partner to compete with, so if any of you ladies would like to partner up, let him know.

Here's a photo of both Ed and Helena from one of the formation team shots

Helena Findikaki
Helena is  joined us about the same time as Ed & Debbie, and can be found at the registration desk or assisting Bud on the dance floor. Helena started dancing by taking one of the Swing beginning classes offered by the Community Center in 2002. She quickly moved on to the intermediate class and then started to attend the Friday Night Dance parties which eventually broadened her interest in dance. She is now considered a veteran formation team member, having performed in nearly every one of the formations since 2002. Helena is a wonderful addition to our growing team. Her warm personality and bright smile makes her a joy to work with. She is also willing to go the extra mile when we need her. Her next step may be the competition circuit.