By Matt Miller matt@dmcityview.com

Never too old to dance

Iowa Energy Spark Plugs will compete on Budweiser Stage at Iowa State Fair

They may not receive the amount of attention like that of the butter cow or this year’s Iowa State Fair headliner “Journey,” but the Iowa Energy Spark Plug dancers will be bringing “sexy back” when they compete in the 55 and older dance competition on the Budweiser Stage on Aug. 19. Just like their name implies, those who stop by will be sure to see some “pop” and “flash” at the group’s performance.

“We’re very excited to perform at the state fair and showcase our skills and routines to fairgoers,” said Marilyn Magel, team member and West Des Moines resident. “It’s fun and always nice when people cheer us on. People get a kick out of seeing us on stage.”

Affiliated with the Iowa Energy, Des Moines’ NBA-D League Team, the Spark Plugs placed second to the Dancin’ Grannies from Albia in last year’s dance competition. The team of 26 members ranges in age from 55 to 70 and hopes for a first place finish this time around.

“We’re hoping to win,” said Michelle Steen, an Indianola resident who makes the commute to the two or three practices each month. “We put a lot of time and energy into our performances. Hopefully it’ll pay off.”

While the Iowa Energy’s basketball season is still nearly four months away, the Spark Plug dancers perform year-round, not just at the Iowa State Fair and at Wells Fargo Arena. The team has performed at Winter Follies and Spring Flings for area school districts and danced at the Festival of Trees in downtown Des Moines this past winter. They have also performed at Drake University basketball games.

“What I enjoy most about the team is the companionships and friendships that are made, plus it keeps us all in good health,” Magel said. “At this age, it’s nice to know that others still have the same passion for dancing as me.”

For some, the hours spent at numerous practices and a handful of performances goes beyond friendship — it’s in their blood. Michelle and Hannah, a mother-daughter combination, have played an important role in the success of the Spark Plugs. Hannah is a High Voltage Dancer and teaches and choreographs for both teams.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to work alongside my daughter,” Michelle said. “I have to pinch myself when I’m out on the Wells Fargo Arena floor knowing that she’s right there by me.”

Hannah agrees.

“My mom is the one who got me dancing at a young age,” Hannah said. “It’s great to be able to share this experience with her.”

For a lady who has been dancing since age 2, Michelle says the team has just one goal in mind when on the dance floor.

“We want people to know that we can still dance and have fun,” she said. “The Iowa Energy name is appropriate because we showcase that energy in our routines.”

Locker Room note: Photos of last weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide U.S. Cellular 250 race can be found at www.dmcityview.com. The Central Iowa Building Trades Ride for Camp Sunnyside will take place Saturday, Aug. 8. Registration and ride begin at 9 a.m. at Carpenters Hall, 3851 Delaware Ave., and will end at AFL-CIO Labor Park, 4640 N.W. Morningside Drive. Cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch. All proceeds will benefit Camp Sunnyside. E-mail rbell@eastersealsia.org or call 309-1783. CV

If you are involved with a traditional or non-traditional sport and would like to be featured, contact Matt Miller at matt@dmcityview.com or call 953-4822 ext. 320. CV

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