He glows : Christopher Spalding

he glows

CHRISTOPHER SPALDING

By Lauren Caggiano | Photo by Mollie Shutt

Christopher Spalding’s story is a lesson in: you don’t always know what life has in store for you.

Spalding grew up in a military family in Virginia and intended to follow that path, but he later found out he was medically unable to serve. That didn’t stop him from pursuing other passions, however. As a young man, he played several sports and participated in the arts. He’s a man of many talents, and when he was younger, his teachers took note.

“In elementary school, my music teacher pegged me as a singer,” he said. “She said’ “hey, this kid might have perfect pitch.’ And so, I became a singer (and did that) through middle school and high school. Later I started getting into show choir.”

From then on Spalding was affectionately known as a “theater kid” but also an athlete, playing football. When it came time to pick a college and a major, he decided to follow his heart and study musical theater at the Shenandoah Conservatory. This decision was not without trepidation, however. Recalling that formative time in his life, Spalding shares how he was afraid to disappoint his grandfather by not going into the military. His grandfather’s response is cemented in his brain to this day.

“I know it’s not in you to fail,” he told Spalding. “So whatever you choose to do, I know you’re going to be great. And so someday, I’m gonna see your name in lights. And that’s something I wake up with every day.”

Spalding’s introduction to ballroom dancing is a story in and of itself. He took an introductory course in college and really enjoyed it. Upon graduation, he sought out dance studios and really got into this style of dance — so much that he ended up teaching part-time. While living in Chicago, he was able to juggle both theater and ballroom dancing on the side. One day an opportunity presented itself and he was able to transition into teaching full-time.

That move also proved to be the right choice personally, as he met his wife Kelly on the job. Today, the two compete together and co-own the Fort Wayne Ballroom Company. Spalding says it’s a privilege to teach adults from all walks of life how to dance. The most rewarding experience is seeing the transformation right before his eyes.

Spalding is also a brain cancer survivor. Diagnosed after having a stroke in 2020, he said he’s lucky to have his life — a fact he doesn’t take lightly. That’s why he likes to pay it forward by raising money for causes close to his heart, such as veterans and people with Down’s Syndrome. a

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