Dancing With the Stars: Ella and Jack
“Dancing with the Stars — Calhoun” is back again for its third consecutive season with a new cast of dancers — 22 local high school students — and they are excited to give the audience another fun-filled, high-energy show on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, at the Calhoun Performing Arts Center. Showtimes for both performances are at 7 p.m..
Eleven dance teams will compete for trophies, college scholarships, and bragging rights in the third annual event, sponsored once again by The Fountains — Calhoun.
“The Fountains — Calhoun is so proud and honored to once again be the presenting sponsor of Dancing with the Stars — Calhoun for 2024,” Executive Director Carmen Green said. “We are also excited to be able to offer our local seniors and families exceptional care in this community. It is a great way to support our town in a way that honors our local talent and residents.”
This year's Mirror Ball Sponsor is Homespun Hospice. “We are very excited for our HOMEtown service to support our HOMEtown community,” said Wendy Whittle of Homespun Hospice.
“We have some fun surprises in store for this year's event,” said Andy Baxter, speaking on behalf of the event organizing team. “But as always, the dancers will be the stars of the show.” The eleven couples competing this year are Luca Baxter and Walker Roe, Ava
Shelton and Jaden Perkins, Briana Kirby and Landon Chattam, Ella Strickland and Jack Dean, Belinda Counsell and Trent Ferguson, Maggy Abernathy and Kam Penny, Emily Nebb and Jacob McBrayer, Karson Bone and Wyatt Fuller, Eva Hall and Grant Garnett, Danika Morton and Aaron Reyes, and Lannah Stewart and Jaxon Moore.
Tickets sales open to the public on Saturday, March 16, and can be purchased online by visiting dwtscalhoun.ludus.com . For more information about becoming a sponsor or purchasing tickets to the event, call Andy at 678-8786366, or at support@dwtscalhoun. com by email.
Ella Strickland and Jack Dean will compete this year as couple No. 4.
Ella, a sophomore at Calhoun High School, is the daughter of Charlene and Ross Strickland. She has one brother, Jett. Jack, a Freshmen at Calhoun High School, is the son of Hanna Dean and Chase Dean. His siblings include his little brothers John, Judd and Bear Dean.
Ella is very involved at Calhoun High School! She is part of cheer, track, theater and more! She, too, is a HOSA member and competed in this years Skills USA competition. Ella would like to thank track coach, Brant Murry for always believing in her and continuously pushing her to her limits.
Jack participates in several sports at Calhoun High School including football and track! He loves Football and plans to attend multiple SEC camps this summer! He would like to thank Coach Tommy Hoblitzel for encouraging him and pushing him to do his best; all while teaching him important life skills.
Q & A WITH
COUPLE NO. 4
How long have you been a cheerleader and a football player?
“I have been a football and competition cheerleader since sixth grade!” -Ella
“I have been playing football since I was 10 but started playing for Calhoun Middle School in seventh grade!” — Jack
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
“My mom, Hanna, competed in Calhoun's Dancing With The Stars two times in the past! In 2016, she and her business partner Andy Baxter took home the winning mirror ball! I am more comfortable in an athletic environment, but I have enjoyed this opportunity! I had a lead role in my eighth grade play so I have a little experience on stage.” -Jack
“Aside from cheering, I am also part of the track team and theater department. This year I played the role of Ms. Norbury in the production of `Mean Girls.' I am, also, on Calhoun's Literary team and performing and competing in a comedic duologue with my partner, Emily Nebb. I love being on stage so this is so much fun for me!” -Ella
Are you excited about the country theme for the dance group?
“I have grown up listening to
country music so I was familiar with most of the songs in the mashup! It's a good mix and I think the audience will like it.” -Jack
“I'm not as familiar with country music but the songs put into the mix are classics that everyone knows! They are fun dance songs and I'm excited for the outfits!” -Ella
Jack and Ella have been buddies since they were young children and this is the first time they will compete in Dancing With The Stars. They are so excited to represent their school and raise money for a great cause!