Mike and April Ferry have been married for just over one year, but the couple has known each other since their days at Marshall Middle School. After losing touch when they parted ways for high school, they reconnected years later, when Mike Ferry sent April Ferry a Facebook message. They’ve been together ever since.
On Friday, Nov. 13, the Plant City natives will be participating in the annual Dancing with the Locals competition. Although they’ve never danced in or attended the Noon Rotary competition, they jumped at the opportunity. The couple was asked to compete by the owner of Patterson Companies Inc., Steve Howard, and his wife, Krista Howard.
Mike Ferry works for the company, which is a logistics business that transports produce from the East Coast to the Northeast.
“I would call him a benefactor of the community,” Mike Ferry said. “We didn’t want to let Steve and Krista down.”
“I was very excited,” April Ferry said. “I was thankful to be asked.”
The couple is taking weekly lessons from Kevin Rios, of Just Dance, in Lakeland.
“Kevin and Maria have been great with us,” April Ferry said. “We chose a contemporary Christian song, which we’re excited about. Our faith is really important to us.”
The Ferrys attend Shiloh Baptist Church, where they volunteer with children. April Ferry also helps with the women’s ministry. She has been attending the church almost 16 years, while Mike Ferry began attending about three years ago.
“We want to inspire (with our dance),” April Ferry said.
Although this will be her husband’s debut on the dance floor, April Ferry danced regularly from the age of 3 to the time she graduated high school.
As a child, she took lessons at Jackie’s Dance Studio in tap, ballet and jazz. She also has experience in clogging and gymnastics, and was on a competition cheer team. She continues to stay fit by taking Zumba classes regularly.
“I’m nervous because he’s never danced before,” April Ferry said. “It can definitely be fun, but it’s an art too. Ballroom dancing has kind of been one of those things on my bucket list.”
The couple is especially looking forward to dancing for a good cause.
“That’s one of the things we’re thankful for, raising money for our hometown,” Mike Ferry said.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
What was your reaction when asked?
“I said, ‘Yes,’ right away,” April Ferry said.
“I said, ‘Yes,’ as well,” Mike Ferry said.
What style of dance will you be doing?
A contemporary ramba to a contemporary Christian song.
Do you have any prior dance experience?
April Ferry has experience in jazz, ballet and tap, in addition to clogging and competitive cheer. Mike Ferry does not have dance experience, but the couple does watch “Dancing with the Stars” together.
DANCING WITH THE LOCALS
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens (813) 716-0908