One of Susanville’s most spectacular fundraising events of the year is coming up on October 16th and 17th, and organizers of the Dancing for a Brand New Me show say that despite COVID-19 restrictions they are planning on putting together a fantastic show again this year.
This is the 7th year for Lassen Family Services’ dance extravaganza. The competition features six well-known and talented community dancers who are paired with six professional dancers from local dance studios.
The couples will dance to a variety of genres in three rounds in a competition similar to network television’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with a panel of judges commenting on the performances at the end of each round.
The Dancing for a Brand New Me event was created by the LFS team in 2014 as an attempt to bring something new to the community through outreach and entertainment with the focus on domestic violence. Former Lassen Family Services Executive Director, Melissa Downing, and Jennifer House, from House of Dance, were instrumental in bringing it from inspiration into reality.
“Dancing For A Brand New Me is Lassen Family Services’ primary fundraising event to support services provided to victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence,” explains LFS Executive Assistant Carla Price who oversees the massive production of the yearly show.
“These services are provided for free and in part rely on the support from the local community and the online community in general. It is a great night out, please join us for an evening of fun and competition.”
Meet the Dancers – Vote for your favorite dance team! Votes are one dollar a piece and each vote helps that team’s final People’s Choice Award score during Saturday night’s competition. The more times you vote, the higher their score.
Marshel Couso
Susanville Star – Co-Owner of SusanvilleStuff – Life Long (53 years) Susanville Resident
I was born and raised in Susanville. I attended Johnstonville Elementary and graduated from Credence High School. I was the executive assistant to the vice president at Lassen College for 12 years. Now, I am the co-owner of SusanvilleStuff with my multi-talented and amazing husband, Jeremy.
I have two incredible children, Robert and Jessica, and I’m the proud grandmother to three amazing grandchildren, Mayson, Meah and Peyton. Being a survivor of domestic abuse, I feel deeply honored to help raise awareness in our community.
Thomas Herrera
Choreographer – Former Star of Dancing for a Brand New Me – Rookie Professional
I am Thomas Herrera. I danced as a Susanville Star for Dancing for a Brand New Me a few years ago. I am honored and excited to have been asked to come back as a professional. This will be my first year as a choreographer, but I have been performing and dancing for the last 10 years.
This year has been a year of firsts, as I am a newly appointed City Council member, I am a newlywed and early 2021 will be a new dad. Having lived in Susanville for the last twelve years, I am excited to give back to our amazing community!
Tara Bias
Susanville Star – Administrative Assistant to the Vice Principal of Student Services, Lassen Community College – 13 years Susanville Resident
Hello! I am Tara Rae Bias. I am 43 years old. I met my husband Wayne when we were 12. We have been married 20 years. We have 5 wonderful children; Easton 8, Shelby 14, Julia 17, Lane 18 and Dominic 19.
I work for Lassen Community College and I am the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Student Services. I love to dance, and I love supporting a good cause so Dancing for a Brand New Me is a perfect fit and a wonderful opportunity to help our community.
Seanne McElrath
Professional – House of Dance – 7th year Professional
I am Seanne McElrath. I am originally from Reno, Nevada, but have spent most of my life in Susanville. I have been dancing for over 20 years and have participated in many local events for the arts. I have been a professional dancer for Dancing for a Brand New Me since it started seven years ago.
I like to work with the other professional dancers, as needed, to help them with teaching their Star partners. Whether I am a choreographer, performing, or instructing, I am always happy to serve our wonderful Lassen County community. I currently teach classes at House of Dance.
When I am not dancing, you can find me at Forest Office Equipment, where I have worked for the last five years or at home with my sweet baby girl watching Tiger King. I am deeply humbled and honored to be involved with such a noble event.
Billy Hoffman
Susanville Star – Assistant Engineer, City of Susanville – Susanville Native
Billy was born and raised in Susanville California with his brother Jesse and his twin brother Jimmy. While growing up in Susanville, Billy was able to have many adventures from catching gofer snakes and blue belly lizards behind McKinley school to being the Homecoming King his Senior year in High School. Suffice it to say Billy worked the ranks to become the Homecoming King, he was the Junior Prince and the J.V. Prince for Homecoming his Junior and Sophomore years in high school.
After graduation Billy moved to Idaho where he helicopter logged, while there he survived a flash flood and many hard-dangerous days of working in the woods. After Billy decided that he no longer wanted to work in the woods, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. This is where he started his career in Land Surveying/Engineering at the age of 20. This is also where Billy met his future wife Jennie.
In the year 2000 Billy moved back to Susanville with Jennie so Billy could work for the City of Susanville as the Engineer Aide. Billy was able to promote to Engineer Tech for the City in no time.
In 2001 Billy eloped with Jennie to Reno, Nevada with Jennie’s parent’s approval. (No, she was not pregnant) Billy and Jennie moved to Ripon, California in 2005. In the winter of 2008 Billy and Jennie welcomed their first-born daughter Annie, (who is named after Billy’s Mom) she was the blessing they had been wishing for.
In the summer of 2008 Billy, Jennie and Annie moved back to Susanville. Billy was able to return to the City of Susanville as the Engineering Tech where he is still working as the Assistant Engineer.
In 2012 Billy, Jennie and Annie welcomed Annie’s little sister Clara (who is named after the character Clara in the Nutcracker) into their family. Billy enjoys spending time with his family and supporting them in all that they do from coaching Softball to helping clean the Veteran’s Hall during Best of Broadway.
Billy would like to dedicate his performances to the survivors of Domestic Violence and to those “who did not make it out”. He would also like to dedicate his performances to his Uncle Bimbo (Vern) Bohanan for always being his protector when he was growing up.
Doria Dalu
Professional – House of Dance – 6th year D4BNM Professional
It is an honor to be invited back as a choreographer for Dancing for a Brand New Me. This is my sixth year, and being a survivor of domestic violence, it gives me pleasure to help raise awareness for this venue.
I started dancing at age 15 when my mother took me and my sister to a Polynesian dance studio in Buena Park, CA. I went on to learn the Jitter Bug in our front room taught by my father. As a senior in high school, I was asked to choreograph the high school play, which consisted of multiple jazz and ballroom style dances. It was not long after graduating that I started performing professionally. Traveling to other states, I have performed in Las Vegas, and at Sea World in Florida, Ohio and San Diego.
I have also performed at NFL linebacker, Jr. Seau’s wedding, and filmed a special with singer, Wayne Newton and comedian, Ruth Buzzy. Last year I directed in Susanville’s Best of Broadway revue. This year I am honored and happy to be a part of Lassen Family Services’ Dancing for a Brand New Me.
Elizabeth Darley
Susanville Star – Facilitator, Lassen Prevention and Instructor, Lassen Community College – 25 years Susanville Resident
My name is Elizabeth Darley. I have enjoyed raising my family in the giving community of Lassen County for nearly 25 years. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences beginning my career serving in Lassen County Schools. I returned to school to receive a ministry degree from Global University and I am now a licensed minister.
My passion is advocacy, support, and education for youth and adults to better their lives. I am trained and experienced in facilitating art workshops for adults and youth, instructing life skills, career readiness, and parenting classes. I have spent the last ten years providing resources and services for victims of violent crime and empowering youth with leadership and communication skills to become successful adults.
I’ve extended my mission in prevention of violence as a facilitator at Lassen Prevention, and instructing adults to attain their potential as an instructor at Lassen Community College. In 2015, I founded the non-profit “Students Turn 4 Greatness” continuing my prevention work. “We are all students of life, and we’re here for a purpose, on purpose.”
Luke Petersen
Choreographer – House of Dance – 2nd year D4BNM Professional
I am Luke Peterson. I am returning to Dancing for a Brand New Me for my second round as a professional. I currently work in Herlong, but in my free time I like to dance for House of Dance. We have danced at the Lassen County Fair and for the Reno Bighorns. I have also been a dancer in Susanville’s Best of Broadway. I am well known for my lifts and turns.
Vote for the Prohibition Posse
Joshua Blackburn
Susanville Star – Vice Principal, Lassen High School – 4 years Susanville Resident
My name is Joshua Blackburn, and I am the future Dancing for a Brand New Me 2020 champion. I have been the Assistant Principal (not the Assistant to the Principal) at Lassen High School since the 2016/17 school year.
I was born in the armpit of California, AKA Bakersfield, and attended Simpson University in Redding, CA to play Tom St. Jacques’ favorite sport, soccer. It is there where I met my smokin’-hot wife, Christina.
We got married after our Junior year because I needed to put a ring on it before she smartened up and realized she could do (much) better.
After finishing my master’s degree, Christina and I moved to Manteca, CA to start our teaching careers.
After a few years we moved to Indonesia to teach at an International Christian School called Sekolah Pelita Harapan.
We then moved to good ol’ Susanville so I could work at the best high school there is, Lassen High School.
We now have a total of three girls, Avalyn, 5, Noelle, 3, and Hope, 1. I am actively looking into finding a way to hide them from all boys for the next 10-78 years, so if you have any idea please let me know. #WeAreLassen “If you ain’t first, you’re last. You know, you know what I’m talking about.” – Ricky Bobby
Amanda Tannous
Professional – Instructor House of Dance – 2nd year D4BNM Professional
My name is Amanda Tannous and this is my second year as a choreographer for Dancing for a Brand New Me. I am mom to AadaMarie and Tanner. We have lived in Susanville for three years. I was born in Fresno, where I graduated from Fresno City College in 2013 with my associate degree in dance. Dance is my passion and I hope it is reflected in all that I do.
I love to teach modern dance at House of Dance and direct for Susanville’s Best of Broadway.
I love that Dancing for a Brand New Me provides a positive way to bring about awareness for domestic violence. But, my favorite thing about D4BNM is working with Carla, she is the best!
Click here to vote for Cool Runnings
Jimmy Crandall
Susanville Star – Captain, California Correctional Center – 17 years Susanville Resident
I am Jimmy Crandall. I have lived in Susanville, since 2003 when I moved up here to start my career as a correctional peace officer.
I have always been a dedicated family man and have coached both of my daughters over the years, including soccer, softball, and basketball.
Currently, I am the Lassen High School’s girls wrestling coach. I love the outdoors, and especially love to ride my Harley.
Celeste Wiser
Professional – Instructor J&J Dance Studio – 4th year D4BNM Professional
I am a mom of two beautiful girls and happily married to my husband, KC Wiser. I serve Lassen County as a registered nurse and nursing instructor at Lassen Community College. I have danced my whole life starting at J and J Performing Arts and continued to train anywhere I moved or traveled.
This is my 4th time participating in Dancing for a Brand New Me. I am proud to be involved in such a great cause that brings awareness to our community about domestic violence. I have met many people who have been affected by such acts in my line of work as well as some of my family and friends.
It is crucial that we bring awareness and show that there is support, self-worth, and love for these victims.
