LAWRENCE "BRAD" BRADFORD
WRITTEN BY MARCIA  DIANE FOSTER


I would like to start off this new, extremely important, Website sharing a story of a very exciting man,
Mr. Lawrence "Brad" Bradford.  I interviewed this gentleman in 2006 and just because he valued the endeavor, he gave me as appreciation, a free ticket to the Tri-State Connection, SLYDE, competition and dance party which was their third one.  I thought the gesture was kind, generous, and very diplomatic and I truly enjoyed the event.  Brad is known, affectionately, as the "Grandfather of Hand Dance".


This "hand dance extraordinary man" was born on July 24 in Washington, D.C.  Astrologically, he is a Leo, Leo, Leo--the Lion and his roar is seen when he spotlights on the dance floor, in Martial Arts, on the basketball court, in the gym, in his business profession, with the computer, when teaching, in
leadership roles, in fatherhood, and of course in his many hand dance ventures.  Brad's son took a
Real Estate course, however, math was not his strong point and it was a criteria for the course.  After they discussed it,  Brad decided that since math was his best subject, he would take the course with his son, who eventually passed the class and now has his Brokers License and his own Real Estate business.
I find Brad, besides good looking as hell, very astute, athletic, popular, and a hardworking gentlemen dedicated and devoted to his belief in hand dance and anything else that he attempts to pursue.  I do not find him to be arrogant, egotistical, or one that brags, as a matter of fact he is rather modest.  He walks like a king, talks philosophical, handles issues intelligently, has power in his dance, enjoys teaching, has a wonderful sense of humor, multi-talented, drives pretty cars, has very pretty feet, and is one of the motivators that keeps hand dance alive.
His personification exemplifies his sportsmanship, showmanship, and the authority within himself.  Back in the day, he was given the nick-name "Catfish"  jokingly because of the look of his mustache and big eyes.  Brad has another nick-name that I don't think he knows about--"Fox" (smile).
He started playing basketball at a very early age and won many basketball championships, continuing as an adult to teach the art of sportsmanship of basketball to young people that led them to championships.  I asked him what was special about him on the court, he said, “ his quickness”.  He has mastered Martial Arts and has earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt.  He mastered it, competed, and taught it.  Those people have to have pretty feet.  My son earned a yellow belt. 
He was an Associate to the Vice President of Administrative Services at the University of the
District of Columbia.  His title was Chief Information Officer.  He is Founder, Head Instructor, and Chief Executive Office of the Smooth and Easy Dance Institute (SEZ).  Along with his assistants, he has orchestrated and taught at least 7,000 students to hand dance since 1992.  Under his leadership and guidance, SEZ produces a "Reunion" each year, teaches adults and youths, has a dance troop, certifies potential instructors, writes and distributes a newsletter, and has given free parties for their students.  He is Founder, Executive Officer, and Chair of Tri-State Connection, Swing, Line &
Youth Dance Explosion, competition and dance party.  In the past he has organized competitions for
the National Hand Dance Association of which he is now a Board Member.
He has won many Hand Dance/Swing competitions.  Brad said that he enjoyed watching his Mom and Dad dance.  He started dancing at 11 years old when he had to act as dance partner for his Mom’s girlfriends.  Back in the day one evening in Washington, D.C. at Ibex Club, Leroy Green was working as deejay.  He was an excellent dancer and known to be the best.  His dancing partner was a woman by the name of Lulu.  On this particular night, Brad was there also because the club was offering a dance competition.  Because Leroy was working, he could not enter the competition so he encouraged Brad to dance with Lulu.  They won and the rest is history.  This marked the beginning of a whole new world for Brad, who would take the dance to the max.
Brad has been very instrumental in the growth, development, and the assurance of keeping hand dance alive.  He is gracious, fun, serious, blessed, and always prepared for a meeting.
I asked Brad how he handles problems; he remarked,  “A problem is an issue that needs to be addressed because when you approach problems with solutions as your goal, then a solution will be the outcome.”
He loves.  (By the way, I know one of his girlfriends from the day and I asked her what makes him so different, she said, “He knows how to love”.)
Lastly, I accidentally (don't ask me how) touched Brad's upper arm.  To me the touch was so
remarkable because I had never felt anything like that before.  So I had to touch it again.  The muscle was so "tight" and as large as someone's head.  All in fun, every once in a while I like to sneak and
touch it again (smile).

Thank you Brad, for being "YOU" and keeping Hand Dance alive!