New Year's Eve Dance is a Family Affair
Author: mt43news staff reporter
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Third grader William Jepson watched his mother’s face intently as she walked him through the steps of learning to jitterbug. The older- for- his- age student picked up the steps quickly. He has a knack for music, his mother Kira said.
The Jepsons participated in the dance lesson offered at Broadwater Community Theater’s (BCT) New Year’s Eve dance at the Lodge. Later, dance enthusiasts from Helena and Townsend enjoyed what is becoming an annual affair featuring Queen City Swing, a big band sound from Helena, on Thursday night.
In an interview at the appetizer table, William said he has listened to music at home since he was little, when he helped his family clean house or just hung out. “I like Eminem, Snoop Dogg and I even listen to some classic rock,” he explained, “Now I want to learn to play the drums.
His mother, Kira, added she had encouraged her two older boys to be involved with music at an early age. One plays the saxophone and cello. Her oldest son, Conner, plays the guitar. The very musical family moved here from Belgrade but has a background of music from Oklahoma and Wyoming. They all sing as well.
The annual New Year’s dance is one of many events BCT underwrites, including sponsoring Missoula Children’s Theater at Townsend Schools, children’s plays and dinner theater. The group will begin its sponsorship campaign for 2026. BCT is affiliated with the afterschool program STOKE and will be involved in that organization’s fundraiser on Valentine’s Day of this year.
Last year’s sponsors for BCT, a nonprofit, included Jak’s Heating and Air, Nancy Marks, Bill Kearns Estate, Pat Plantenberg and Mary Mistek, Beth Ihle, Townsend Rotary, Retired Teachers Group, Jeanie Mainwaring, Brian and Laura Obert, Chuck McLane, Dwight and Julie Thompson, Ron and Mary Ann Salladay, Opportunity Bank, STOKE, Judy Schenk, Jan Hubber, Bob Saxby and John Hahn.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Angela Johnson
Image 1 Caption: Kira and son William Jepson dance while Tina Homann, Clair and Carla Amundson look on.
Photo Credit: Angela Johnson
Image 2 Caption: Eric Swenson and a partner learn new steps at dance teacher Matt Schmidt's class.
Photo Credit: Angela Johnson
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Image 3 Caption: Dancers take a break as Queen City Swing's guitarist plays a fast dance.
Photo Credit: Angela Johnson
