Country Dancing

Gone Too Soon

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This month’s article will be an emotional one not only to write, but also for many to read. A local line dancer and teacher, David Goodman, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2023. I won’t share any details of his untimely death; my purpose is to pay homage to the man who was the reason that I started writing for Cleveland Country Magazine back in February 2018. 

If David’s name seems familiar to those of you who faithfully read my monthly articles, you might remember that I wrote about him back in October 2018. Over the years, David shared many different ideas for articles with me, and I will forever remain grateful for the opportunities he presented. 

David wore many hats in his short life, and this isn’t a complete list: son, brother, veteran, computer technician, husband, father, friend, DJ, line dancer and instructor. He created the Facebook page “Ohio Line Dancing” and most recently taught line dance at the American Legion in Leetonia. Since I met David through line dancing, I want to divulge my experience of knowing him; however, I realize that he was so much more than a line dancer. 

I met David, his wife Cristy, and line dance family when he was teaching at the bar formerly called Social 45. He was so charismatic and fun-loving that you couldn’t help but have a great time when he was around. When he was approached by Cleveland Country Magazine to write a monthly article, he suggested my name to the editor. David also convinced me to teach line dance at Social 45 from December 2017 to January 2019. I want to thank everyone who took my lessons there; David created some unforgettable memories for all of us. 

Upon his passing, while I read through the hundreds of social media comments and posts, the thought that struck me the most is that David was the “ringleader” of his Social Stompers Dance Family. They proclaimed themselves “misfits” that David took under his wing to teach them how to line dance. All the comments reiterated the fact that David was much more than a teacher; he was the driving force for this group to get together, from line dancing to attending various entertaining events. The love everyone has for David is evident in all the pictures and stories they posted. 

The memories of David aren’t only from his line dance family; people from his childhood up to the present-day shared memories and condolences to his family members. Thoughts and prayers abound in post after post in memory of David Goodman, a beloved community member gone too soon. 

Over the past few years, David would attend my Wednesday evening line dance class when he didn’t have other commitments. A couple months ago, David requested that I teach these dances; unfortunately, I didn’t put them on my schedule until May. I’ll teach these in memory of David: 

A Little Dancing in the Country

Show Me

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, children, family members, and friends. David’s personality was a true light and will burn brightly in the memories of those who knew him. 

Dori Yez teaches Country Line Dancing at these Ohio SCOPE Centers: Howland on Monday evenings (Seasoned Beginners) and Wednesday evenings (Improver & Intermediate) plus the same level in Cortland on Friday afternoons. Due to room size and attendance, Dori can no longer accept new students in any of her classes. 

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