Jeanne's last Jitterbug with me on 10-25-2009 at the Sun Bowl

Dear Friends of the Arizona Swing Kids,

I knew this day was coming....but it still hurts all the same.  Our matriarch, the
gal in the purple flapper dress, who finished our shows in the white navy outfit of
her late husband Al, a WWII veteran, has passed away.  She passed away on
02/16/2011.

Many of you know her...Jeanne Rossi.  She made it to her 91st year. She was a true
jitterbugger, who loved dancing and loved the 'Swing Kids and audiences alike.

If you have time to read this, its the story of Jeanne as told through my eyes.

In 1998, I started taking dance lessons at the Phoenix Arthur Murray.  Soon I became
a dance instructor and began my journey.  I met Jeanne through this Arthur Murray. 

Jeanne had an outfit for every occasion....no matter if it was Ground hog Day...or
Christmas, she had the spirit of enjoying life.

When I was at Arthur Murray, I noticed the dance night set aside for many of the
senior folks, who would attend and dance with the instructors.  It was an outlet for
them and provided camaraderie at the same time.

When I decided to start my journey with building the 'Swing Kids program, I remember
calling Jeanne and asking her if she was interested in starting something new. As I
explained my idea, she said 'Sure!' and the rest is history.

Jeanne's 1st Show December 19th 1999

Jeanne started her journey in the 'Swing Kids program as she turned 80 years young,
teaching line dances to the kids back in 1999 and 2000.  Even though steps were the
same for all of Jeanne's line dances, the kids lined up accordingly and would follow
her commands.

Jeanne at the Arizona State Veterans Home on 12-29-1999

The 1st road show we had in our program took us to the Arizona State Veteran's home
in Phoenix.  Towards the end of the show, I danced with Jeanne for the 1st time. It
was the beginning of something that captivated audiences of all ages...for the next
10 years.

Desert Amethyst 2000, Jeanne and the audience connect

Seeing a gal in her 80's, Jitterbug and jump onto my hip, brought pride to her
generation and inspiration to every generation. Jeanne was definitely young at heart
and a pair of strong legs to boot!

Jeanne & me at St. Elizabeth's Parrish 2003

Jeanne was a proud woman, who retired after 30 years of teaching in Illinois.  She
also ran a newspaper, called the Manito Review.  Click here.

She grew up on a farm and was tough as nails, eventually marrying a fella named Al,
who played football at Purdue in 1939.  Jeanne had a neat picture of him and the
defensive line of that year's team, all wearing leather caps!

Al also was a Navy instructor during WWII and after the war, even did some
professional wrestling. Jeanne was very proud of Al.

During our early years of the 'Swing Kids, Jeanne started wearing a purple flapper
dress and we incorporated the Charleston.  At the time, a couple of 'Swing Kids
would join her, also wearing flapper dresses.

Jeanne with Mikki in 2001 at Gilbert Senior Center

As time moved on, we had a former USO dancer bring forth a line dance for the
Charleston, which was built around showcasing Jeanne and the 'Swing Kids. 

It was a hit! We retired this dance when Jeanne retired in October 2009.

Jeanne & the 2008 'Swing Kids at the Carillons

Jeanne lived in the Encanto District located in downtown Phoenix and for many years,
when we were on are way to do shows, the front seat of each vehicle we have used
during our program (89 Isuzu Trooper, Suburban, Chevy Express vans) was reserved for
Jeanne.

As the years went by, Jeanne was my shot gunner, often telling me the same story from

street light to street light.  She especially looked forward to the after show meals at McDonald's,

where she always ordered a milk shake.

Jeanne especially loved all of the 'Swing Kids from 1999 to the present.  She often told me

that she never wanted to live past 90.  She said she had a great life, capped off by 10 years

with the 'Swing Kids.

The 'Swing Kids made it an annual birthday event to accompany Jeanne to Organ Stop Pizza, where they came in force to support a gal they all loved being around.

Click Here to see video on her 89th birthday at Organ Stop Pizza

At the end of her journey with the 'Swing Kids, Jeanne wrapped up 10 years and over 550 shows for the community and veterans. She often said the 'Swing Kids were her reason for living.  Jeanne inspired so many people of all ages....especially those who grew up with her.....

Natalia Skinner's tribute to Jeanne in March 2010

at her high school senior dance finale.  See the dance

The love you see in the picture below is what life is about....

10-25-2009 Cast of the 'Swing Kids and Audience members surrounding Jeanne at the Sun Bowl.

After Jeanne retired from the 'Swing Kids, she still showed her support of the future of this program, which is something that each person who experiences it, enjoys memories that bond people together.

July 2010

To Jeanne Rossi,

May God pull that rug aside, ask Glenn Miller to fire up the next song with his orchestra...and may you dance to your hearts delight.  You deserve it.  You were always a great friend of mine and supported me through thick and thin.

I will truly miss you,

Your friend always,

with much love from all of the 'Swing Kids family,

Bill Clinton