In Memory of Ron Montez
- Freddie Brock
- Feb 14, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 26, 2021
Photo Source: https://www.wikidancesport.com/wiki/8215/ron-montez
It is with great sadness that the dancesport world learned of the passing of Ron Montez on January 24, 2021 from Covid-19. Our own Marilyn "Winkie" Fordney recalls her days in Pro-Am when she competed in competitions, Ron was one of her Latin coaches and she greatly admired his magnificent dancing. Ron was also seen judging countless competitions throughout the years.
Ron Montez was a professional ballroom dance champion and choreographer who won the professional Latin division of the U.S. Dancesport Championships from 1979 to 1985. Without a doubt, Ron contributed greatly to ballroom dance and will be very missed. With his renowned partner, Liz Curtis, besides winning 7 times US Professional Latin Champions, they were a winning couple in all major events around the world including World Championships and Open British Championships.
Photo Source: https://www.wikidancesport.com/wiki/8215/ron-montez
Both Ron and Liz were able to compete in US Dance World competitions and enjoyed training many of USA's younger professional and amateur partnerships too. Once Ron and Liz retired from participating in competitions, they went on to coach many more professional and Pro-Am dancers full time and judge in competitions.
Ron was known as the long-time co-host of PBS Championship Ballroom Dancing. Ron most notably worked with Juliet Prowse. Ron and Liz were grand finalists of the talent show "Star Search," one of the most popular shows of that time; to name a few of their accrued accomplishments.
So many people have commented that Ron Montez was one of the most mesmerizing and exciting dancers in Latin dancing they have ever seen. His talent was huge, and his dancing could hold you captive with his sweeping dance moves not seen by any other dancer. Ron cannot be replaced. His contribution to Latin ballroom dance will live on forever.
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Thought of the Week:
The body says what words cannont. - Martha Graham
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