Comp-Spot
By Jill Bradford



That thrill drove us to continue. Over the next several years we studied and competed in International Standard Silver and Gold syllabus and eventually the Pre- Championship open level.

During this time, Archie Hazelwood, the President of USABDA (now USA Dance) , called and asked if we would work with other Cincinnati USABDA members to start a Cincinnati chapter.We met with George and Dottie Broadfoot, John and Blanche Lavery, and several other local members and they were also interested.

First we had to have a membership drive. Once we had enough members to qualify and form the Cincinnati chapter, I became the first chapter President.
I enjoyed tap, jazz and ballet dance lessons while growing up. My first introduction to ballroom dance was at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. I took ballroom classes as a fun diversion from my college engineering curriculum. We learned American style smooth and rhythm and had a “dance-off” competition each quarter.

Our teacher teamed Kim Bradford (my husband) and me up as dance partners when both our own partners dropped out. We enjoyed attending Dayton area dances, dancing formations, showcases, and the Ohio Star Ball competition. When our teacher moved away my Junior year we stopped. Dancing went on hold, until after I graduated, started work at GE Aviation, Kim and I married, and I completed my Engineering Masters degree.

Several years later, we started in Bronze level International Standard with Charles Jones of Louisville. Seven months later, we won the International Standard Adult Bronze level syllabus category at the North American Championships in New Jersey.


The Cincinnati chapter grew quickly that first year, and we took the risk and expense of renting Music Hall Ballroom for our First Anniversary Ball. Thankfully the event was a success.

Kim tired of competition and dancing so I tried ProAm International Latin, then switched to ProAm International Standard. In 2001, foot surgeries and recovery time forced me to take most of the year off from dancing. In October, Gene Brockert called to see if I would be interested in dancing as amateur partners. We had to start slow while my feet built up strength, but I was thrilled to get back on the competition floor in 2002.

Dancing and competing as an amateur team with Gene, and working with Bonita Brockert continues to be a great experience. I also enjoy and greatly benefit from my lessons and competing ProAm with Gert Roslender, to stretch and focus on improving my own dancing. The standard of US competitive dancing continues to rise each year, so as competitors, we each strive to improve our own dancing. When I don’t have my GE engineer badge or ballroom shoes on, I enjoy music, gardening, and spending time with Kim and our family and friends. Kim will tell you now he “just carries the bags” (to dance competitions), but he also enjoys occasional dance lessons together.