Words & Stories About Craig
Below you will find words and stories about Craig. If you have something you'd like to share about Craig, please use our submission form to contribute.
Words About Craig
Written on August 9, 2008 by
Allen Hall
Lindy Hopper
Minnesota
I danced in Washington D.C. circa 1993 for the first time at Cherry Hill RV Park. I was a tyro West Coast Swing dancer, and I was shocked at the eclectic nature of swing dance at that dance. Only later did I learn that Craig Hutchinson was partly responsible for that. Whereas many principals in the several popular forms of American swing dance have preferred to be separatists, but Craig was never that way. He promoted all forms of swing dance. His generosity has now become legendary everywhere in the United States, and not only in Washington D.C.
I saw him several times at dance events, but he seemed to have a forbidding and severe demeanor, and so, to my lasting misfortune, I never got to know him.
My wife and I were once honored to be chosen to be one couple of four dancing spotlight at a Virginia Beach dance event. Craig and Lucy danced WCS, a very good couple danced Carolina Shag, another outstanding couple did Hand Dance, and we did whatever it was we were doing then. Most eyes were on Craig and Lucy, just as it should have been.
I later met Craig when he was minding the door at the Jam Cellar, and found him, to my surprise, gracious and friendly.
The last time I saw him was when he was having balance difficulty, but he danced in the Masters catagory at the ALHC. It was the most moving act of courage and devotion to dance that I have ever witnessed.
Craig, Rest in Peace
Allen Hall
Written on March 14, 2008 by
Caroline W
I remember the private lessons I had with Hutch -- all his military precision showed up in his instructions! Just how to create connection with your partner, when to come in on the count, too much/too little pressure in the hand, what a full body lead meant, I could go on and on. Well, I may not be the best dancer out there, but Hutch certainly gave the blueprint to be a better dancer, and I am very grateful!
Also back in the day, the late 1980s, when swing was taking hold of Washington, I remember seeing Hutch and Lucy do Flying Lindy for the first time. It caused a sensation!! No one every saw that kind of Lindy before. What you youngsters may not know, it that Hutch was a master of Swing Dance. He knew all the styles and permutations of the dance, and his encyclopedic, mathematical mind would not rest until he put it all down on paper. I believe he created his one choreology to record thousands steps and moves -- truly a magnum opus of dance! In his newletter he would generouly share a move from this massive archive he had created. So when you are out on the dance floor, thinking you've created a "new move" -- think again. Hutch beat you to it!
Blessings on you, Hutch, a true Master of the Art of Swing. You are truly missed
Written on March 14, 2008 by
Jeff Booth
Dancer
Washington DC
Ten years ago, I took my first Lindy Hop lessons with Craig at PSDC's Tuesday Lindy night. The first competition I attended was VSO, which introduced me to Frankie Manning, as well as dances such as Hustle, WCS, Carolina Shag, and DC Hand Dance. He put his heart, soul, and money into dance, providing the PSDC room as a venue with a different dance each night, and founding the VSO at a time when competitions (especially those including Lindy) were few and far between.
Craig was always interested in building the dance community, and his dedication was an inspiration to me. When Gretta, Matt and I were a part of Fidgety Feet, we learned we couldn't compete at the US Open without a
5th couple. Craig stepped up to the plate, learned our routine (with all the airsteps) and danced with us at the US Open in LA in 1998.
A few years ago Craig asked a group of us if we'd be interested in taking over the PSDC Tuesday Lindy classes and dance. We jumped at the fantastic opportunity, and called it The Jam Cellar. He gave us full creative control, as well as the opportunity to build a dance and classes without the risks of starting from scratch. As much as any of us, Craig is an integral part of Jam Cellar's continued success.
Most of all, I will miss the spirited debates Craig and I used to have on Lindy history, style, etc. I always enjoyed talking with Craig, and I will miss him.
Written on March 14, 2008 by
Marcia Conway
President of Northern VA Shag Club
Northern Virginia
Many members of the Northern Virginia Shag Club knew Craig and worked with him. I feel the following tribute, written by Janis Grimes of our club, explains how Craig was an important influence in bringing shaggers and other swing dancers together. Marcia Conway, Pres. NVSC
Craig Hutchinson was not just the Washington area's local guru of West Coast Swing, member of the National Living Legends Hall of Fame and Feather Award nominee. According to the book SHAG, published in 1995, he was the first to bring shag out of the Southeast. Back in the 1980's, Craig saw Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee dance in Myrtle Beach and invited them to a national swing dance event in Oklahoma. That event opened the door for shag to become known competitively coast-to-coast. Then, in 1994, he helped the Northern Virginia Shag Club to grow when he included shag as a division at the VA State Open Dance Championships and invited a DJ from Virginia Beach to play beach music. Craig opened the door for shag and its music to become known within the local dance community. Swing and hand dancers found the music compatible and embraced our dance, and shag became a permanent fixture within the DC Dance community. The Northern Virginia Shag Club is grateful, and proud to recognize Craig’s steadfast contributions to the Shag community. Janis Grimes
Written on March 14, 2008 by
Eva Graham
Reston, VA
Talk about oil and water... Craig's and my personalities couldn't have been further apart! I had wathced Grace Killilea dance at a Roomful of Blues Show at Tornado Alley one Staurday night. I asked her where she learned to dance so well and she recommended that I come to the Potomac Swing Club (Teddy's at the time) and take a lesson from Craig Hutchinson. Well, it took two years for me to finally show up (Vienna Tap Room) and I watched the class doing the lesson. It was Sailor Step Night... or as Craig said "SA-LOR-STEP". Heck, any fool could do that... or so I thought... guess what, three lessons later, I was still trying to learn the darn sailor step! Thank goodness for those dots on the floor! It's a wonder I came back after the first night... I was one of those gals that Craig honored with infamous "hair curler". Buddy, to this day I know how to hold "the grip". Craig wasn't a man of many words, but that little twinkle in his eye always let you know that you had suceeded in learning all the proper moves.
Written on March 14, 2008 by
Debbie Tuttle
Dancer
Gaithersburg, Md
Thank you, Love you, Bless you & Lucy...
Written on March 13, 2008 by
Ken Roesel
WCS Dance Promoter and Coach
Washington D.C.
The Swing world has lost a very good friend.
A friend that was supportive, generous, excited and caring. It was always about the dance. Whether it was his, yours or mine. It was all good and it made him smile inside. He was a special friend to Swing world; in ways that many will never know.Yet, many do.
Written on March 13, 2008 by
Evey Cherow
former founder, Rock Around the Clock Cherry Hill MD dance club
San Fran & Bethesda MD
Hutch was 1 of a kind! First time I watched him teaching a small group WC swing at Teddy's in VA (1988?), I ran away for a year thinking it wasn't a match for my 'street' style. Finally returned and he changed my dance life. When I started RAC dance club at Cherry Hill in 1990, I asked if he'd teach for free as I was operating on a shoe string. He immediately agreed nd supported my building that club to a regular venue for DC, MD, VA and out-of-towners. Hutch was complex, brilliant, passionate about dance form and style, and dedicated to dance. What was especially unique was his commitment to 'inclusion' and influence of all dance styles and dancers. He did what others hadn't thought to do yet-- he integrated the lindy, country, EC and WC swing, and smooth style dancers with fanfare, and with 'ease and grace'. Some complained that he taught like a military officer. Maybe so, but ironically his openness to all forms and his influence by action rippled widely across dance 'boundaries' all for the better. Thanks, Hutch--I'll never forget you. RIP. Love, Evey Cherow
Written on March 13, 2008 by
Gretta Thorn
Arlington VA
I will miss Craig. He was a wonderful person and he did more for the dance community than many of us realized. He worked quietly, behind the scenes to promote the dances he loved.
In 2003 he gave us lindy hoppers a night at the PSDC Room to run however we wanted. It turned into Jam Cellar and we're still at it. Thank you to Craig for giving us our start.
It was such a tragedy that his illness took dancing away from him in the last few years. I'm glad he isn't suffering now.
Written on March 13, 2008 by
Barry Durand
Dancer, Student
Maryland
I got to know Hutch back in the days of the Buffalo Gap Swing Camps and was amazed at his grasp of West Coast swing from both a logical and historical perspective.
I had just started learning West Coast Swing back in the late 80's and taking some lessons with him and discussing his theories helped me to find the right people and ideas about the dance. I met Mario Robau at Craig's house and took a lesson from him back when Mario was probably about 18 and new to the east coast region. This meeting led to my travels around the country learning West Coast and I owe it to Craig.
I will never forget Hutch's string on a door gadget that helped me to understand the concept of consistent connection in following and I still use that idea to this day.
One of Craig's best contributions to the dance family in the DC area was bringing West Coast, Lindy, Shag, Hustle, and Hand Dance into one big family with his Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships. I believe that the DC area has the broadest spectrum of dance styles that all play together, and Craig was responsible for this.
Thank you Craig.
Written on March 13, 2008 by
Debbie R. Myers
Swing Dancer, Nurse, Massage therapist
Hagerstown, Md.
In about 1996, after taking numerous country western and lindyhop lessons, I decided that it was time for me to learn west coast swing. My first opportunity came one Saturday evening, in Bethesda at a dance studio where I was taking lindyhop lessons off of Wisconsin Ave. His style of teaching was different from what I had experienced before and I was intimidated, with getting a taste of not only the different style in swing dancing but also Craig's "militaristic" style. He was so focused and determined in getting the steps, moves and rhythm across that it held my interest and I was very grateful for the opportunity to learn from one who was so dedicated to teaching and promoting dancing.
I was amazed and entralled to see him dancing at that time and later with different partners, especially with Lucy, his wife. When they danced it was an intimate "song and dance" to whatever the music was playing.
It was on New Year's eve, 2005, at the Vienna Tap room where I last saw Lucy and talked to her and she told me how Craig was doing, remembered talking to me and my mother in years past at dances. I would like to express my sympathy to Lucy and their family with the loss of a kind, interesting, and devoted man.
Debbie Myers
Written on March 12, 2008 by
Brad Houck
Lansing Michigan
I met Hutch (Captain Hutchinson) when I was a cadet at West Point. He was my Math instructor (in a very high level course) at the time and started beginner classes for Waltz, Jitterbug, and ChaCha for all interested cadets, which he let my roommate and I attend every time.
One day he asked if I were interested in learning a more complex dance called the Western Swing. Two cadets and two women from nearby would meet twice a week for most of a year. At the time, he was developing the Syllabus and was using us as Guinea pigs. (I still have a copy of the Syllabus Listing).
I had to learn the follower part so that I could go home and teach my fiance the steps. We have now been dancing for 34 years together. Hutch gave both of us the gift of dance. How can you thank someone for the joy that dance has brought to our lives?
Written on March 12, 2008 by
Al Mattei
Crossover Dancer
Laurel, MD, originally from Vicksburg, MS
In December 2004, I heard that Craig Hutchinson was dying. Inspired by the Smithsonian interns carrying tape recorders to gather stories at the dedication of the World War II Memorial and the StoryCorps project, I decided to make sure future generations got to know about this gentleman.
I had gotten to know the kindly gent who ran the cash register and kept the annual registry of people who paid the extra $5 a year. The money not only gave you a discount, but allowed you to receive a newsletter with upcoming events and even a “rhythm break of the month,” a six- or eight- syllable garble of letters which were indecipherable to all but those who had purchased and digested his Swing Dancer manual.
I got to know the real Hutch over the course of about 8 1/2 hours’ worth of interviews conducted over the course of three months in 2005. An engineer, he broke down dance and movement mathematically, and, like Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire, Skippy Blair, and many others, created a language for dance instruction.
The rhythm break he placed in his newsletter every month was one of an estimated 17 decillion possible moves a couple could make in a six- or eight-count measure while dancing swing, Imperial, shag, or any of the estimated 112 variations of American vernacular jazz dance.
Hutch told great stories; military veterans are always good for that. Indeed, our first session featured a single 55-minute answer without me having to say a word (reflected in the tracks Hutch Bio 1, 2, 3, and 4).
I learned that he got to do a lot of interesting things as a dance teacher since being exposed to dance in 1960. His height came in his days of creating dance teams with plebes at the United States Military Academy at West Point in the early 1970s. While there, women were not admitted to West Point, so he had to pair his cadets with female dancers from nearby Ladycliff College.
The fact that his swing and hustle teams won competitions gained him enough notoriety that he appeared on game shows such as “What’s My Line” and “To Tell The Truth.” In the latter show, he appears in the closing credits dancing salsa with entertainer Rita Moreno. How cool is that?
Hutch, upon settling in Falls Church, kept up a schedule of hosting dances and teaching classes that would wear down an ordinary man. He scheduled his home lessons — at five bucks a head, 25 for a private lesson, an utter bargain – to cover everything from footwork fundamentals to the best arm positions for a spin.
He ran the cash register, taught, promoted his own dances and others, and wrote his newsletter. His job title, humorously spun on the back of every newsletter, read partially as follows: “Craig R. Hutchinson: Founder, Editor, Mother, Father, Doctor, Nurse, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Stamp-Licker, Printer, and Chief Go-Fer.”
All of the audio is now up:
http://www.archive.org/details/HutchMemorial08
You can stream the audio in the box in the upper right-hand corner, or you can choose to download them to your hard drive using the hyperlinks at the bottom of the page.
And in the words of Hutch, "Keep on dancing!"
Written on March 11, 2008 by
Allison Fletcher
cousin
Maryland
Craig was my mother's cousin. They were both born in Colorado, and were very close. Whenever he came to Denver, he took my mother and her younger sister out dancing. He was a whirlwind. Later in life, I moved out east and had a chance to connect with him here. When my mother passed away, he drove right up to be with us, a gesture I always appreciated. My aunt and I took several trips with him in the last few years of his life. We will always treasure our memories of those gatherings. He was a unique individual - and is sadly missed in our family. We are so pleased that the dance community is hosting this event in Craig's honor. Thank you!
Allison
Written on March 11, 2008 by
Debbie Ramsey Boz
Raleigh, NC
Dancing with Craig made a girl feel "special". He had a style that whiped and shaped you as you danced and you always knew what he wanted from you in each move.
My fondest memory would be at Buffalo Gap (many yeares ago)when Craig and I cleared the dance floor with a hot steamy dance that was wonderful!
We'll dance again!
Debbie Ramsey Boz
Written on March 11, 2008 by
Tommy Greco
Musician
Arlington, VA
Craig Hutchinson taught countless people how to dance including myself. He touched many people's lives with the Potomac Swing Dance Club, the Virginia State Open Championships, and he established the Vienna Tap and Grill (The Tap Room) as one of the coolest places to go any night of the week until it became the County Park that is located where it used to be.
If you took his classes, you remember the dance floor imbedded with little wooden pennies to mark your position that he had installed. No matter how big the class was, he'd get you back on your mark before you even knew you were off of it. He was a fantastic dancer and although I never learned the game of Go, I'm sure he would have taught me if I had been interested in playing. Thanks for teaching me how to dance Hutch, for that I am eternally grateful.
Written on March 11, 2008 by
Dan Shames
Dancer, PSDC Member # 54
Annandale, VA
I will always remember Craig as a lovably complex and unique individual: quiet, intelligent, focused, determined, articulate, humorous, and having integrity to the nines.
My first encounter with Craig was actually the result of a quest I was on to find a truer style of swing dancing compared to the sanitized swing I was learning in the ballroom world. One night in 1988 at Glen Echo, as I was taking a break from my usual triple-time and jitterbug, I saw a couple doing something that looked sort of like swing but yet was so amazingly different from anything I had ever seen before.
I didn't know it then but that man was Craig and he was going to open up an entirely new world for me. I tracked him down and started taking lessons with about eight others from him in 1988--that was in the little basement of his house in Alexandria.
From those small beginnings, to forming PSDC, to hosting Sunday night swing dances at so many long forgotten venues (hail to Vienna Tap Room!), to getting VSO off the ground ... Craig Hutchinson always tirelessly and selflessly promoted all styles of swing dancing. I'm eternally grateful for having had Craig in my life and for helping me to be a better dancer.
Written on March 10, 2008 by
Jean Sirabella
Real Estate Broker
Washington, DC
I am reflecting back to the Vienna Grille where I first met Hutch and worked for him at the door and later took lessions at his studio.
Around that time I was planning a trip back to California to a small town and wanted a place to dance. Yes, Hutch came up with a couple of places and yes again they worked out beautifully.I know for sure he did this for many of the dancers when they went afar from home and wanted to find a studio or ballroom.
My best to Lucy.
Written on March 7, 2008 by
Diane Edwards
Friend, Dancer
Falls Church
I remember Craig from the earliest 1991 lesson from which I fled, to the many classes in 1995, private lessons and Swing Events--teaching me and my children to dance. He even babysat Elise at 9 yrs for a night so I could go overseas. I needed someone I could trust. My son many years later won a dance contest on a cruise last year celebrating his graduation and MBA--with no other lessons than Craig's!!
When I was too shy to try Argentine tango when swing was too much, he taught me the basics and gave me confidence to go to Argentina and enjoy that world. Someone waiting for a lesson wondered what beautiful dance I was learning--he was a fantastic dancer and teacher.
I got involved and met so many people. His gift to many of us--a community.
He taught me go, played go after my dancing lessons. I had fun on a trip to Japan searching for a go book list he wanted and visiting the go center and some publisher's he knew.
But most of all, I remember his willingness to give to everyone in his way.
He enriched my life and I am thankful for knowing him.
My deepest sympathy to Lucy and the family.
Written on March 5, 2008 by
Richard M. White
Swing Dancer
Washington DC near Glen Echo Park
I am eternally grateful to Craig for teaching me WCS, beginning about 1992 ... at those great Sunday nights at Teddy's, just off Route 7 at the Ramada Inn. No one ever put so much work and love into the Dance Community, always coming up with a new venue, working with all comers, sponsoring the great long weekend Virginia Open's. I came to know Craig, and he was a friend ... I never quite understood "GO", his other passion, but I appreciate his efforts to show me about 12 years ago ... so if you don't Get Go ... get going on the Dance Floor! Warm regards and sympathy to Lucy.
Written on March 4, 2008 by
Elizabeth Derringer
dancer
McLean, Va
Craig was a man of integrity. He had a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye that betrayed his inner belly laugh.
His classes were amazing. He was adamant about form and connection. He had more spicy moves than one could ever learn. He began and finished his lessons and classes exactly on the hour.
Thanks to Craig, I met the dance partner of my dreams and learned to dance.
His last words to me were, "Have a good life, and have fun dancing!"
Written on March 3, 2008 by
Nici Mahlandt
Dancer
Jersey City, NJ
When I moved to Baltimore in 1987 I met Craig and became an immediate fan. I was from St. Louis and I think he liked finding someone else who knew about St. Louis Shag and the Imperial style of swing. We talked endlessly over the years about dancing, competitions, and dance styles around the country. As a judge I often helped him put scores into the computer during a competition. And realized his dedication....he spent hours scoring (when he could have been dancing) because it was something else he could contribute to the community.
At the ALHC that year, I was in the scoring room and realized we had never danced in competition together. It was an opportunity I did not to miss. So I talked him into it. As a favor to me, I said. He had fallen earlier that day and voiced his fear that he might fall again and make ME look bad (silly rabbit). Trust me, I said.
And he did me the great honor of dancing with me. And of trusting me.
He opened his home, his mind and his heart to the sport. Dear man, dancer, and friend....I think of you often, and will always miss you.
Written on February 29, 2008 by
Diane Carroad
Dancer, Student
Arlington, VA
Memories:
The absolute grace personified by Craig and Lucy on Glen Echo's dance floor in the 90s -- and people's awe as they watched.
Showing me, a shy newcomer to WCS, the exact hand hold in front of the whole class so that now, every time my fingers curl like that, Craig's right there.
Realizing one night at Dancers' Studio that most of us had been cha-cha'ing with incorrect timing for years -- unlike our disciplined teacher.
Welcoming my mother to volunteer at VSO and proudly telling me his youthful mother would be doing the same.
Quiet gentleness at Vienna Tap Room a few years ago during a semi-private balboa class... as Craig worked behind the scenes but didn't teach or dance.
His sign-off to personal emails... "Enjoy your good premises" -- may he be doing that now.
Thank you, Craig, for all you did to teach and promote dance in the DC area. Missing you.
Written on February 28, 2008 by
Pat Simpson
Student
Chesapeake Beach, MD
Craig was present during my entire dance experience starting in the late 1990s. I always viewed him as the backbone of the Swing Dance community. Always quietly present and setting a tone of civility among the professionals and creating and organizing many of our dance events. Craig and Lucy exemplified the maturity, grace, and style needed to parent our family of dancers. Craig left us the Potomac Swing Dance Club to carry on his committment and dedication to having the wonderful experience and joy of Swing Dance. I grieve his absence and extend my deepest sympathy for Lucy and the family that loved him and supported him.
Written on February 20, 2008 by
Donna Barker
DANCER
ANNANDALE, VA
I'll never forget when I first saw Craig dancing WCS in 1985 - at a Swing dance in a high school gym in the DC area. His style was intense, sultry and intimate - we couldn't take our eyes away. Still, the dance just simmered in the area, at least for a few more years, until June 1991 when Craig and Lucy were invited to teach at the Savoy Swings Again weekend in West Virginia. Their Saturday night dance demo was captivating, and the audience was completely swept away. From that time forward, West Coast Swing really took off.
Craig loved all forms of swing dance, not just WCS, and he supported every style through his sponsorship of local and national Swing dance events, the VSO, and the Potomac Swing Dance Club. His generosity to the dance community is legend, and his devotion unfailing. He taught, wrote, catalogued, judged, tallied, organized, danced.
I will cherish all my memories of Craig, but my favorite was in 2005 when Craig was absolutely thrilled to attend the VSO - to just watch and enjoy - no other responsibilities. His face was lit with excitement - he was delighted with every performance - he couldn't sit still. It was priceless.
I will miss him.
Written on February 20, 2008 by
Sharon
Dancer
Kensington, Maryland
I took my very first West Coast Swing lesson from Craig back in April, 1993. You could tell he was a former military man from the way he would drill the dancers - but he had a heart of gold. If you loved dancing and really wanted to learn, he was the man!
Written on February 18, 2008 by
Linda Schamus
Dancer, Student, and Friend
Woodbridge, VA
I loved Craig style of teaching and became an avid fan. I spent every Sunday night for 5 plus years at the Vienna tap room, first as a student, than as a helper, and finally as a friend, and a dancer. He thought teaching me to play GO was a blast. He was a close and dear friend and I will miss him dearly.
I also met my husband, giving a dance lesson to him almost 5 years ago.
My brother also met his wife at one of Hutch's events.
Lucy, you have my deepest sympathy.
Written on February 15, 2008 by
Bob Kleinpeter
dancer
Alexandria, Va
I remember sitting in an Officer's Club in Germany back in the mid-70s when several Lieutenants fresh out of West Point showed up with their wives. They hit the dance floor doing some great West Coast Swing and what later would be called "Hollywood Lindy."
When asked they said they learned from a math instructor at West Point. It was Hutch.
I met Hutch in 1989 when I got into WCS. His classes were tough but if you stuck with them you really learned a wonderful style of swing as well as an appreciation of solid blues music for which the dance was designed.
He has truly left an endearing legacy of his art.
Written on February 15, 2008 by
Larry
dancer
Maryland
I once asked Craig for advice on how to become a better dancer. He said to practice every dance move 32 times.
It really makes sense if you think about it.
Craig was a man of few words and when he spoke no words were wasted.
He made dancing look easy and effortless with his relaxed style.
Craig will be missed.
Written on February 15, 2008 by
Dawn Garrish
Dancer
Damascus, MD
My fondest memory of craig actually had nothing to do with dance which I always find amazing.
Dean & I were trying to wind down after a compititon one night and we wanted to get away from all the dancing. We were danced out. SO we found ourselves in the hotel bar with a pool table. I am not awesome at pool but pretty good. Anyway, as we played a game out I noticed that there had been someone watching us from afar kind of in the dark. When I said "Hey do you want to play winner?" A man said "No thanks just enjoy watching." It was Craig. When I realized who it was I said, "Do you play?" Only to find out that he either had been professional or could have been. He was amazing at how he saw a pool table and its angles.
I could have learned so much about West Coast Swing from this man (and so many did) but what I remember the most was how he taught me that night to hit an acurate bank shot!!
Thank You so much Craig. You were so talented at so many things!!!
Dawn Garrish
Written on February 15, 2008 by
Dawn Garrish
Dancer
Damascus, MD
My fondest memory of craig actually had nothing to do with dance which I always find amazing.
Dean & I were trying to wind down after a compititon one night and we wanted to get away from all the dancing. We were danced out. SO we found ourselves in the hotel bar with a pool table. I am not awesome at pool but pretty good. Anyway, as we played a game out I noticed that there had been someone watching us from afar kind of in the dark. When I said "Hey do you want to play winner?" A man said "No thanks just enjoy watching." It was Craig. When I realized who it was I said, "Do you play?" Only to find out that he either had been professional or could have been. He was amazing at how he saw a pool table and its angles.
I could have learned so much about West Coast Swing from this man (and so many did) but what I remember the most was how he taught me that night to hit an acurate bank shot!!
Thank You so much Craig. You were so talented at so many things!!!
Dawn Garrish
Written on February 14, 2008 by
Debra Sternberg
Swing Dancer
Washington, DC
Craig had one trait that will always stand out in my memory--when he gave you his wry, quiet little smile, you felt like you were the most special person in the universe.
Written on February 13, 2008 by
Andy Reid
Dancer
Washington, DC
I will never forgot Craig's last performance at ALHC in the masters division. Craig, at the time, had very little use of one of his legs, but I have probably never seen anyone put so much of their heart into the dance. It was so clear that dance was his life and he was wearing it on his sleeve at the time.
I couldn't help but think that he knew it would possibly be one of his last times on the floor. No matter. He danced like it was his first and his last. Looking around the room after he danced, you could see everyone who knew him [most with a tear in their eye] were with him for that dance and that they felt his spirit and passion in every step he made.
It's hard to put into words - so forgive me if my words don't do it justice - but I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most moving things I have ever experienced.
Rest in peace, Craig. I bet you are having some great dances - where ever you are.
Submit Your Own Stories, Words and Condolences
Please use the form below to submit your words about Craig. Your quote will not automatically show up. We will periodically go through submitted words and make them public. Thank you.