SHIRLEY DUNCAN
WRITTEN BY MARCIA FOSTER
I met with Ms. Shirley Duncan on Sunday, February 27, 2005, at the Marriott in Baltimore City for a jazz brunch to write an article on her for "Eye on the Hand Dancer".  The company, music, and food were exceptional.  She spoke about some of her most memorable moments as being a part of the hand dance community.  Ms. Duncan was born on May 18 (Taurus) and she is a native Baltimorean.
Shirley is founder and President of the New Baltimore Hand Dance Association and Charm City Dancers located in Baltimore.  These hand dance organizations give demonstrations all over the Baltimore area; teaches hand dance; competes with other hand dancers; plans special events, such as, Black Tie affairs, graduations, etc.; and sponsors and supports other hand dance organizations and events in the Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas.  Even though Shirley loves everything about the organizations, she particularly enjoys teaching the seniors.
Ms. Duncan is a businesswoman from the heart.  She has owned a day care center for 31 years.  That's probably why she wears a beautiful smile--comes from--working with those cute, little, adorable children.  She has a son and a daughter.  She is involved with a very intelligent, fun, and supportive man.
I personally observed Ms. Duncan as being extremely strong willed, knowing what she wants and going after it, very articulate, and a hard worker.  Yes, she is fun too.  She knows how to protect her inner self very well.
In 2001, I sponsored and coordinated a fundraiser for the National Hand Dance Association to raise funds for the Teenarama Project.  I called Shirley (I didn't know her, I just knew of her.) to sell her some tickets, she asked me a few questions and then she purchased a table (10 tickets) with no problem.  My first instinct was that she was a generous person.
Unfortunately, we had a couple of hand dance related disagreements and never found the time to properly discuss and clear them up.  However, in 2005 a mutual friend of ours was in serious trouble.  Shirley called me so that we could put our heads together to help our friend.  We did and our friend was just fine.  Our friendship grew from that incident.  I truly admired, appreciated, and respected the lady for cutting through the crap and calling me on such a serious matter.
As far as I am concerned, Ms. Shirley Duncan will not just be the Queen of Baltimore Hand Dance but I will refer to her as "Your Majesty".
The Charm City Dancers give plenty of dance events that are reasonably priced, beautifully decorated, and with plenty of good food.  For more information on their events, contact Shirley Duncan on 410-523-0575 or email her at SDhandance2@verizon.net


GOOD LUCK, CHARM CITY DANCERS!