One of the perks of being First Lady is the chance to meet, dance with, and even become friends with the stars! Over the course of her time as First Lady, Betty Ford met numerous actors, dancers, and singers. To celebrate her birthday month, we are taking a look back at some of Betty’s star encounters!
As a young woman, Betty Ford was trained by and danced with the Martha Graham Dance Company. To celebrate her former mentor she attended the Martha Graham 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration in New York City in June 1975.
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Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
At the reception following the performance, Betty and Martha hobnobbed with actors, dancers, composers, socialites, and politicians. Included in this number were actor Paul Newman and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, another previous student of Martha Graham’s.
With this background in dance, it is no surprise that many of Betty’s interactions with the stars included some form of dancing. In remarks given to the audience at the American Film Institute Life Achievement Dinner saluting acclaimed director William Wyler, Betty stated “…my dream of a lifetime was going to Hollywood and gliding across a polished floor with Fred Astaire. So you see how fortunate I feel to be here tonight1.” In May 1975, Betty got a chance to realize this dream and danced with Fred Astaire at a White House State Dinner honoring Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran.
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Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
On May 6, 1976, Betty also realized many women’s dreams and danced with actor and friend Cary Grant at the President Ford Committee Reception in Beverly Hills, CA.
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Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
She also busted a move with the President, singer Pearl Bailey, Press Secretary Ron Nessen, and others at the Italian State Dinner in December 1976, dancing the Hustle with instruction provided by Bailey.
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Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Betty’s outspoken manner and fun-loving personality made her a person that the general public and the rich and famous gravitated toward. In honor of what would have been her 108th birthday, we would like to wish Betty a hearty Happy Birthday!
Author: Kari Theisen