Dancing With the Stars: Belinda and Trent
“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 678-878-6366, or at support@dwtscalhoun. com by email.
Trent Ferguson and Belinda Counsell will compete this year as couple No. 5.
Trent is a sophomore this year at Calhoun High School and is the son of Brad and Cassie Ferguson. He has two siblings, Abigail and Amelia. Belinda is the daughter of the late Kevin Counsell and of Dr. Lisa Counsell. She has 2 younger siblings at Calhoun Primary Buck and Londyn Counsell.
Belinda is a junior at Calhoun and has has been involved with dance and theater since she could walk. Her earliest dance achievements were with the Dublin Nutcracker Ballet even returning after moving to Calhoun. She always tried to balance her church activities with her dance. She is currently competitively dancing with Dancers Workshop under Kassie Smith and Kat Cochran. She attends Rock Bridge Church.
Trent has been in theatre for two years and is in the dance corps. Trent is a member of Beta Club, Key Club, Skills USA, and troupe 2940. Trent would like to thank Julie Leggett, his theatre director along with his literary coach, who has made such a positive impact on his life. Belinda, after moving here and meeting Julie Leggett and India Galyean, was never happier. Her world expanded from dance to theater. She was heard walking into India’s classroom the first day announcing “Finally, my people”.
Trent has gained dance experience from his time in theatre. This will be Belinda’s second time in the show and Trent’s first. We
got the chance to interview them about this experience.
Q & A WITH COUPLE NO. 5
How did the two of you decide to enter Dancing with the Stars?
“I had watched some of the past shows and been amazed, and I recently joined theatre and dancing became so fun for me. So I found an amazing partner and here we are.” — Trent
“After winning last year, I just had so much fun!” — Belinda
What do you think of this year’s group dance?
“I think that it’s a great way to show off all types of dancing, and it also has a lot of great lifts” — Belinda
“I think it’s a great mix of all different types of dances
and songs. I can’t wait for the audience to come and watch it.” — Trent
What are you most excited for about this year’s show?
“I’m so excited to be able to do what I love around friends who I love” -Belinda
“I’m definitely most excited to show everyone what we’ve been working so hard on.” — Trent
What is your biggest worry or fear as you prepare for this year’s show?
“Dropping Belinda on her face.” — Trent
“Trent dropping me on my face” — Belinda
What is your favorite song in the mix?
“Pickup Man, it’s my favorite to dance to.” — Trent
“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” — Belinda