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 New York City, becoming a member of her Auxiliary Performance Troupe and performing at Carnegie Hall.
In 1940 she returned to Michigan and formed her own performance group. She also worked with children with disabilities, helping them experience the joy 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, 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 new steps, even kicking off her shoes to join ballet students in their rehearsal while visiting China!
