Dancing the night away

12th annual Dancing With Our Stars adds to Children’s Tumor Foundation coffers

Pete Tanguay and Alisha Curtis danced their way to mirrored-ball trophies during Dancing With Our Stars, the 12th annual Red Carpet for Research Event hosted by, and benefiting, the Arkansas Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

The event took place Sept. 5 at the Robinson Center’s William Grant Still Grand Ballroom in Little Rock as a way to raise money for research and treatment of neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, nerves and underneath the skin.

The evening began with photos on the red carpet, a cocktail reception in the lobby complete with silent auction, then moved to a sit-down dinner in the ballroom. Co-hosts Melissa Thoma and Natalie Rockefeller played “straight women” to co-host Daniel Robinson’s “funnyman” antics.

Kicking off the dancing was a performance by the evening’s star instructors. Heather Baker, Kirk Bradshaw and Christen Pitts — along with some select NF ambassadors — judged the contest, featuring community stars Wade Radke, dancing a bachata to a variation of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” with instructor Victoria Fender; Connie Bennett, who went back to the 1980s during a “Purple Rain” dance performance with instructor Stephen K. Stone; Evans Dietz, who took on a Bruno Mars persona to hip-hop dance to a Mars medley with instructor Devin M. Nelson; and Chanda Chacon, who did a sassy salsa to a Latin number with instructor Michael Vasquez.

Tanguay earned the title of champion via a boxing-theme performance with instructor Allison Stodola Wilson, while Curtis earned the Best Performance award by dancing to a hip-hop dance to a mashup of Mars’ “24K Magic” with partner-instructor Brian Earles.

Others honored during the evening were 13-year-old Hannah Elliott and her family, presented with the NF Courage Award and featured in a video. Julie Gorman was presented with the NF Community Service Award. Past dance champion Rick Fleetwood was also given special recognition.

The evening concluded with an onstage dance by competition alumni and by remarks from Lesley Oslica, the foundation’s Arkansas Chapter president.

Chris and Diana Byrd-Roberts of Alexander with Thomas and Ambre’ Pownall

Dr. Vafa and Amy Ferdowsian of Conway with Mike Thompson and Jon Wickliffe

Michele Przypyszny of New York, chief advancement officer for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, with the foundation’s Arkansas Chapter president, Lesley Oslica

Pete Tanguay finishes a boxing-theme performance with instructor Allison Stodola Wilson.

Tammy Diamond-Wells of Lonoke; Nesa Bishop and Sharon Brooks, both of Fort Smith; Sarah Jo Reynolds of Benton; and Jonelle Fulmer, also of Fort Smith

Cindy Scaife, Kristen Chase, Anna and Noel Harthcock and Laura Cerutti

Jennifer Siccardi, Evelyn Oslica of Greenwood, Agnes Oslica, Mary Louise Oslica and Joan O’Keane

Past winner and supporter Rick Fleetwood (second from right) is honored by masters of ceremonies and past contestants Melissa Thoma, Natalie Rockefeller and Daniel Robinson.

Chanda Chacon pulls off an energetic performance with instructor Michael Vasquez.

Alisha Curtis dances with instructor Brian Earles.

Evans Dietz channels Bruno Mars with the help of instructor Devin M. Nelson.

Wade Radke performs a dramatic dip of instructor Victoria Fender during their performance.

Lauran Medlock, Bailey Meyer, Rachel Binkley and Brittany Roderick

Connie Bennett takes a trip back to the 1980s during a dance performance with instructor Stephen K. Stone.

Heather and Joel Baker