Celebrity Dance Challenge
This year’s dancers include an attorney, personal trainer, construction worker and even a retired police chief.
An attorney, a personal trainer, a construction worker and even a retired police chief are among those familiar local residents who are training and practicing for Rome’s most famous dance competition.
The annual Scott Logistics Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge takes place Aug. 5 and it has grown to become one of the city’s most popular events. It’s entertaining and it benefits the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia.
“We hope you will save the date and make plans to join us for a great evening of entertainment,” said Kim Davis, executive director of the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. “I am excited about this year’s lineup and I know you will be, too!”
Modeled after the popular reality TV show “Dancing With the Stars,” the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge will feature performances by 11 celebrity teams, with styles ranging from hip hop to ballroom and everything in between.
This year’s teams are: Kristy Agan of Pro Performance dancing with Justin Brand of The Dance Centre Justin Bruce of Darlington School dancing with Jessica Tucker of Rome Civic Ballet Brant Evans of Darlington School dancing with his wife, Ashley Evans, also of Darlington School, to a routine choreographed by Amie Sabourin of The Dance Centre Wayne Evans of River City Antique Mall dancing with Jessica Cole of Kennesaw State University Chris Jackson of McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman & Monroe LLP dancing with Tahnya Jones Will Pinson of Pinson’s Inc. dancing with last year’s winner, Lacey Pinson of Model High School Cpt. Dave Roberson of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office dancing with Faith Im of Shorter University Dr. Kipp Slicker of Harbin Clinic dancing with Hannah Camacho of The Dance Centre Elaine Snow, recently retired chief of the Rome Police Department, dancing with retired educator Steve St. Clair
Paige Swiger of South-Eastern Pathology dancing with Chase Tolbert of Darlington School Amos Tuck of Limestone Valley Regional Development Center dancing with Emily Tumlin of Rome Athletic Club
Will Pinson is nervous about being on stage but after months of practicing with partner Lacey Pinson, he feels better about the competition.
“When we first started practicing and Lacey was trying to teach me the dance, I felt like I had concrete in my shoes,” he said. “But as time wen on and we kept on practicing hard, I feel like I have definitely improved and now we’re havinga ball at each practice. Things are really coming together. I am a bit nervous about being on stage in front of many people. That’s definitely something I’m not used to. But I’m trying to give it my best effort so i can give the crowd a good show.”
Teams will compete for the Judges’ Choice Award, to be determined by a panel of judges. But they’ll also be competing for the People’s Choice Award, which is determined by community support in the form of funds donated.
“The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia provides critical services to five counties in our region,” said Chip Hood, president of the Board of Directors. “Unfortunately, as is the case with many non-profit organizations, our budget has been cut continuously over the past several years. By simply attending this event, you are making a contribution to a very worthwhile cause and helping us raise awareness in our community. Plus, I guarantee that you will love the show.”
The Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge has raised more than $658,000 for the Sexual Assault Center in the last six years, $190,000 of which was raised last year alone. The Board of Directors hopes to be even more successful in 2017.
The Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge will take place Aug. 5 at the Rome City Auditorium starting at 7 p.m. Patron tickets are sold out but a limited number of general admission tickets remain. They are $25 and can be purchased online at www. romecelebritydancechallenge.com.
Patron ticket holders are invited to attend a preevent Patron Party at Forrest Place. The party is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and a trolley will shuttle Patrons from Forrest Place to the Rome City Auditorium.