THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180160
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: JANELLE LA BOUVE
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Billie Jean Taylor first donned tap shoes at the age of 2. More than 30 years later, she was still taking dance lessons.
She came by her interest in the performing arts naturally. Her father, who is now 81, was leader of the Billy Norris Orchestra, which still performs in the area.
``If my dance teacher was asked to present a floor show at the U.S.O. or at the Navy Y, my sister and I would ride along with Daddy and dance in the show,'' Taylor recalled.
Eventually she established her own dance studio in New Bern, N.C., and when her husband was transferred to Texas, she established a second successful studio there.
``I had not planned to open a dance studio here,'' she said. ``But I love children, and I'm good with children.''
So she opened her third studio, Unlimited Dance on South Battlefield Boulevard.
``God has given me the gift of teaching dance to children,'' she said.
Full name: Billie Jean Taylor
Birthdate: March 12, 1945
Grew up: In Norfolk and Virginia Beach
Childhood memories: ``I took dance classes from Eva Mae Morris in Norfolk. I loved water skiing on Lake Joyce, which is behind my parents' home. I remember being Queen of Chesapeake Beach in 1957, and having lots of friends around all the time.''
Spouse: Charles O. Taylor
Children: Keith, Kristen, Kourtney and Kraig
Occupation: ``Owner of Unlimited Dance. I also teach at the recreation center on Holt Drive.''
Hobbies: ``I was a licensed beautician. Sometimes I still cut hair for my friends. I love to sew and to cook, and I do crafts when I have time.''
Favorite song: `` `I Bow Down on My Knees and Cry Holy.' That's a strong song. And `Holy Ground' and `Ebb Tide.' That's the song they were playing the first time my husband and I danced together.''
Can't resist: Chocolate
Favorite movie: ``The Sound of Music''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``My weight. I would like to be more disciplined and not to be so judgmental.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to have a big family. For eight years I thought I could not have children. Now I have four of my own. I'm proud of them, and I'm proud of having been married 31 years, and of having owned three successful dance studios.''
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``Growth and overcrowding in the schools. But we are blessed to have good schools.''
Favorite way to spend a day: ``Having my devotions and prayer time in the quietness of early morning. I'm so busy that I enjoy the quietness.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
``God has given me the gift of teaching dance to children,'' says
dance studio owner and instructor Billie Jean Taylor.
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB