[SlideDeck2 id=77781]
A new slate of Fredericksburg-area community leaders has been named to perform in the second annual Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars on Saturday, October 11, to raise money for a performing arts scholarship at the University of Mary Washington. Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars will begin at 7 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium, followed by a reception under the stars.
Performers will include Theresa Crawley, a local dentist and member of the UMW Board of Visitors; Lisa Crittenden, executive director of the Hope House; Janel Donohue, president of Rappahannock United Way; John Fick president and CEO of J.F. Fick Inc.; Regis Keddie II, senior vice president of investments at Davenport and Co.; Rose Hurley, wife of University President Richard V. Hurley; John Moss Jr., attorney with Rinehart, Butler, Hodge, Moss & Bryant, PLC; Florence Ridderhof, a community volunteer and patron of the arts; John Wack, president of Eastern Sports Management and owner of the Fredericksburg Field House; and Joe Wilson, owner of Perma Treat Pest Control and a member of the UMW Board of Visitors.
“A community lacking in art is a community lacking in soul,” said Moss, a Fredericksburg native. “Fredericksburg has plenty of soul, and I am eager to put my dance moves to the test in this friendly competition.”
Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars is modeled after the popular ABC television series Dancing with the Stars, now in its 17th season. In the Fredericksburg version, the 10 regional “stars” are paired with professional dancers from Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio in Fredericksburg to compete for the top award, the Mirror Ball Trophy. The audience will vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Hall of Famer and former Washington Redskin Darrell Green will host the event, and a panel of judges will offer commentary following each dance. This year’s judges include: Gaye Adegbalola,Fredericksburg resident and international jazz musician; Corey Von Ginkel, member of the National Dance Council of America; and Susan Spears, president of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and a contestant in last year’s event.
A portion of the proceeds from the performance will be used to endow the UMW Performing Arts in the Community Scholarship for regional students who excel in music, theatre or dance. Last year’s inaugural event grossed approximately $65,000.
Tickets go on sale July 7 at http://fredericksburgstars.umw.edu for $85, plus a $5 processing fee, of which $75 is tax deductible. Seats are selected and reserved at the time of purchase. For more information, contact (540) 654-1065.
Last years “Dancing with the Fredericksburg Stars” was a rousing success. This year should be even more fun and exciting. Good luck to all the contestants (especially Florence Ridderhof)! I’m looking forward to the evening with great anticipation.