Dancing with the Local Stars set for May return
* Still room for 1-2 more dancing couples
* 'Playful competition,' charity event has raised more than $30,000 in first two years
By The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
CUMBERLAND, Feb. 1 -- Organizers of the third annual Dancing with the Local Stars charity event are expecting a larger crowd on a bigger floor space and, with any luck, a few more dollars than last year.
It's a friendly competition, said Sara-Beth James, executive director of Family Crisis Resource Center in Cumberland. FCRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and sex crimes and the elimination of said crimes through intervention and prevention.
Ten dancing couples are confirmed, James said, and the event is being relocated from Windsor Hall to Allegany Museum on Pershing Street. Last year, the event sold out with 180 people watching, cheering and voting for their favorite couple on four feet.
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This year, James said as many as 300 people might be possible. Tickets go on sale April 4. The dance-off is set for May 7.
Each couple dances for about two and one-half minutes after the introductions, which begin at 8 p.m. The evening wraps up around 9:30 p.m., James said.
"The audience is the judge," James said. The goal, she said, is "not necessarily to be the best. They're dancing for a cause. It is all about having fun (and) bringing awareness to (FCRC). It's a playful competition."
Last year's winning couple was Chris and Joe Prado. This year, dancers include: Corrine and Bill lamm; Anne and Keith Potts; Nicky Brehm and Henry Newby; Brandi Railey and Danny Durr; Melody Hanna and Ryan Kentrus; Jamie and Tom Striplin; Melanie Valentine and Michael Kerns; and Tonia and Tony Ottaviani. There also will be exhibitions by returning dancers Sharon and Bill Cihlar and Helen and Mike Hunt.
Funds are raised through ticket sales - which range between $50 and $65 - as well as a raffle for which the grand prize is from Nemacolin Resort. The Cumberland YMCA and Cycles 'n' Things in Cumberland also have donated raffle prizes.
Dress rehearsals for the couples - up to 12, there is room for two more - begin on the first Sunday in April. They are guided by local dance instructors each Sunday leading up to the May 7 event. Some also watch online tutorials.
There is no entry fee, but "their payment is their in-kind contribution of practicing," James said.
James, who is a competitive athlete, elected member of the Allegany County Board of Education and serves on several boards of local agencies, said there is little time in her personal life to watch television. But Dancing with the Stars is something she just can't miss.
Last year, the event raised nearly $16,000. This year's goal is $18,000.