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Born and raised in Plainwell, MI, a small community just north of Kalamazoo, Tom has lived in Traverse City since 1990. He enjoys the changing seasons of Northern Michigan as well as the recreational opportunities it offers. An avid cyclist, Tom rides about 3,000 miles a year. Mostly, however, he loves the people. His lovely wife, Karen, is an orchestra teacher with TCAPS and plays violin and viola with the TSO. His mother and sister still live in Plainwell, one brother is in Kalamazoo and his oldest brother resides in Houston, Texas. Tom just became a grandpa. His son Brien and wife Amanda had Connor, a 7 lb. 9 oz. baby boy on May 27. They live in Chicago.
Tom danced professionally for 9 years in Detroit, Flint and Memphis, Tennessee before moving to Traverse City where he founded Ballet Etc., his own dance studio, and dance company, the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre. With a dance background rooted mainly in ballet, modern and jazz, Tom views this as an opportunity to develop his skills in ballroom and social dance forms. He is also excited about helping to raise money for some very worthwhile charitable causes. He says, "It is simply an honorable way to give back to the community."
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