Anchorage Varsity Show Memories
Local Saturday teen TV dance program.
From 1959, when the show was called “Chuck’s DJ Dance Party”, up to 1971. Anchorage teens could watch KTVA channel 11 on Saturday afternoons to see their friends dancing to the latest hits on Anchorage’s very own version of “American Bandstand” called, The Varsity Show.
Pictured above, Anchorage DJ Ron Moore was probably the best known host of the Varsity Show.
In the picture above, Ron Moore (in the white coat) hosts the show from the KTVA studios in the McKinley building in Anchorage. Are you pictured in the studio audience?
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He Started the Whole Thing
In the picture above is Chuck Wenger. The photo was taken in the garage entrance to the KTVA studios in the McKinley building.
The first version of The Varsity Show was called “Chuck’s DJ Dance Party”.
Varsity Show Hosts
Pictured above are hosts Mike Ray and Roger Lathum
In the picture above, Anchorage DJ and Varsity Show host Jerry Rose (Peter Bie) is promoting his radio show on KBYR.
Over the years, hosts for the show included Bill Kelley, Roger Lathum, Mike Ray (Alaska Stories Michael Dougherty) and Peter Bie.
BONUS
Featuring a foreword by Ron Moore
The whole story of The Varsity is told in this one of a kind, gift.
And if you danced on the show or worked on the show, you might even see your name in this informative ebook.
The ebook is an instant PDF download that you can read on your computer or mobile device.
Get your free Varsity Show ebook and enjoy.
Anchorage Teens Worked on the Show
Pictured above is Mary of Alaska Stories when she was a staff dancer on the show.
Mary went on to become a movie and TV background actress in Hollywood.
BONUS
Mary’s story of how she became a staff dancer on The Varsity Show is a little different.
Take a look at How I Became a Staff Dancer on The Varsity Show and enjoy.
Every year, just before school ended, The Varsity Show held auditions for area high school students who wanted to work on The Varsity Show.
The Varsity Show Crew in Action
Pictured above, Anchorage high school students work behind the scenes on the live weekly Varsity Show.
Pictured above is The Varsity Show crew just before the 1964 earthquake. In the middle back row is host Jim Roach.
Area students were trained at the KTVA studios during the summer to work on the show. As a result, many of the show’s teen crew members went on to work in television, motion picture production and even as radio DJs.
Pictured above are Anchorage teens who came to the KTVA studios in Spenard to dance on the Varsity Show. By this time, the show was being broadcast in color.
Did you ever go to the KTVA studios to dance on the show?
Special Thanks to KTVA’s Augie Hiebert
Mr. Hiebert of KTVA had the idea to create a teen TV program where Anchorage teens could work as interns on the show and be awarded scholarships for their efforts. As a result, many Anchorage teens began their careers because of Mr. Hiebert’s generosity.
BONUS
You can read fun stories about the show at Varsity Show Memories and remember when.
After the Show
If you danced on The Varsity Show, your friends, and family were sure to see you. And everyone would ask you what it was like, who did you see and who did you dance with?
The Varsity Show was one of the good things for Anchorage teens and a great Anchorage memory.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Hidden Memories edition
George has this memory:
“The "Mouse House" deserves some mention. My brother Alan came up with that name back in the 50's when he would say he had to go to the "Mickey Mouse" to get something for his car. He would have to go to the "Mouse House" (Meyer Brothers United Auto) to get the parts.”
Did Mike and Mary Become Giants?
In the picture above, Mike and Mary are having summer fun in front of a miniature old west town in Griffith Park in Southern California.
Well, I see that Mary is putting on her white go-go boots, so I’d better get out there on the dance floor to see if I still have it.
Time now to either take off or put on your dancing shoes and remember the songs you liked to dance to.
Did you enjoy this look back at Anchorage’s popular teen TV dance show?
Did you download your free Varsity Show ebook? If not, scroll back up this email and click on the link for your instant download that you can read on your computer or mobile device.
And be sure to send us your comments by replying to this email, or Contact Us to say, “I remember the Varsity Show”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club