Queen

QUEEN  INTRODUCTION

Current Chapter Queen Stacey Loubey

Stacey Loubey

BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Bakersfield, California, where have lived all my life. My father owned his own business, and at the age of fourteen, taught me how to process his payroll-my first real introduction to accounting. I remained in the accounting field throughout my adult life and eventually retired from the Bakersfield City School District after 25 years of service My love for animals has been a constant thread in my life, starting with my first horseback ride at age four. That magical moment sparked an enduring passion for horses and opened my heart to a wonderful menagerie of pets over the years: cats, dogs, a chicken, guinea pig, fish, rabbit, desert tortoise, raccoon, horse, and even a tarantula. Along the way I’ve been bitten, stepped on, thrown-and, above all, deeply loved.

More than 40 years ago, I met my wonderful husband James at Debonaire Special Dancers had seen the group ballroom dancing and performing with individuals with special need: many of whom had Down syndrome. I desperately wanted to learn ballroom dancing, so approached the director, Johnny Soiu, and asked if he would teach me. He agreed-on one condition: if I volunteered for an hour, he would teach me for an hour Working with that incredible group taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.

When Debonaires disbanded during COVID, I began volunteering at ITG, a local faith-based nonprofit. Every Tuesday morning, we dance to some of the same routines we once performed with Debonaires, now led by our own Boyd Binninger. Shortly after joining Debonaires all those years ago, James and I also joined Dancesteppers, where he began Jing for the group-and continues to DJ to this day.

After COVID, the first group to reopen was the Bakersfield Smooth Dancers. They offered weekly classes at the Fairfax Grange with instructor Josh Harless. We couldn’t wait to return to dancing, so we joined in 2021. Re-learning what we had been taught 40 years earlier-transitioning from box/parlor dancing to the Smooth Dancer style-has been a challenge, but one we’ve embraced wholeheartedly. The Bakersfield Smooth Dancers welcomed us with open arms, and we have loved every moment of being part of this community.

I am truly honored to serve as the Bakersfield Smooth Dancers Chapter Queen for the coming year.
My heartfelt thanks go to Franco Peraza for choreographing our beautiful routine, to the entire chapter for this incredible opportunity, and to everyone who has poured countless ours into decorations and preparations – especially Debi Cadena. Thank you for allowing ne to share in this special season of dance, friendship, and celebration. I hope to make you all proud.

Previous Bakersfield Queen

Debi Cadena