Rick Oldham

"Life's a busy mess," I always say, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm always busy with running our music store, Musicians' Repair & Sales, being a Boy Scout leader, heading up my big band "Serenade", being an active member of two European car clubs, and Trustee president at church; but most importantly being a husband and father of two. Sure, the schedule is full, but the time slot was available a couple of times a week after 9pm, but I never thought it would be for dancing.

As the son of a musician and music store owner, I became a performing musician at a young age. Always the entertainment rather than the audience, dancing seemed like something I would never do. My wife Nancy and I discussed it occasionally until one day she told me she would like us to take salsa lessons. I initially said 'yes', but within an hour or so I returned to tell her I didn't want to unless she really wanted to; and she said, "I really want to do this." I enjoy spending time with my wife, and have often said, "I would rather sit on the couch with my wife doing nothing at all, than to do anything else in the world without her." So, with a couple of island vacations on the calendar we jumped right into private lessons, and later classes. Nancy and I never do anything half way. We've become very active. Wednesday has become our favorite night out. I've enjoyed becoming close to some of our class members as well as meeting the regular crowd.

My passion for life, music, and cars is only surpassed by my passion for Nancy. Anyone who knows me knows it's true and it's obvious to anyone watching us dance. Latin dance is passionate; life needs to be filled with passion and I embrace life.