Medford, Ore. — Only on Five. NBC5 brings you part two of our five-part ‘Hidden Talents’ series. All week long we’re introducing you to local residents with special skills. We’re introducing to Bern Case. You may already know him, he’s been the director of Medford’s airport for the past 23 years. His skills go beyond his daily duties.
Throughout the years, NBC5’s interviewed airport director Bern Case for a number of stories. Now, NBC5 found out Case is more than Medford’s airport director, he’s a renowned ballroom dancing coach.
It’s a love story that started with a dance. Bern Case and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 27 years. Their first date back in the 80’s, was at a singles dance.
“I love to dance, I love to hear the music. I love it when he twirls me around. I mean, I really do feel like Cinderella at the ball,” said Michelle Case, Bern’s wife.
Little did they know that their love for dance would later turn into a profession of sorts. Ten years ago, Bern and Michelle went on vacation on a cruise ship.
“They had a dance floor at the front of the stage,” Bern said.
And the couple wasn’t shy about showing off their moves.
“We got up and started dancing and it was a beautiful waltz. And the ship was rocking a little bit but we were dancing,” Bern said.
All eyes were on Bern and Michelle – including the cruise ship staff – who later approached the couple.
“He said – aren’t you Mr. Swenson? And I said no, I’m Bern case and he goes – I apologize, I thought you were our dance instructors,” Bern said.
It was a misunderstanding that led them to the opportunity of a lifetime.
“The end of the cruise he gave me a card and said this lady books our dance instructors. Give her a call and tell her I told you to call her,” Bern said.
A month later the two were back on a different ship. This time, teaching guests how to ballroom dance.
“We just like to keep it simple. Keep it fun and just teach the basics and have people learn to love dance like we do,” Michelle said.
Loving dance, and loving each other.
“I’ll tell you, it’s been the best 27 years of my life,” Bern said.
The last cruise Bern and Michelle taught on was back in 2013. They’ve, in total, taught 12 cruises since 2006. NBC5 asked them if they’d ever go back to coaching on cruises, and they said it may be behind them, but it’s been a wonderful run.
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