The idea for having a California Swing Dance Hall of Fame began with “Smiley Bomka.” Smiley was described as a “Lovable chap” who was known for raising purebred Arabian Horses while also polishing the floor with his dancing shoes.
Smiley’s idea for a Swing Dance Hall of Fame was but a germ in the two decades before it happened. Over the ensuing years it went through some early planning stages which began to be more fully drafted in the summer of 1990. Smiley formed a Board of Directors and after countless hours of meetings and brainstorming his vision blossomed to its fullest. The first CSDHOF awards Presentation was held Oct 27 1990 at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers featuring music by Capp-Pierce Juggernauts with DJ Bob Brewer. The first Board of Directors: Smiley Bomka; Nancey Baca; Jack Carey; Ed Cirio, Mary Collins; Louise Del Carlo; Willie Desatoff; Lower Gosser; Bob Hefner; Annie Hirsch; Jack Sigler, Hal Takier; Fred Tretta; Phil Trau. Also with an impressive 14 member Advisory Board.
The California Swing Dance Hall of Fame regards Mr. Bomka with the highest of esteem and offers its sincerest appreciation for making an off-started ball and Gala finally begin to roll.
Excerpts from the 1990 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Program booklet.