Dayton, Ohio

1998 Honor Dancers Frank and Madge Hart

As a couple, Frank and Madge Hart have been active dancers in the Dayton area for approximately 38 years. In 1950 they began folk dance lessons with the Dayton Folk Dance Club (organized in 1947), and became members of that group in 1951. In 1951 they also began square dancing with the Dayton Square Dance Club under the direction of Michael Solomon, and in 1952 participated in the Ohio Demonstration at the Third Annual International Square Dance Convention in Chicago. About this time they also developed an interest in American round dancing and became charter members of the Dayton Round Dance Club which was formed under the direction of Dave McDevitt in November, 1952.

Frank and Madge Hart were among the first members of the Miami Valley Folk Dancers, and have remained actively involved in the group throughout its 35 year history. Since Madge was an art teacher and Frank was skilled in working with tin, they were sometimes called upon to help with decorations for club events. Both Frank and Madge have at one time held the position of Chairer of the Council in this group. Madge also served on the Program Committee in 1982-83. They continue to regularly attend the Thursday night sessions and participate in the Ethnic Sunday dinners and annual workshops.

In addition to their involvement with local groups, they have also attended at least twenty week long summer sessions of the Kentucky Dance Institute at Morehead, Kentucky.

And they are still willing to try something new! They are currently in a round dance class prompted by Dorothy Rossa, trying to learn to round dance with a prompter.

Because they have spent 38 years supporting dance activities in the Dayton area, we feel that Frank and Madge Hart deserve to be considered for the title of Council Honor Roll Couple.

Back to Honor Dancer Index

Copyright © Miami Valley Folk Dancers 2000-2003