Our Cuer

Tami Helms

Tami Helms and Tim Keck

Tami started her dancing career by dancing as a Go Go dancer, and then dancing in a chorus line at Sparks Nevada. She went on to focus on ballroom dancing and participated in several competitions; winning an amateur swing dance competition. She started square and round dancing in Portland Oregon in 1982. Six years later Tami decided to be a Cuer and teach round dancing, something she still does today.

Tim has had an interest in dancing for most of his adult life. Early on he participated in Contra, English Country, and international folk dancing. He then added country swing and ballroom dancing to his repertoire. Tim started square dancing in 1980 in Florence Oregon and round dancing in 1985. (click to read more)

In 2007 Tami and Tim were both dancing at Carousel Club 162 in Portland where they became dance partners.

During their dance career, they have given their time to support several organizations, participated in several events and they have choreographed several dances, some receiving Round of the Month recognition by several state organizations. Tami & Tim keep abreast of the practices & techniques of teaching, programming, presenting rounds by attending area workshops as they become available.

The following lists some of Organizations, Festivals & events, and dances that Tami & Tim have participated in or have created:

Organizations

    • International Choreographed Ballroom Dance Association (ICBDA)
      • Tim: Reviewer for the Technical Advisor Committee’s Cha Cha Rhythm
      • Tim & Tami: Volunteered to assist with the 2017 convention
    • Roundalab
      • Tami: Reviewer for the Phase 2 & 3 Round of the Quarter
      • Tim & Tami: Taught a round dance for the RAL Convention 2012
    • Oregon Round Dance Teachers Association (ORDTA)
      • Tim & Tami: Current Chairmen & past Vice Chairmen, past Secretary
      • Tim: Built & maintains a record database for ORDTA’s 45 rpm record collection (currently at 6000+ records)
    • Oregon Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs
      • Tim & Tami: Cuer Advisors
      • Tami: Round Dance of the Month Screening committee
    • Portland Area Council
      • Tami: Cuer Advisor, Alternate delegate

Festivals & Events

    • Oregon Mid-Winter Festival
      • Tim & Tami: round dance program committee Chairman
      • From 2010 to present - They have demonstrated round dances during the Showcase of rounds held at the event
    • Oregon Summer Festival;
      • Tim & Tami: Round Dance program committee Chairman, 2011,2013,2015
  • USA West:
    • Tim & Tami: Round dance program committee Chairman, 2008
    • Circle 8 Ranch; Tami: Featured Cuer (2012-15) Plus Dance Weekend
    • Lolo Montana Mountain Mixer; Tami: Featured Cuer (2002
    • Reno Nevada Silver State; Tami: Featured Cuer (dates)
    • Olympia Washington Lake Fair; Tami: Featured Cuer (2010-14)
    • Vancouver Washington Royal Romp; Tami: Featured Cuer (1992-2016
    • National Square Dance Conventions;
      • Tami:
        • Portland, OR Rounds Chairman of the day 1994
        • Denver CO; Cuer/Teacher 2004
        • Portland OR; Showcase Chairman 2005
        • San Antonio TX; Cuer/Teacher 2006
        • Charlotte NC Cuer/Teacher 2007
      • Tim & Tami:
        • Spokane, WA; Sound Program manager 2012

Tami & Tim are active with Tami cuing for three area square dance clubs. They dance regularly at two Round dance clubs, one being Carousel Club 162.

Choreography

Tami has choreographed 16 dances from 1990 to 2016, receiving ROM awards for:

    • Twistin’ The Night Away
    • Why Don’t We Just Dance
    • Crazy Cajun Stomp

They also have choreographed the following dances:

    • Uptown Funky Walk Cha
    • Behind Closed Doors
    • Sweet City Woman
    • Hands Up Cha
    • Sealed With A Kiss
    • Still Rock And Roll To Me
    • Hey Soul Sister Cha
    • Baby You’ve Got What It Takes
    • You’ve Got What It Takes
    • Movin’ It Cha
    • Young Love
    • Swing With Me
    • Jingle Bell Rock

Tami's website