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About Us » History & Archives » 2007: Steel Pier » Meet the Characters of Steel Pier » Couple No. 26
Couple No. 26
Dancer's Names: Johnny Adel & Dora Foster
About Johnny
Johann "Johnny" Adel was born in 1900 to Benjamin and Anna Adel who immigrated to the Boston area from the Netherlands in 1888. The third of three boys, Johnny was a rebellious but gifted youngster who, at an early age, showed a remarkable aptitude for athletics. His parents worked hard to get Johnny into a private high school in Boston, where he excelled in athletics, especially gymnastics and wrestling. His academic and athletic abilities earned him a full scholarship to Princeton. Sadly, both parents were killed in an accident immediately following his graduation from high school.
While at Princeton, he completed a B.A. and M.A. in liberal arts; however, his primary focus during college was developing his skills as a wrestler, and in 1926 he was added to the roster of the US Olympic Wrestling team. Always a determined and driven young man, Johnny won the gold medal in the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.
He returned to Princeton in 1930 to join the coaching staff at Princeton, but hard financial times have encouraged Johnny to find additional income. Remembering the good times he and his college buddies had in Atlantic City, Johnny heard he could make easy cash by entering a dance marathon, just another sport that Johnny is determined to win.
About Dora
Born April 27, 1890 in Chicago Illinios, Dora is the 3rd of 4 children, the only daughter. Growing up, Dora was always praised for her looks but was schooled at the most pritigious schools. Her three brothers went on to college while Dora stayed behind to work with her father at his very successful fabric company.
In her 20's Dora began modeling in small shops an enjoyed the attention and comments she received. She had a little taste of fame and decided to make the big move to New York City to model at some of the famous showrooms that she always dreamed of. She remained in New York for years, never paying too much attention to any suitors that made the effort to crack her cold exterior. Dora enjoyed the control of deciding her fate. She had money and a fun free life why did she need to settle for less than the best.
Then in 1929, her world crashed along with the stock market. The fashion houses that she so loved could not use her or afford her. Dora was lost: she struggled to stay in New York but put her dream on hold and moved back to the comfort of her family in Chicago. She stuck it out for 18 months and then returned to New York City and the life and friends she missed. She held so hope that she could re-enter the fashion world.
She was wrong. Her friends had moved on and did not need her (or could not afford her anymore). Walking past Grand Central Station she spotted a flyer for a dance marathon in Atlantic City... "Cash prizes." She was on the next train. She has dream. She will not settle, and this is just a set back.
The roles of Johnny Adel and Dora Foster will be played by David Occhino and Margie DiPaolo.
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