Lake Area United Way will be the recipient charity for the 2013 ‘Dancing with the Local Stars’ contest featuring local amateurs who will compete and perform publicly just like the wildly popular TV show to raise money for this year’s United Way campaign.
The fun-filled, friendly competition will be held from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 21 at Star Plaza Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. Tickets for the event are $20 for adults and $10 for youth age 17 or under, and are good for all the evening’s activities.
The fundraiser is part of the 2013 Indiana Challenge ballroom dance competition which is going on at Star Plaza from February 21–24. If you’ve never attended the “Dancing with the Local Stars’ contest or the main event, you’re in for a special treat!
Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Lake Area United Way by check, cash or credit card or at the door. Checks should be made out to the ‘Lake Area United Way’ and mailed to: 221 W. Ridge Road, Griffith, Indiana 46319 or by calling (219) 923-2302, extension 302.
Tim and Sue Bourget from Second Street Dance Studio in Schererville have organized the competition since its beginning in 1993. “We’re thrilled to again partner with United Way,” said Mr. Bourget. “Ballroom dancing is more popular than ever. This event is fun for everyone, young and old.”
According to the Bourget’s, the competitors have spent the last 8-10 weeks learning two routines taught to them by a local dance instructor who will also be their dance partner that evening. The instructors have all donated their time to make sure each amateur is ready.
This year’s Dancing with the Local Stars contestants include:
§ Hobart Mayor Brian Snedecor performing with Caroline Hamilton of Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Merrillville
§ Valparaiso High School Principal Reed Amones dancing with Michelle Coberg of Fred Astaire Dance Studio located in Valparaiso
§ Arthur Stark, co-owner and chef of Scarborough Faire Catering & Café, and Jessica Sartori from Gotta Dance Studio in Schererville.
§ Imelba O’Neil, Title One teacher and Aaron Coberg of Duneland Ballroom in Chesterton
§ Ed Salata, branch director of the Hammond Area YMCA*, and Danielle Karczewski also of Duneland Ballroom in Chesterton
§ Jennifer Holmes, executive assistant at Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana*, with Kenneth Kollasch III from Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Merrillville
§ Karlene Cantrell, RPT, physical therapist at Earthworks Center, performing with John Nilsson of Premier Dance Studio in Dyer
§ Eric Carpenter with Franciscan Alliance, paired with April Rodriguez of Premier Dance Studio in Dyer
The competition will start with all eight contestants dancing the Four-Count Hustle together at the same time to work out the jitters. Following the group performance, the contestants will perform a solo routine with their dance instructor/partner. Spectators can expect to see performances from the foxtrot, mambo, rumba, samba, tango, and many other favorites.
For more information, go to: www.indianachallenge.com or visit: www.lauw.org