by Shelley Bennett
I can’t wait until Friday because this week ends with the 11th annual Dancing for a Brand New Me, an innovative fundraiser for Lassen Family Services focused on raising awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Modeled after the popular ABC show “Dancing for the Stars,” four local choreographers partner with prominent community members who don’t have professional dance experience.
The evening opens with a Fairytale-themed dance where audience members will be entertained by the couples as iconic fictional characters. Choreographer Nicomi Reed and her partner Casey Lee will tell the story of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Johan Kampfraat will dance the part of Beast with his choreographer Morgan Whitlow as Belle.
Little Red Riding Hood and Wolf will be played by Christy Petersen and her choreographer/brother in law Luke. Choreographer Celeste Wiser as Snow White with her partner Leon Myers rounds out the cast.
In the second act, couples will dance to songs by Music Legends and lastly the ever-popular category of Dancer’s Choice will help the judges make their final choice.
Local celeb Casey Lee is most excited to show off his choreographer’s amazing teaching ability. He says that Nicomi “dedicates so much time to her craft. The choreography, the song mixing, the creative ideas, and finding ways to blend my ideas with hers.”
Casey thinks that people might be surprised that he has “any rhythm at all” and hints that he “has a couple things in store to show [his] body isn’t too broken down!”
This year’s judges panel consists of former pros, including Jilliane (Singleton) Laughlin and Seanne McElrath.
One of the organizers, Angie Reed, said there’s “a couple of twists and turns that everyone will enjoy.”
This year’s production is sponsored by Hat Creek Construction and Jennifer Petersen. Co-organizer Jennie Hoffman said they are seeking more sponsors and if you would like to, please call the office (530-257-4599) and they will send a staff member to your place of business.
Jennie is also the genius behind the decorating and I can’t wait to see her vision of light and airy as you enter the Vets Hall, to something more dark and serious inside. As she said, “It’s a fairytale until it’s not anymore,” a comment not only on the décor but on how suddenly domestic violence can appear in your life.
Kassie Satica, another member of this amazing organizing committee, confirmed that there will be a People’s Choice Award, so get ready to donate/vote for your favorite couple. There will also be an online silent auction with lots of great items to bid on.
Tickets are still available, so get yours at $20 apiece and prepare for a fun night supporting a great cause. As Celeste Wiser reminded me, “it’s not just a dance competition, it’s a fundraising competition. Be sure to donate under your favorite couple—all proceeds benefit Lassen Family Services.”
Click here to purchase tickets online.
On Friday, the show starts at 7:00 and doors open at 6:30, Saturday’s show is at 6:00, doors open at 5:30. All shows are at the Vets Hall on Main Street and tickets can be purchased at Margie’s Book Nook, Zaengle’s Floor & Home, Lassen Family Services, and online.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
