I met friends for an early dinner at the Shorelunch Café this past April. Eager to reconnect after a winter away, I was thrilled to meet a new person in the community. Margaret (Marge) Smith had only been in town a month.
Her long flowing cape was a perfect accent to her flaming red hair and ballerina grace — panache if I’ve ever seen it! As she glided through the restaurant, turning heads as she made her way to our corner table, I was enchanted.
Our friendship grew over the next few months as this soft spoken woman shared her story. She had lived in this area years ago, returning to be closer to family and friends. In late August I was thrilled to be invited, along with several others, to her home. We were not disappointed. The morning hours flew by as we were treated to movies from the many competitions she has entered across the country, as well as seeing her trophies and costumes. You see, Marge is Borderland’s very own ballroom dancer, as lovely and talented as what we see each week on Dancing with the Stars.
Working as a nurse in Scottsdale, Ariz., she started taking Kenpo (Karate) lessons in 1990. Blink your eyes and 10 years later she had gone from beginner to the highest rank, that of black belt. A photo of Marge in the traditional gee and all of her well earned belts are in her bedroom on display. Do not think this woman sat back and rested, however.
She retired from nursing in the year 2000 as a limber, fit, 65-year-old. Her new passion was about to take center stage. “I dreamed about being a dancer my whole life,” she said with her trademark smile. “I started going to senior citizens dances and, if you didn’t know how to do certain numbers, you didn’t get asked to dance, so I thought I’d better take a few lessons.” Really, such an understatement.
Her dance lessons began at the Fred Astaire Studio in Scottsdale, and eventually she moved on to an independent studio.
“The independent teachers are all from Europe and are wonderful. Both of my Arizona instructors were professionals who competed each year in Dayton, Ohio, and we ranked fifth overall in the U.S.” The type of dancing competition Marge is involved with is called Pro-Am, her partner being the professional instructor and she being the amateur (but, truly, she’s as graceful and skilled as anything I’ve seen on Dancing with the Stars, and I know you’ll agree).
When I asked what the various categories for dancing are, Marge was kind enough to explain. “International dancing consists of Standard and Latin numbers. Standard Dances include the Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot and Quick Step, while the Latin Dances are the Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Plasa Doble and Jive.”
“American Dances are divided between Rhythm and Smooth. Rhythm breaks down to the Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Plasa Doble and Swing. Smooth Dances are the Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Tango and Fox Trot.”
Marge has taken lessons in all four categories. Her favorite is the Quick Step, but her true passion is the Theatrical Arts showcases.
There are competitions held every week all across the country and beyond. She even returned to nursing part-time for several years to help offset some of the costs of traveling, lessons and costumes. “I’ve competed in the Bahamas, Boston, Las Vegas, California, and Ohio, to name just a few. Dayton, Ohio is the largest competition for the Pro-Am dancers. I’ve been there four times.”
There are no Ballroom dance instructors currently giving lessons in International Falls, but I soon realized that has not stopped this very dynamic person. Every other Wednesday, Marge boards the senior bus for her two-hour lesson in Bemidji.
The Suzy and Hondo Dance Studio is owned and operated by a lovely couple who also teach classes at Bemidji State University. “Walter Hartnell, nicknamed Bear, is my instructor. He has been dancing now for 38 years, and he’s just so much fun, and so easy to learn from.”
She explained the various trophy levels for amateurs. “The top three are bronze, silver and gold.” Marge is silver, and has won trophies (placing first, second, or third) at every single competition she has ever entered.
As we sat in her living room last August and watched the DVDs from some of her competitions, she brought out the costumes she has worn over the years. Believe me, they are fabulous! Oh, to watch her head nearly touch the floor in a backwards arch, her dance partner’s hand placed lightly on the small of her back for support is simply beautiful.
As I eyed her toned body, I wondered what she did to stay so fit and slim, envisioning hours and hours of gruesome exercise, yoga, elliptical machines and the likes. She shook her head with a laugh and said, “Oh, heavens no. Light weights, lots of sit-ups and stretches are all I do.” Plus, there’s that box on the living room floor waiting to be opened. It contained an Ab Circle Pro bought from an infomercial she saw on TV not long ago. Her son will stop by to put it together for her over the weekend and she plans to use it to work on her core muscles. Plus, she says, it’s supposed to collapse and store under the bed, out of sight.
The Hondo Dance Studio will be hosting a show Dec. 12 in Bemidji. Calling it The Big Band Dance Party, there will be many dancers performing that evening, including Marge, who will do her Theatrical Showcase number and the Quick Step. You’ll have to go yourself, as I cannot reveal which costume she’ll be wearing. You may call the Hondo Club at 218-766-4043 for directions and time.
There are so many people from this area who are faithful Dancing with the Stars watchers and have expressed a desire to take lessons right here. “If enough people showed an interest, Bear would consider coming to International Falls to give lessons. Then we could hold monthly dances.” “Most people love the lessons and dances, never going to competitions, so it doesn’t cost a lot of money, and is such a fun way to spend a few hours. If you’d like first class Ballroom dancing and instruction to come to this area, call Walter “Bear” Hartnell at 218-831-5458, and schedule your first lesson.
Watching Marge dance is really a treat, and you’ll love her signature red hair. The Big Band Dance Party Dec. 12 at the Hondo Club will be a magical evening for all of us. Suddenly, winter is looking up in Borderland.
