Alan Turpen
Alan Turpen
aka Crystal Ball
Clubs & Associations
Quick Facts
- partner of Harold Little
- participated in Square Dancing Stained Glass, 2004
In Their Own Words
What Square Dancing Means to Me!
I was introduced to Square Dancing in Junior High School. I was involved with a Folk Dancing Exhibition Group called “Silver Spurs”. They toured the US dancing and entertaining all ages. I was able to join them my senior year of High School. We toured LA, NY and many cities in between. They had a Square Dancing segment where the costumes were very outrageous. The boy's costumes consisted of hat, scarves and brightly colored shirts to match the girl’s floor length ruffled dresses and pantaloons (Very Classy). The square dancing was an elaborate show with the girl’s flapping to the air. I was very proud to be one of the dancing boys.
On weekends I also attended a square dance with some round dancing at Fairchild Air Force Base. The cost was minimal and the dancing was from 8 till 12 midnight. Quite fun, I must admit.
I met my late husband Harold Little in 1999. He was on the Board of “Western Star Dancers”. Harold was very active and attended most dances, including Peel Off Palm Springs. Peel Off was held at a resort in Palm Springs, a naked weekend, dancing on the grass with temperatures up to 105, quite fun and exciting. Harold and I have danced during the Gay Parade and most street fairs. It was a time for us to share ourselves and our relationship with others. We found square dancing to be a wholesome activity, alcohol and drug free, a place to meet new friends and dance.
I shared a lot with Harold at these dances. It has been difficult for me to keep going since he passed. After spending 2 years on the Board, I had supported the Club “Western Star” only a partial year after Harold left us for his new journey. The Club has brought me two of my closest friends Alvin Bennett and Steve Scott. They have kept me involved and supported me during this rough time. Square Dancing to me is a place to meet and retain friendships with great people and get great exercise.
Circulate the Bay
I chose “Circulate the Bay” for my stained glass window as a tribute to all the hard work that went into this “Fly-in”. It was Western Star Dancers’ 20th year Anniversary Dance. Since I have been involved, I have witnessed the club struggle with many different political and personality issues.
I personally pulled out of the “Fly-in” committee as I too, as many others, thought it would fail. To all our surprise it flourished and made money for the club.
I truly appreciate the members of this committee and their ability to pull this off. I also appreciate Peggy Shumway for coming to the plate to help the Club with a logo, which is not only attractive but represents our city with the golden gate. And the rainbow colors which so represent that Love of the Gay community.
With the help of Dan Smith, the organizer and executor of the Stained Glass window project, I made this window to be displayed at this and future anniversary dances as a tribute to those who have labored to make this “Fly-In” a success.
“You must Believe within your Heart to be able to make it happen.”[1]
Photos
At Crack The Crab. 2000
Stained glass panel "Fly-In" made by him, 2004
