They will be dancing
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on September 7, 2015 1:46 PM
Some were born to dance.
Others had a bit of trepidation but know it's important to step out of their comfort zone.
And still others would much rather sit in the audience and enjoy this year's Dancing Stars of Wayne County event.
Kate Daniels, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce president, did her part to nominate and to encourage community members to step up and be a "star." She even handed a copy of the DVD from last year's event to Josh Price of Daniels and Daniels Construction.
He chose not to watch it.
He agreed to participate, but said he would prefer not knowing what he was in for, she said.
More than a dozen people showed up at the chamber office Thursday afternoon to find out more about the cause and commitment involved in the fifth annual fundraiser for local education.
Under the umbrella of the Chamber's Wayne Education Network and Wayne Charitable Partnership, Mrs. Daniels shed light on the event history.
"The first year it was at Walnut Creek Country Club, and it was much structured like the Dancing With the Stars (on TV)," she said. "These stars spent hours upon hours training because it was one-on-one. It was a wonderful show but it was too much to ask of the stars. We outgrew Walnut Creek Country Club, so went to the YMCA. But it was a lot of work and it was a lot to ask for the stars."
Enter Lara Landers, director of marketing and events at the Chamber, who "totally changed the direction of the event" by involving local dance studios and students. Instructors provided choreography and it provided an opportunity to showcase community youths.
It also streamlined the effort and offset the time commitment for participants.
"Now it's a great event, fun. It's a short-term commitment but it goes for a very good cause," said Dr. Ed Wilson, chairman of Wayne Education Network, or WEN.
For more than a decade, WEN-sponsored events have generated support for public, private and home-school teachers and classroom projects not otherwise included in budgets.
To date, WEN has awarded $123,000 mini grants for teachers and distributed $30,725 stipends for teacher assistants returning to school to become teachers.
Last year's Dancing Stars event raised $64,000.
The show will take place in just six weeks, on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m,. at the Paramount Theatre.
Sixteen local residents will participate this year. Four dance studios are also donating their time -- Academy of Performing Arts, Artistic Dance Academy, A Step of Class Dance Studio and Goldsboro School of Ballet.
Patricia Warren, owner of Artistic Dance Academy, is involved for the third year. Her daughter, Tara Warren, is a first-time choreographer.
"It's so much fun. We're going to make you guys look good," Patricia Warren said.
Brooke Norris, a physicians assistant at Goldsboro Skin Center, had a little trepidation about the whole thing.
"My kids think it would be the coolest thing in the world," she said. "I'm gonna give it a try."
Matt Steed of Little Bank had mixed feelings.
"I'm not terribly excited. I'm nervous," he admitted, adding, "My wife is extremely excited."
As for Price, he said he's "all in," despite his lack of experience.
"I'm looking forward to it, but I'm absolutely terrified," he said. "I don't dance in the living room when no one's around. I'm doing this to expand my horizons and get out of my comfort zone."
The list of confirmed dancers include George Anderson from Sam's Club; John Clifton, instructor at University of Mount Olive; Jennifer Collins, city of Goldsboro; Marissa Davis, Goldsboro Police Department; Gia Democko, Rodan and Fields independent consultant; Dr. Mike Dunsmore, superintendent of Wayne County Public Schools; Erin Fonsaca of Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation; Aaron Jordan of Jordan Logistics; Brooke Norris of Goldsboro Skin Center; Josh Price of Daniels & Daniels Construction; Beth Saylors, business owner; Yvette Smith, WCPS assistant superintendent; Matt Steed, the Little Bank; Dr. Leon Stockton, Wayne Health Physicians; Beverly Wallace-Wiggins of BB&T; and Tyanna Yonkers, instructor at UMO.