By Shelley Bennett
Two weeks ago, I started writing this article and an hour or two later, I could barely keep my eyes open. So, I slept and slept and slept and woke up Wednesday afternoon feeling 80% better. While I know this is somewhat old news, Dancing for a Brand New Me is one of my favorite events in Lassen County and I am so proud of all the participants and organizers.
Let me tell you about my favorite performances. John McGarva and Doria Dalu knocked it out of the park with their ballroom performance. It opened with Doria sunning herself on a lounge chair and John dressed as a ship’s captain. Their costuming, props, and music choice all worked together for a very cohesive dance.
Melanie Westbrook and Luke Petersen wowed me with their contemporary number in the Dancer’s Choice category. Luke’s choreography showed their vulnerabilities, but also their strengths as he lifted Melanie with grace. The ending pose depicted the two sheltering each other against the outside world.
Seanne McElrath and Barbara Longo showcased a spicy Tango in the ballroom division. With perfect costuming (Seanne’s red shoes/Barbara’s red blouse), a prop that really elevated the difficulty, and sharp movements, they left it all on the dance floor. Barbara’s enthusiasm and willingness to go all out all of the time was inspiring.
Suzanne Peery and Alex McElrath were one of my favorite couples. They started off the night with a fun disco to “September” and had the crowd clapping and keeping time to the music. Alex is the perfect partner, he always makes the star look good in an effortless way. Their performance made me want to get up and dance.
Casey and Celeste Wiser stole the hearts of the audience with their last number. It was an intimate lyrical/contemporary performance that felt like it could have been the first dance at their wedding. Their chemistry and connection were undeniable. Such a wonderful tribute to their love and family.
I didn’t have a favorite of Seth Anderson and Amanda Tannous. Because THEY ALL ROCKED! They opened up with an amazing 90s tribute to the iconic music and movies of the decade, including a parody of Titanic, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, a salute to Men In Black. It. Was. Epic.
The next round, they came out in full costume as the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts and danced a crazy quickstep to “Killer Queen.” Their characters were really brought to life through their partner work and whimsical choreography.
Their last dance left the crowd in silence as Seth portrayed a soldier with PTSD and Amanda danced as Death. It was so symbolic with the stark lighting, angular poses, and raw emotion on both of their faces. Amanda took some risks as a choreographer and it definitely paid off. There were so many layers and I’m still thinking about it weeks later.
Seth and Amanda walked away as the Judge’s Choice winners, as well as People’s Choice and Audience’s Choice on night one. Suzanne and Alex were awarded the Audience’s Choice award on night two.
Over $30,000 was raised for Lassen Family Services and their work with domestic violence victims. Their next big fund raiser is the Eagles and Beach Boys tribute concerts in December. Please check out their social media pages for more details. And get up and dance!
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.”
