IF THERE was one woman who touched the hearts of Ballarat's community members it was Margery Welsh.
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An icon of Ballarat and the dancing world, there would be only few who could say they've never heard of her.
On Friday Marge died peacefully at the P.S Hobson Nursing Home.
*Scroll down to leave your tributes to Marge Welsh.
A teacher, mentor and friend, Marge was instrumental in Ballarat's dancing scene, guiding much of the region's debutantes throughout their formative years.
Someone who will miss her dearly will be her best friend Glenyce Butler.
For the past 53 years Marge and Glenyce have been inseparable, their relationship the true definition of friendship.
"She was a beautiful giving person," Mrs Butler said.
"She had excellent ideals, she helped so many young people and never judged anyone.
"She took people for who they were."
Marge moved to Ballarat with her husband Jim Welsh in 1960, opening their own studio (Jim Welsh Dance Studio) that was soon to become one of Ballarat's most recognised dance studios.
Arriving in Ballarat wearing her red leopard-skin tights, it was going to be the beginning of a formidable relationship with the community many will never forget.
There was only one thing the three-time Australian champion ballroom dancer loved more than her best friend and family, and that was sharing her love of dance with others.
"Everybody came across her at some stage in their lives," Mrs Butler said.
"People respected her, they would do anything for her.
"She was never afraid to help people financially either, if someone came into the studio with no shoes, Marge and Jim would buy them a pair."
Marge began competitive dancing when she met her husband at the age of 18, but it was always in her blood with her mother also a competitive dancer.
As a dance teacher, she taught thousands of students the steps that will forever be ever intertwined in their lives.
And despite handing over the reins of the studio in 1998, dancing remained a part of Marge up until her final days.
Like many, Mrs Butler will always cherish Marge's charming character and all-round lovable nature.
"I will miss her, I've seen her every day for the last few years ... I was closer to her than my own mother."
"But she is with Jim now, they will be dancing around together again."
Tributes flooded social media in the hearing of her passing with many people taking the time to remember the impact Marge made on their lives.
A service for Marge will be held at 2pm on Thursday, March 12 at St Peter's Anglican Church.
Did Marge teach you to dance? Leave your tributes and memories below.
