Betty Hacker in full Nordic Dancer attire, photo provided by her family
As plans for the first event in 1967 came together, Phyllis Leseth recruited Luther student Sebjorn Rogne to teach a group of Decorah Community Schools students authentic Scandinavian dances to add to the appeal and authenticity of Nordic Fest. With her daughter Karen part of this group, teacher Betty Hacker agreed to be a supervisor for the first group of Nordic Dancers.
Then came May 1967. Sebjorn needed to return home to Norway. What next?
Betty, a self-described "full blooded German" graciously took over the direction of the Nordic Dancers, famously using toothpicks to help determine new dance configurations, adding to the repertoire of this first group of students in time for their debut at the first Nordic Fest.
Betty, who very much loved to see young people having a good time, continued in her first stint of Nordic Dancer service with only brief breaks from 1967 until 1979. During this time, she led the efforts to form the second, third and fourth groups of Nordic Dancers, which took place in 1969, 1974 and 1979.
When Nordic Dancer directors Pastor Paul and Lois Christianson retired from their service in 1989, Betty returned to her role to work with the fifth and sixth group of dancers. Her commitment ensure the continuation of "one of the highlights of Nordic Fest" she helped create.
Betty continued in this role through her retirement from a legendary career as a junior high school science teacher with a fall bug collection project, as well as girls' basketball coach. Her Nordic Dancer founding and commitment only scratches the surface of a legacy of community service she leaves throughout Decorah.
Although her family and all of Decorah lost Betty to cancer in 1995, her spirit remains very much alive every time the Nordic Dancers inspire smiles and share joy at their Courthouse Square performances and everywhere they appear.
Thank you, Betty for making Nordic Dancers happen!
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