Product Description

This is a love story about an extraordinary young couple who put Latin dance on the map at New York's Palladium. Turning the world of ballroom dancing and the nightlife in the city upside down, they went on to be the highest paid dance duo in the world, opening acts for numerous celebrities. Many of them became lifelong friends, particularly Sammy Davis Jr. whose close relationship with Augie and Margo forms an integral part of the story. Their memories and insights into some of the world's icons are sometimes hilarious, sometimes surprising, sometimes sad or tender; but always revealing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #445815 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-25
• Released on: 2006-07-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 292 pages

About the Author
Christine Hamer-Hodges is a writer, editor, designer and public speaker. She was born in England, but has lived in the United States for thirty years and is an American citizen. She is married and has two sons, Matthew and Daniel. Christine, who is a Cordon Bleu cook, and her husband, Kenneth, have also lived in Stuttgart, Germany and in Brussels, Belgium. She speaks conversational German and French, and her love of language and cooking led her into food styling for various publications and writing her own autobiography “Food Follies” which includes many recipes. On her return from Belgium to the USA, Christine went on to give lectures and demonstrations on food and entertaining, catered special events and became involved in community arts. For several years she assisted Professor Vadim Prokherov; writer, music critic, artist, concert pianist, and author of “An Anthology of Russian Folk Music,” in editing his work. Christine now lives in Florida, where she wrote “The Opening Act,” and is now working on her next Biography, “How High the Larks Fly,” a tumultuous story of despair, courage and love, as experienced by a young German woman during and after World War II.

Customer Reviews

More than just "Margo & Augie"
"The Love Story of Augie & Margo"...from the title, one would think this is only a biography of two very talented dancers. It is that, but it is so very much more! It is an incredible documentary of the second half of the 20th century's movers, shakers & entertainers, their lives, their loves, their stories and in many cases, their tragedies. If you relate to the Rat Pack, to Marilyn Monroe, to JFK, to Manhattan, to the movies, the Mafia & Las Vegas, you will love this book. Hamer-Hodges writes in a way that exhibits wonderfully researched work, worthy of a place in some "History of Entertainment". It is easy and fascinating reading!

More, Please!
I loved this book! Though not of Augie and Margo's era, I now long to see them dance. I'll be hightailing it to Vegas. Thank you to Ms. Hamer-Hodges for bringing the amazing story of their lives to us. I carried Augie and Margo with me throughout the day as I marveled at their amazing talent, discipline, and exciting lives. I hated to turn the last page!

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Augie and Margo Rodriguez pooled their extraordinary talents, discipline and ambition to become the opening act for the great entertainers of their day, whom they recall with clarity and compassion. And, in their 70s, they continue to dance at the highest level.
So this is a love story. It is a great American obscurity-to-fame story. It is show-biz history. And it is life-to-the-full.
Christine Hamer-Hodges writes in an infectious, dynamic narrative style that will sweep you along. And (perhaps unusually among biographers) she lets the reader get to know her subjects directly. I feel like I have met Augie and Margo personally ... and it was fun!