Obituary of Dale Leroy Lefler

Dale L. Lefler November 2, 1914 ~ February 1, 2011 MONTEREY - After a brief illness, a treasured man to family, friends and community has passed away at the age of 96. Dale was born in Fairmont, Nebraska. As a child, Dale suffered from a heart condition so the country doctor suggested dance classes to his mother so Dale could get some exercise. His dance teacher up and left town and Dale took over teaching the classes at the age of 14. From there he began touring from town to town with his piano accompanist teaching children tap and adagio. Dale's family moved to nearby Hastings where there was a college and he considered a career in art. Often he paid for art lessons by teaching ballroom dancing. His dream of a career in art took a back seat when he received a scholarship to the Ted Shawn School of Dance in Jacob's Pillow, MA. Ted Shawn was considered the father of male dance in America. Dale studied ballet, modern dance, modern jazz, ethnic dances from around the world, and primitive and Native American dances. He wrote home about studying with a man who brought crippled dancers back to health and able to once again perform, his name was Joseph Pilates. Dale toured the U.S. with a ballet company, performed on Broadway, at the 1939-40 NY World's Fair, and danced in the ensemble at the Roxy Theatre in NYC. His professional dancing career was launched. Following military service in WWII, Dale landed a dance contract with MGM during the "Golden Era" of Hollywood and made movies with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Esther Williams, Cyd Charisse, Lucille Ball, Doris Day, Betty Grabel, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds and Danny Kaye, to name a few. He also performed with Jack Benny, Lena Horne, and Benny Goodman at various venues around the country. In 1954, Dale left Hollywood to move to the Monterey Peninsula where his older brother had moved his own family after WWII. With the love of his life, Marilyn Hellman, they opened the Theatre Dance Showcase on Lighthouse Avenue where they also operated a costume rental business and Dale taught dance classes for 30 years. Dale was involved in over 100 local productions as director, choreographer, dancer or costumer, sometimes all four in one show. Since retiring, Dale was able to return to his love of painting and travel, and discovered a newfound passion for writing. He was a member of the Carmel Foundation, Carmel and Monterey Art Associations, The Jesters, Dance Masters of America, Professional Dancers' Society, The Bonsai Club, Friends of the Monterey Symphony, Forest Theater Guild and supported the SPCA and many organizations dedicated to protecting human and animal rights and the environment. Dale was predeceased by his love, Marilyn Hellman; his brother, Jerry; his parents, Roy and Glayds; his nephew, Jerry Jr. and many cousins. He leaves his sister-in-law, Mary E. Lefler; two nieces, Mary Margaret Johnson (Norman) Wendy Roy Lefler (Michael); and nephew, John Lefler (Stephanie). Dale expressed deep appreciation for care rendered him these last days at CHOMP and Carmel Hills, and to Dr's Holz, Koostra, and Parker for their dedication and kindness. Dale was blessed with many wonderful friends who meant the world to him. Dale's energy, passion and drive to live life to its fullest along with his tender heart and humor touched all who knew him. He leaves us with gratitude to have been a small part of his remarkable life. Contributions in Dale's name may be made to the Carmel Foundation or SPCA. A celebration of Dale's life will be announced at a later date.