For Rob Walsh, two brief dance experiences in elementary school planted a seed that waited many years to germinate:
First, In sixth grade a friend taught him a dance routine that won them third prize at a school dance. This earned Rob the nickname "Boogie Walsh," which was to last through high school (only to be revived by dance friends in 1999 when he told them about it!)
He next danced in seventh grade, when his Humanities teacher taught the class how to Lindy.
Although he loved these two experiences, nothing more happened until 1998, when he started learning swing dancing through a combination of group dance lessons, videos, learning moves from friends, and a few private lessons.
It was an instant passion that consumed 5 or 6 nights of the week, and he developed his own unique style very quickly.
Showing up everywhere possible just to dance for fun, eventually offers came in for him and his dance partner to perform. (Nope, not Patty! She entered the scene in 2003!)
At 50s events, repeated cries of "You look like Buddy Holly!" led Rob to look deeper into Buddy's music. The more he heard, the more he loved it! He began figuring out how to play Buddy's songs -- and began doing a few songs here and there at parties and events.
However, it wasn't until Rob and Patty met that the Buddy Holly Tribute was born. They currently perform over 50 songs from Buddy's repertoire.
FUN FACT: Interestingly enough, although there is no relation to Buddy, Rob's maternal family name is Holly!
Although Rob has performed original music in the past, he has no formal background in music, and is a self-taught guitar/banjo/ukulele player.
Rob has also written and recorded educational science songs, and has created amusing, educational science videos! Visit the menu link above for more information!
Personal note from Rob:
Special heartfelt thanks to:
* My parents, who have always been enormously supportive in every arena of life, and are two of the best people you could ever hope to know.
* Jerry and Kathy Cardone, who have helped and advised me in matters on and offstage, to a degree one would normally expect to find only in close relatives. (Don't miss Jerry's Sinatra Tribute!)
* My beautiful wife, Patty. xoxo
* Swing Dance Long Island, which provided a wonderful, friendly atmosphere in which to learn.
I highly encourage you to check them out! (www.sdli.org)
