Dancing with Local Stars

Posted on Wednesday April 28

Eight local celebrities will take the stage at the Camden Opera House next Friday, May 7 at 7PM in what’s sure to be the most talked about event of the season, Dancing with Local Stars.  From the cha-cha, waltz, foxtrot and tango to that old 1970’s favorite, The Hustle, Dancing with Local Stars promises a night of talent, showmanship and over the top fun for everyone.

This year’s line-up of dancers is impressive, and includes Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley, Camden National Bank Vice President Jane Dagley, YMCA Executive Director Troy Curtis, HAV2 owner Caroline Morong, Samoset Resort General Manager Connie Russell, Graffam Brothers Seafood owner Kim Graffam, Republican State Senator Chris Rector, and Democratic State Representative Joan Welsh.  All dancers will be transported to the Camden Opera House in style via limousine service donated by All Aboard Trolley & Limousine of Rockland.

The competition will be fierce, but the dancers are taking it all in stride, thanks to expert instruction Swing and Sway Dancing of Rockland.   Instructors Christian Clayton, Kathryn Vaughn, Bruce Olson and Alysa Jackson have been hard at work with their “stars”, and excitement is brewing as they prepare for the big night.

Just a couple of our dances will include, Morong dancing to “Time of my Life” from the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack, while Russell will dazzle the crowd with his moves to “Play that Funky Music White Boy.”  Graffam, who is a huge fan of the television show Dancing with the Stars, said she is very excited about the event, and all the dancers said they are excited to be dancing for a good cause.

Morong summed up the sentiment of most of the dancers when she said, “I have always wanted to take dance lessons, but more importantly, The Community School is a very important part of our community and reaches out to kids state-wide.”

In addition to performances by these eight local stars, Friday’s event will also include special numbers by professional dancers and dance troupes, including The Step in Time Cloggers,  Katie Thompson’s Hip Hop Fusion,  Rockport Dance Conservatory, Korinn Scattoloni’s Zumba Fitness Group, Shalimar’s Studio of Oriental Dance, People to People Dance Center and Atlantic Ballet Company.

Also this year, Swing and Sway Dancing co-owner and instructor Christian Clayton will dance his heart out with fellow professional dancer Kea Tesseyman of Rockport Dance Conservatory. In a new twist, The Community School students will put on their own special performance of The Cha-Cha Slide.

Master of Ceremonies Terry Bregy will be on hand again this year to entertain the audience between acts, and refreshments will be available during intermission.

This is the second annual Dancing with Local Stars event, to benefit the Community School in Camden.  The Community School is Maine’s oldest alternative high school, and has helped hundreds of Maine teens realize their dream of graduating with a high school diploma.

This year’s generous event sponsors are Richard and Barbara Russo, VillageSoup, Tom and Joan Sabatino and Ask for Home Care.

Dancing with Local Stars will be held Friday, May 7 at 7:00pm at The Camden Opera House.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under age 12 and are available at HAV2, High Mountain Hall, The Owl and Turtle, TheGrasshopper, or by calling The Community School at 236-3000.

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