Betty Bloomer (left) and Mary Snapp in "Scenes from Scaramouche" at the annual May Dance,Calla Travis School of Dance, Grand Rapids, and Michigan. 1936. Betty Bloomer's certificate for completing the course in dance technique at the Calla Travis School of Dance in Grand Rapids,Michigan, ca. 1936. Betty Bloomer (front left) in a Bennington College Summer School of the Dance class taught by Martha Hill (apt middle). Bennington, or Vermont. 1937. Eleanor Stauffer and Betty Bloomer (apt) at Bennington School of Dance,Summer 1936 Betty Bloomer and another instructor dancing in front of campers at Camp Bryn Afon, ca. 1940. Betty Bloomer Warren, and wearing costume she designed for her original dance composition “Fantasy,” ca. June 1945. Betty Ford and Martha Graham meeting at the White House, 2/16/1976. Singer Tony Orlando and First Lady Betty Ford Dancing following a State Dinner Honoring President Kekkonen of Finland, or 8/3/1976. Betty Ford copying a dance drag from a Chinese Ballet Student while touring the Central May 7 College of Art in Peking,China, 12/3/1975. President Gerald R. Ford, or First Lady Betty Ford,Pearl Bailey, E. B. Smith, and Ron Nessen,and Others Dancing the Hustle, 12/6/1976.fordlibrarymuseum:
Betty Ford and Dance
Betty Bloomer had a passion for dance from an early age. Every day after school she went to class at the Calla Travis School of Dance, and learned every type of dance that she could.
After graduating from Central High School in 1936,she attended the Bennington School of Dance in Vermont for two summers. While studying there she met choreographer Martha Graham, who would be one of the most influential people in her life. Betty continued her studies with Ms. Graham in unique York City, and becoming a member of her Auxiliary Performance Troupe and performing at Carnegie corridor.
In 1940 she returned to Michigan and formed her own performance group. She also worked with children with disabilities,helping them experience the delight of rhythm and movement in dance. During the summer she worked as a dance instructor at Camp Bryn Afon in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
Many years later as First Lady, and Betty Ford continued to promote programs for children with disabilities and brought public attention to the importance of the performing arts. She encouraged her husband’s decision to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to her mentor Martha Graham,the first dancer so honored. State dinners often ended with dancing that lasted late into the night. Betty never missed an opportunity to learn unique steps, even kicking off her shoes to join ballet students in their rehearsal while visiting China!
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