It was my family who first introduced me to Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004, while I was in graduate school in London, bouts of homesickness often sent me to the Middlesex home of my mom’s cousin, Nergish (Nergish Auntie to me), for weekends filled with comfort food and companionship. Nergish Auntie’s high-school aged daughter, Renisa, kept me up to date on all things pop culture. “What do you mean you haven’t seen Strictly Come Dancing? You have to watch it with me,” she insisted one evening.
With judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli trading witty remarks, I was instantly hooked. We eagerly voted for our favorite dancers—me on my trusty Nokia 3310, Renisa using not one but two cell phones.
When the show crossed the Atlantic in 2005 as Dancing With the Stars, complete with Goodman and Tonioli, I remained a devoted fan. I was delighted when I learned that pro dancer Alan Bersten has ties to Edina. His brother, Gene Bersten, and sister-in-law, Elena Bersten, own Dance With Us America, a studio tucked inside Southdale Center. Over the years, countless locals have passed by its doors—perhaps without realizing that inside, dancers of all ages were finding confidence, discipline and joy. This talented family has quietly shaped generations in our community. We’re fortunate to have them here and honored to share their family’s story in our annual family issue.
I’m also excited to share with you the story of Tori Haines, who moved here to be closer to her grandchildren. The bungalow she bought wasn’t suited for aging in place, so she turned to Edina Magazine’s Best of Edina issue in search of help. That’s where she discovered Kelly Vickers of Zimmer Design, who transformed her home into a space that is both beautiful and thoughtfully designed to support her for years to come.
Have a wonderful June and summer solstice.
Join us as we follow Edina Magazine’s editor, Feroza Mehta, as she prepares for the Mrs. International Pageant, taking place July 23–24 in Skokie, Illinois. Visit mrsinternational.com to learn more about her platform and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
