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Albert Hodgini Obituary

Albert Hodgini, co-founder of Hodgini School of Dance and Gymnastics, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, in his home in St. Petersburg, Fla., of cancer.

He was 90. He was in relatively good health and still active until January.

Born into a circus family that starred in Ringling Bros. Circus, as well as several other circuses in this country, he is recognized with his family in the Circus Hall of Fame in Florida. In addition to bareback riding, he also starred in a flying trapeze act. During the winter months when the circus was off the road, Albert and his family worked the vaudeville circuits with various acts.

Not long after serving in World War II, he met his future wife, Marion, and moved to Evansville, where they founded Hodgini School of Dance in 1953. Over the years thousands of young girls learned to dance in that program, and several of their dancers went on to professional careers in dance in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas.

When gymnastics came on the scene in the early '70s, Albert's knowledge of gymnastics and flying trapeze allowed him to coach many gymnasts to State Championships and collegiate scholarships. He was a tough taskmaster, but also beloved by his many students. For many former students, calling Mr. Hodgini was a part of their Christmas traditions. Though he and Marion retired in the late '80s, the business they started still continues operating in Jasper, Ferdinand and Tell City.

Marion died in 1999, but Albert is survived by two daughters, Alicia Hodgini of Evansville and Marina Hodgini of Atlanta, Ga.; his companion, Barbara Strehl of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Barry Dubuque of Evansville, whom Albert loved as the son he never had.

In memory of all the Hodgini cats, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Vanderburgh Humane Society.

Becher & Kluesner Funeral Home in Jasper, Ind., handled local arrangements. (812) 482-4141.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier Press on Feb. 8, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Hodgini

14 Entries

Jennifer Lynn Wolf

November 6, 2023

Well, I absolutely loved it, however his old school methods would most likely be tolerated in this day and age. He helped me overcome insecurities and advance very quickly considering the very late start in the sport and only access to limited classes due to finance. True producer of Champoins.

Vicki Morrison McNeely

February 20, 2007

What can I say, that my sister hasn't already said in her entry? The memories Jackie and I have shared over the years are priceless, just like Mr. and Mrs. Hodgini will live on forever in our hearts. One thing Jackie didn't touch on was how Al and Marion took us into their lives and hearts while our father was dying of cancer. Not many teachers would have opened their arms and homes they way they did by letting us stay with them during that tough time. They loved and cared for us as their own. That time was so rough on our mom, but thanks to Al and Marion we all got through it together. I remember being so young when my sister started taking lessons there and I wanted to dance too. The only class that was offered to 5yr olds at the time was Hula...and to this day I still can remember the dance and the coconut shells. The shows, the costumes, the recitals and all the fun we always had in the dressing rooms just before "The Show" will always be with me. Thank you Alicia and Marina for letting all of us be your "siblings" Albert is with Marion now, and I'm sure the dance classes in Heaven are packed to the brim.

Jackie Morrison Rickenbaugh

February 19, 2007

I am a former Hodgini wonder kid!! Oh the memories of all the time I spent at the studio. I took it all. Tap, jazz, ballet(toe)acrobats, ice skating. Mr. Hodgini even taught me "the Spanish Web" one year for our circus themed recital. I learned a lot from Mr. and Mrs. Hodgini, not just dancing either. They pressed me to do my best. They were strict teachers but at the same time you always felt like you were one of their "kids". They put on the best shows be it either dance recitals at Mesker Park (a later at the Civic Center), Aces half-time shows or our travels to Europe in 1971. While in Europe we all came up with a little song. How many other Hodgini dancers recall "...touring Europe, in a bus, there were some fine dancers that was us, run by Al and Marion..." What a great time we all had, touring and peforming in Europe! To this day, I have yet to find a dance recital that could match the quality that the Hodgini's put on. As others have already said, the Hodgini's did a lot for building strong, moral, good kids in the 60's & 70's. Mr. Hodgini will always hold a special place in my heart. Alicia and Marina, my sympathies are with you and thank-you for sharing your parents with so many other kids.

Annette Thurman

February 12, 2007

I was so sad to hear the news. I'll miss hearing his voice at Christmas, "Hello Annette it's Mr. Hodgini, it always took be back. This past year we keep missing each other over the holidays but I did finally get to speak with him and I also sent him an extra note along with my holiday letter. I am so glad I took the time to send it. He was a very loved and admired man. Here's "part" of what I wrote to him and everyone that was a "Hodgini Kid" I'm sure will relate to what I wrote.

I'm so glad I was able to speak with you this afternoon. Know that you will be in my prayers. When we meet for breakfast in Ca. it meant so much to me to see you and Marina and tell you what an important part of my life you've played. I hope you know that..... You and Mrs. Hodgini molded alot of strong, determined and positive "kids" and I am honored to say I was one of the Hodgini kids.

I will truely miss him.

Rebecca Herman

February 11, 2007

I'm so glad my mom forwarded this to me. Mr. Hogini was my first dance teacher in the 60s. My family moved so I wasn't with him for very long but he had a great influence on me and my long-time love of dance and the performing arts. A great teacher! I am thankful that I had the blessing of learning from him.

Jan (Pfeffer) Budenz

February 9, 2007

It has taken several days to even know how to begin. Al Hodgini was the BEST. The best at teaching, designing, dirrecting, and displaying " The Show ". He was also the Best Friend anyone could ever have. Generous beyond belief. I feel so blessed that my mom and dad had " Momma and Daddy " in their lives. I sure hope Al, Marian, and Bill are playing a little game of poker again.........

Barbara (Davis) Modafferi

February 9, 2007

What amazing memories I have of the 18 years I spent as a student and a teacher at Hodgini's School of Dance! Marian and Al were special people. I will cherish everything they taught me throughout my life. Alicia and Marina,my thoughts are with you.

Lori Kelso (Morton)

February 9, 2007

So many memories flood my mind when I think of Mr. & Mrs. Hodgini. Their classes gave me a lifetime of experiences that I would never have traded for anything. My heart goes out to Alicia, Marina and Barry and to everyone that was fortunate enough to have known both Al and Marion.

Julie Mann

February 8, 2007

Tap, Ballet, Acrobat and Jazz! My dance lessons with Mrs. Hodgini are still so clear in my mind... wonderful, fond memories. The scarf she wore over her leotards around her waist... her perfume... the dance recitals at Mesker Park Amphitheater and the rehearsals before the recital... well, you better know that dance before Mr. Hodgini came upstairs to watch! I am still tap dancing today and all of those wonderful memories are relived and cherished. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hodgini~

Pamela Burch Matthews

February 8, 2007

Al & Marian taught me so much more than dance. They taught me to work hard and to not settle for average; that I could always do better than my first or even my second efforts..they taught me discipline and professionalism. They taught me these values at a very impressionable time in my young life and, I've continued to use these tools every day since. Role models they were indeed..and I am so fortunate to have been one of their students. My love to you Alicia and Marina..and my gratitude to Al & Marian, who will always be in my prayers.

Jennie Burch Eberhard

February 8, 2007

What a wonderful family. I have so many great memories of Mr Hodgini.

Barbara Baker

February 8, 2007

To a true friend in every sense of the word, an inspiring teacher. There was never a dull moment - so many fascinating stories of a life we can only imagine. We loved you Al.

Jeanne Sexson

February 8, 2007

Mr. Hodgini was a unique man. I took skating classes (and taught there for a time) many years ago. I never forgot your mom and dad. They were in a class by themselves.

Sallie Boyer

February 8, 2007

Many fond memories!
Sallie Boyer (Halsey)

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