Dancing with the Stars in Harrisonburg
Liberty Anderson, staff writer
Picture this, team Loan glides down the dance floor with a classic I hate you, I love you dynamic in their Tango. Well executed, they show off the star, Corri Loan, and his new skills. The Tango is a classic way to shows both sides, the fights and romance involved in a working relationship.
Ballroom dance is a social, formal, and rhythmic form of dance. Since it is often competitive, it has inspired hit TV shows like Dancing with the Stars. It has also inspired local events fundraisers like Dancing with the Stars of the ‘Burg. Dancing with the Stars of the ‘Burg was a fundraiser to support the Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center. The final competition was held on Sunday, Sept. 11.
This year the seven teams raised just over $100,000 combined for the Child Day Care Center. Throughout the past few months, teams have been raising money at various wineries and breweries, as well as preparing their dance routines.
The teams competed for three trophies, the Mirror Ball, the Judges Award, and the People’s Choice. The Mirror Ball is awarded to the team who raised the most money. The Judges Award goes to the team with the highest technical score, from the judges based on their routine. The People’s Choice goes to the team with the most votes at the end of the night.
This year for the first time ever one team got two trophies. Team Lokey won the Mirror Ball and the Judges Award. They scored a perfect 30 on their Cha Cha routine, and they raised the most money.
Libbi Fitzgerald is the Pro on the team, and she has been on the winning team for six years. Team Loan won the People’s choice for their Tango.
I found out about Dancing with The Stars of the ‘Burg because my sister Felicia Anderson has competed in it for the past two years.
Harrisonburg has several ballroom dancing activities, clubs, and events. In comparison, Charlottesville has more. There is one ballroom dance studio in Harrisonburg, while there are three in Charlottesville. Smooth Sailing Ballroom is located on Hillsdale Dr., Terry Dean’s Blue Light Ballroom on Allied St., and Zabor Dance LLC on 2nd St. There is also a Swing club and various other opportunities to learn and compete in ballroom dance right down the road.
