I connected with Marguerite because I wanted to write about the famous Siesta Key Drum Circle, where she is one of the founders, knowing nothing about her incredible life path. So, I decided to write a separate article about this beautiful soul. In her early 70s, Marguerite defies age with her vibrant spirit and impressive achievements. Her journey, from an accomplished medical career to her passionate engagement with dance, is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Sitting across from Marguerite, I felt an immediate connection, especially when she mentioned her involvement in classical Indian dance. Having lived in India for many years, this fact touched my heart profoundly. It’s not often you meet someone who seamlessly bridges the worlds of Western medicine and Eastern artistic expression.
Marguerite began by sharing her impressive academic background. She graduated from the Joint Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program and has been a practicing surgeon for forty years. I was stunned by how this fragile yet strong-willed woman accomplished so much. Her journey included eleven years of military service, during which she received top-notch surgical training in Hawaii. “I was on call for thirty-six hours straight with no sleep taking care of people,” Marguerite recalled. Her military career also included a stint as a general surgeon in Honduras. However, the demands of military life often clashed with her aspirations. “Every time I got engaged, I would get assigned to work in another country,” she explained, highlighting her sacrifices.
After a brief detour in Naples, Marguerite settled in Sarasota, where she opened a spa and practice offering nutritional counseling, massages, acupuncture, facials, and yoga. Remarkably, she designed the spa herself. These days, she resides in Sarasota and practices as a plastic surgeon.
But what truly fascinated me was Marguerite’s deep passion for dance. She performs at many venues with different bands, but currently, she performs mainly with DCSD and her husband, Shawn.
Marguerite’s connection to dance is rich and varied. She began exploring dance forms, such as belly dance, Sufi whirling, hula hooping, flamenco, and fire dancing. She was introduced to classical Indian dance after age 60, and as Marguerite says: “I thank my guru Shaila Sateesh for taking a chance on such an elderly dancer.” (This statement made me smile as Marguerite’s movements are precise and gracious, so I can’t even imagine her age.) This eclectic mix highlights her belief in dance as a universal expression. “Wherever there have been humans and fire, there has been dancing,” she mused.
Her involvement with the Siesta Key Drum Circle, a community gathering she’s participated in since its early days, underscores her dedication to dance and community. The Siesta Key Drum Circle started in the early 90s and has grown from small gatherings to significant events, attracting diverse crowds. Marguerite has witnessed its evolution and its impact on the community. From drumming to dancing, the Siesta Key Drum Circle remains a vibrant testament to the power of rhythm and community.
Marguerite’s dedication to dance led her to incorporate aerial silks into her performances with Didges Christ Superdrum. “I started incorporating it in our performances,” she shared. This innovative approach added a new dimension to her dynamic performance in the past. However, since aerial rigs are challenging to set up, Marguerite rarely includes them except during festivals. These days, she continues to learn new dance forms, including aerial silk.
Marguerite and Shawn often take their drums and dance performances to nursing homes, bringing joy and healing to many. “Patients who had been catatonic would suddenly respond to the rhythms, shaking little shakers and even smiling,” she said, her eyes shining with compassion.
In our conversation, Marguerite also shared her struggles and triumphs. After a challenging few marriages and years of dating, she found love and companionship with Shawn, whom she married on October 23 and has been with for 17 years. While initially hindered by conflicting schedules, their relationship flourished as they found creative ways to be together.
Marguerite’s resilience is also evident in her personal life. After being disowned by her adoptive parents, she navigated the challenges throughout life and eventually tracked down her natural mother in Yokohama. “If you think I’m interesting, you should go interview my mother,” she said, recounting her mother’s journey from Japan to the United States and her brief romance with Frank Sinatra.
Barnett’s life is filled with adventure, creativity, and an unyielding spirit. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the healing power of dance, the importance of community, and the endless possibilities life offers when we follow our passions. Her journey, filled with heartache and joy, inspires all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
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