BETTIE FALK.

Falk has been teaching dancing at the Wilkinson Senior Center in Northridge for the past 16 years. ``Every year I say I am going to quit, but I am still there,'' Falk said.

Dancing since she was 4 years old, Falk went on to dance at Ithaca College and professionally. The performance art has been very good to her, and teaching is one way she gives back. Falk also teaches musical theater, is the head of a tap and chorus line-dancing group called the Happy Hoofers, and leads a performance group called the Showtime Entertainers. ``This combines acting and skits; we throw in everything but the kitchen sink,'' Falk said.

AGE: 75.

RESIDENCE: Northridge.

BORN AND RAISED IN: Forestport, N.Y., raised in Whitesboro, N.Y., and moved to Sherman Oaks 36 years ago.

OCCUPATION: Full-time volunteer.

MARITAL STATUS: Married to her second husband, Bill, for 25 years.

CHILDREN: Enid Harriman, Clark Ortone and Brett Ortone.

PETS: Three cats - Cindy, Sam and Susie.

BIGGEST DILEMMA: ``I have too many interests that are creative; it keeps me running and frustrated. I wish I had more time.''

MOST DIFFICULT DAILY TASK: ``Cooking. I did it for so many years. I am at the point in my life where I don't want to cook anymore.''

FAVORITE DAILY TASK: ``Working in the yard. I love to be out there. I am in tune with nature, and God talks to me then.''

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: ``(My) father and mother split up when I was 3 and my brother, Bill, was 1. I went with my mother, Bill went with my father; we were split up and weren't raised together. Now we are the best of friends. We call each other and tell each other how much we love each other. It has come full circle.''

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: ``My children. They all went to college and found their niche in life.''

GOALS FOR THE FUTURE: ``(To) keep writing, to find time to finish scripts and have the energy to do it.''

WHO RELIES ON YOU THE MOST AND WHO YOU RELY ON: ``I rely on my friends, and my group relies on me.''

ROLE MODELS: ``Special friends from Sherman Oaks Presbyterian Church; everyone who I meet there touches me.''

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?: ``When you can keep friends and also being a good friend - that is success. Honesty and loyalty are important; it is your outlook on life.''

DO YOU HAVE ANY GUILTY PLEASURES?: ``Chocolate and peanut butter.''

DO YOU HAVE ANY VICES?: ``I am always late. I feel guilty about it all the time. I think somebody is trying to tell me to slow down.''

FAVORITE VALLEY HANGOUTS: ``My back yard. I put everything in it that I need - flowers, animals and birds. This is my favorite place.''

FAVORITE FOODS: ``All the things I am not supposed to eat, (like) a good hamburger and chocolate ice cream.''

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: ``I like to do too many things - paint and dance. I love to create, I love to sing, I love to do a little bit of everything. I branch out in all directions.''

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?: ``Don't Shoot It's Only Me,'' by Bob Hope.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: ``Diagnosis Murder.''

WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?: ``I prefer musical comedy or musicals. I am very changeable. I like New Orleans dixieland jazz. I intend to put on a show and do a whole thing on dixieland jazz.''

WHAT WOULD BE A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU?: ``A day without interruptions. I would love to be able to write and not be interrupted.''

WHERE DO YOU GO TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?: ``I get in the car and drive around the valley.''

YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT VACATION: ``I wouldn't want to go anywhere anymore. I have been there and I have seen it. I have got it all right here.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: Bettie Falk

Evan Yee/Daily News