GREENWICH — A bunch of Abilis supporters are placing on their dancing sneakers and on the point of transfer because the nonprofit group prepares to carry its fourth annual “Dancing Stars of Greenwich.”
The charity dance-off is hosted by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich and can function celeb judges and dancers competing for the “Mirror Ball Trophy.” Tickets at the moment are on sale for this well-liked fundraising occasion, which will likely be held Sept. 17, on the Tamarack Nation Membership in Greenwich.
Company will get pleasure from waltzes, rumbas, tangos, cha-cha-chas and moonwalking as a part of the enjoyable because the contestants hit the dance ground in addition to a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres and a silent public sale.
This yr’s celeb judges will likely be actor Brendan Fraser, star of “The Mummy;” “Good Morning America” co-anchor Lara Spencer; and choreographer and dancer Billy Blanks Jr., creator and host of “Dance It Out TV” on Lifetime Tv.
The grasp of ceremonies will likely be Ali Wentworth, co-creator, star and co-executive producer of “Head Case.”
“The Dancing Stars of Greenwich charity dance-off is certainly one of our favourite occasions of the yr,” mentioned Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Greenwich-based Abilis. “We’ve had such an amazing partnership with The Fred Astaire Studio of Greenwich for the previous a number of years, together with the dancers and companions.”
The funds raised assist the packages and providers at Abilis, which serves greater than 800 people with disabilities and their households, Montimurro mentioned.
The occasion options native celebrities and group leaders performing choreographed dance routines, mirroring the hit TV present “Dancing with the Stars.” Dancing pairs are sponsored by donations to Abilis, with the highest fundraising group awarded the “Individuals’s Selection Award.”
A panel of celeb judges and the viewers decides who will win the Mirror Ball trophy for the very best dance.
Over time, Brendan Fraser and Afton Fraser, who serve as a judge and dancer at the event, have supported Dancing Stars of Greenwich and Abilis. They’re dad and mom to a son with particular wants and perceive the significance of the Abilis’ work.
“We’re proud to assist Dancing Stars of Greenwich and Abilis to assist elevate funds for Abilis’ packages and providers,” mentioned Afton Fraser. “We all know how a lot it means to a household to have a company like Abilis that may assist present coaching, instructional, social and employment alternatives for these with particular wants. It could possibly imply the distinction between dwelling an remoted life and one stuffed with associates and with that means. They’re actually an amazing group, and we’re completely happy to assist in any method.”
Dancers will embrace: Brad and Erica Walker, of Greenwich, the primary novice couple to take part; Trevor Crow of Greenwich; Lindsay Darrell of Stamford; Afton Fraser of Greenwich, who has participated in every Dancing Stars of Greenwich event; Melissa Levin of Greenwich; Elaine Madonna of Greenwich, who gained the Individuals’s Selection Trophy final yr; Greg Masone of Greenwich; Makeda Mays-Inexperienced of Stamford; Chris McCormack of Greenwich; and Carly Samalin of Greenwich, the youngest dancer and an incoming Greenwich Excessive Faculty freshman on the Abilis Youth Board.
The skilled companions from The Fred Astaire Studio are Matthew Ames, Clemens Lengenfelder, Santa Pavlovic, Christian Perry and Elmar Schmidt.
“Dancing Stars of Greenwich is filled with all of the enjoyable, glitz and glamour of the hit TV present,” mentioned Schmidt, proprietor and ballroom dance teacher of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich. “Native stars and leaders locally have been coaching to compete identical to on tv.”
To order tickets or make a donation to assist the dancers, go to greenwichdancingstars.com.
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