There is less than a month left before the Dancing with the Vernon Stars celebrity dancers have to perform, and most of them have no dance experience at all.
“Indicative of our wonderful community, these volunteers have put themselves out there, out of their comfort zone, to help raise money for the beloved North Okanagan Hospice Society,” said dance instructor and event organizer Lorna Robb, with Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio.
“The theme this year is Believe and everyone involved has to really believe.”
Richard Finn, from event sponsor Wayside, said he truly believes in trying new things, something that will push him to be a better person.
“If I stay in my comfort zone then I’m really not challenging myself,” he said.
Also on board to sponsor the Fifth Annual Dancing with the Vernon Stars is The Morning Star, Digital Dean Photography, Kiss FM, Crush Bistro, Harris Flowers, AE Berry Insurance, Naked Media, Advertising Works, Tolko Industries, and many other local businesses.
Each year organizers try to include a dancer from the Hospice House itself. This year’s representative, Valerie Blundell, reflects that there are similarities between dancing for this event and what the Hospice House offers.
“I believe in my abilities, giving and getting help, personal growth through facing challenges and setting goals,” she said. “Much like working here at Hospice House, preparing to dance has been an opportunity for me to identify and acknowledge my beliefs while working with some great people.”
Show wizards Dave and Lorraine Brotsky and Rick Doling and their teams will bring lighting and sound expertise to enhance the dancers and The Legendary Lake Monsters dance band.
“The participants are all amazing people that really have kept me excited and strong in my belief that what we put together for Dancing with the Vernon Stars really matters,” said Robb. “They have helped me overcome obstacles to this event.
“With all this positive energy you can bet it will be a brilliant night.”
In addition to Finn and Blundell (with partner Myles Ferryman), this year’s dancers are: Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky, doing the foxtrot with Robb; Coun. Brian Quiring and wife Dorothy; Annette Sharkey, Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan, and partner Cliff Lattery; Angie and Matt Tumlinson, The Sprouted Fig; Dennis Beaton, Watkin Motors; Darcy Sochan, Century 21; George Duffy, Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and wife Alanna; and Galina Labun, Vantage One Credit Union, and husband Daniel.
Dancing with the Vernon Stars takes place Oct. 5 at the Vernon Recreation Complex auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the night starts with dance music by The Legendary Lake Monsters. The dance is followed by an opening dance number by the Cheek to Cheek formation team. Then the 10 dance competitors each perform a two-minute routine which the judges will score and comment on.
The audience participation is very important and all ticket holders receive one free vote and are encouraged to purchase additional votes (for $5) to place in the voting box of their favourite dance team (all proceeds to the NOHS). For those who cannot make the actual event, votes can be purchased online prior to the event at www.nohs.ca or www.dwtvs.com or from the dancing celebrities themselves. The evening will end with the awards ceremony and more dance music.
To purchase tickets go to the websites above, see your favourite dancing celebrity or contact Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio at 3401A-30 Ave., Vernon, or call 250-545-6539.
