‘Dancing’ for a cause
As “Dancing With the Stars” returns for an 11th season Sept. 20, a local version is set to tread the boards Sept. 25 at White Plains High School for a worthy cause.
Hillside Food Outreach”™s second “Dancing With the Stars” competition will benefit the Thornwood nonprofit, which delivers groceries to the homes of 2,000 needy people in Westchester and Putnam counties.
The local “Dancing” may not have Bristol Palin, Florence Henderson and David Hasselhoff (“The Hoff”™) ”“ to name some of the ABC version”™s new celebrity participants. But HFO”™s event ”“ which includes a reception and competition at White Plains High School Theater, to be followed by a party at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in White Plains ”“ has its own high-powered “cast.” It”™s made up of 11 couples ”“ doctors, executives and the like paired with professional dancers ”“ who”™ll perform the kinds of dances you see in ballroom competitions.
Dr. Richard Klein, a Mount Kisco internist, is teaming with Yuliya Zubava, owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Mount Kisco. Stamford restaurateur Michael Marchetti will be appearing with Maureen Pavia, a professional dancer and HFO board member who also happens to be the wife of Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia.
Other participants include Waleska Williams, wife of former New York Yankees”™ centerfielder Bernie Williams; Anna Nazaruk, a teacher with the Mount Pleasant schools; Lorena Livanos of the Livanos Restaurant Group; and PepsiCo executive Kevin Pfeiffer.
They”™ll be judged by Kim Girardi, wife of New York Yankees”™ manager Joe Girardi; Roberto Clemente Jr., son of the late baseball great; Carol Bryan, a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre; and Gina Bombaro, a cheerleader with the New Jersey Nets who was a contestant on the rival show, Fox”™s “So You Think You Can Dance.” But HFO executive director Kathy Purdy says those who can”™t attend can get in on the judging by voting online at $10 a vote.
With so much scrutiny, the pros are putting the stars through their paces. Dr. Klein ”“ also a specialist in infectious diseases ”“ has been rehearsing four nights a week for two months with Yuliya Zubava. Klein, who grew up doing ballroom dancing, says he was good at the Lindy but wanted to set an extra challenge for himself. He and Zubava will be performing the sensual Argentine tango, with Klein outfitted in a tuxedo from Elephant”™s Trunk in Mount Kisco.
He says he hopes he doesn”™t get nervous. But any butterflies in the tummy are sure to be translated into sleek steps ”“ and dollars. Last year”™s “DWTS” raised almost $30,000 for HFO.
“The first event went incredible,” Purdy says. But then, “incredible” also describes the need. HFO would like to expand into Fairfield County, Conn. But that plan is on hold for now.
“We”™re looking to keep up with the need,” Purdy says. “In this economy, it”™s unbelievable who”™s been laid off, especially in this area. I don”™t think people realize it. ”˜Not next door to me,”™ they think. But it is. You”™d be surprised.”
The facts
What: Hillside Food Outreach”™s second annual “Dancing With the Stars”
When: Sept. 25, 6 p.m. reception, 7:30 competition, afterward (Arthur Murray Dance Studio in White Plains)
Where: White Plains High School Theater
Cost: Tickets are $125 (reception, competition, party); $75 (reception and competition); $50 (competition only); and $25 (children age 12 and under).
Contact: To purchase tickets or vote for your favorite star, log on to hillsidefoodoutreach.org.
Information: 914-747-0095.