Area charities benefit from 'Dancing with Our Stars'

VIRGINIA BEACH

Local celebrities are donning their high-fashion outfits, high-heeled shoes and kicking up their heels to raise money for the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

The third annual "Dancing with Our Stars" event is planned for Saturday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

"It's seeing normal, everyday people trying something new, having fun and raising money for our community," Gretchen Allen, director of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Women's Leadership Council and project manager for "Dancing with Our Stars" said.

Eighteen local celebrities - selected through a recruitment process - including dentists, health care professionals, an attorney, a disc jockey, art teacher and many others are participating in this year's event.

"We try to have a cross-section of a lot of people with different influences in the community," Allen said.

The celebrity dancers each pledged $2,500 in support of the community to star in "Dancing with Our Stars." In return, they received a series of dance lessons, costumes, shoes and the opportunity to "show their stuff" for a good cause.

The dancers, which also includes five challenge cup celebrity dancers, will dance with one of the 13 professional instructors to a Latin or smooth number.

"There's a blend of different styles of dancing and music," Allen said.

A panel of three judges will remark on each dancer's performance and awards will be given for the overall best female and male in each category.

This year, an online voting opportunity is available, at www.unitedwayshr.org for the community to vote for their people's choice. Votes online cost one dollar each.

"It's a way for people, who can't go to the show, to show their support and give to the United Way campaign," Allen said.

Before the show begins, attendees can enjoy a buffet and a cast party will follow the competition. In between sets, a live band will play and audience members are invited to get out on the dance floor, too.

Youth dancer, Henry Castillo, a junior at Ocean Lakes High School, will perform an exhibition during the show. Allen said they plan to offer a youth component for next year's "Dancing with Our Stars."

"We hope to recruit five high school and college-age youths who already have community involvement," Allen said.

All of the proceeds of "Dancing with Our Stars" go into the United Way community impact fund, which Allen said is currently feeling the strain of the economy.

Sandra J. Pennecke, Pennecke@cox.net