Marge was born in Tennessee in 1934. Her family relocated to Southern California in the 1950’s. She began and learned to swing dance around 1952/53 at the Long Beach Pike in the Lido Ballroom. She learned by watching the dancers. Having a natural inclination to music and rhythm she soon picked up the dance. In 1957 she met her longtime husband and dance partner, Hal Takier, at a Jitterbug contest he Emceed in Long Beach and danced with him for the first time at the Casino club. Hal and Marge became a dance partnership that was looked up to by generations of swing dancers to follow, both in person and around the world through video clips of their dancing. Hal was known for his circularstyle, speed, and air moves. Marge incorporated her desired forward posture with Hal to compliment his unique style. Hal and Marge were inducted into the Couples category of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2000. She worked at McDonald Douglas and Hal worked in the Rubber Industry.
Marge and Hal danced to live Big Band greats like Count Basie (her favorite) and others such as Benny Goodman in Disneylands Carnation Pavilion during its Big Band era in the 80’s and 90’s. As season pass holders, they were able to dance summer nights in this magical outdoor pavilion to some of the greatest live music ever. Crowds would gather around to watch all the swing dancers. She and Hal were also regulars from the start at the now-legendary Big Band Sunday dances at Bobby McGee’s in Newport Beach and eventually the Long Beach Bobby McGee’s and lastly the Brea Bobby McGee’s where they danced boogie woogie steps, Balboa, Swingouts, Hal’s infamous Merry go Round, and side by side kicks. With her ear for music, and the need for someone who knew great swing tunes, Marge unwittingly became a swing DJ icon choosing music and playing for the Bobby McGee’s crowd. She knew her music and tempo’s and how to play for the crowd of her peers and friends. Jams became popular on the crowded dance floors when someone wanted to throw out their partner and dance without fear of tripping or running in to one another, so when a great tune came on, the dancers on the floor would spontaneously create a circle around the fellow dancers and make room for each couple to show off their wow moves. Although Hal passed in 2012, Marge continues to go to Camp Hollywood and other swing dances where she is highly revered by the Lindy community for her history and contributions to Swing. Marge deserves special recognition for all she has contributed to swing dancing. exerpts credits “The Track Podcast” 043 by Ryan Swift. Also excerpts from Sharlot Bott’s recall as a fellow swing dancer at 80’s Bobbly McGees and Disneyland. Marge was able to attend and receive her award at the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Gala held in Jan 2023.