About the dancers . . .

Susan Purnell is a third generation owner of Kuhn’s Jewelers, which
is the sixth oldest independent jewelry store in the United States.  In
fact, in April, Kuhn’s celebrated its 156th anniversary. Purnell joined
her father, Jack, in the business in 1995 after a career in marketing
in New York City with Dun and Bradstreet. Once back home, she
became certified with the Gemological Institute of America, the
highest distinction in the jewelry business, and since her Dad’s
death in 2002 has run the family business.

After graduating from James M. Bennett in 1971, Purnell attended
Gettysburg College where she majored in music and education. The
music major, however, had nothing to do with dance. In fact, since
her ballet teacher told her Mom to spare her the embarrassment
and take her out of class at age three, Susan has rarely danced a
step you could identify. Her father actually referred to her as a “bull
in a china shop”,  to give you some idea of her gracefulness.  You
will no doubt agree after her debut in “Dancing with the Stars”.  

Since returning home, Purnell has contributed to many non-profit
organizations in a leadership role, including three years as
President of Friends of Coastal Hospice, where she has also been
on the board for several years. She has also served for many years
on various other boards including Urban Salisbury, Girl Scouts of
America, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, and the Community
Foundation.  

Purnell has one son, Ted Bowne, currently the lead singer and
songwriter for the touring band, Passafire from Savannah, Georgia.
She also has three stepsons, Jon Bowne, of Austin, Texas, Chris
Bowne and Ben Bowne, also of Savannah.

In June 2008, Susan received the “Spirit of Philanthropy” Award from
The Wellness Community.  In her acceptance, she remarked, “As
the song says, we are all in this together. Everyone I know has been
touched by cancer in some way, and not one of us can handle it on
his or her own.

That’s why I give to the Wellness Community whenever I can,
because they honor the interconnectivity of all of us.”  
Instructor Nick Pasch:

Well I am a junior here at Salisbury University and I am
studying to become a history teacher and sports coach.
I have been dancing for about 5 or 6 years now. I dance
everything from ballroom dances to latin and swing.

My Mom got me started in dancing. She never had a chance to and
thought it would be a good thing to know. At first I was unsure but
son I couldn't get enough of it. It is one thing I can always turn to. I
hope to be able to teach more people to dance and show them how
much fun it can be.