Dancing for the Stars is back, Saturday, April 13 at Elks Theatre
Updated as of Wednesday, April 10, 2019 9:49 AM
The “Dancing for the Stars” two-show event on Saturday, April 13, at the Elks Theatre is expected to generate $300,000 to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona.
In addition, the program is offering opportunities for Prescott High School students to shine through their extensive work on the production. The students will be integral to directing the show as well as managing some of the technical aspects, as well as producing, directing and editing dancer videos and then livestreaming the two shows — a matinee and evening performance — through the school’s media center.
Club Interim Executive Director Nicole Kenney said the relationship over the last two years with the high school multi-media program has proved a “great partnership.” The students have added a whole new dimension to the production as they, too, gain experience that reaches beyond the classroom, Kennedy said.
Some of the students are club members, or are friends of the club, and the synergy between the club and school creates a range of opportunities through the event, which has become a signature production for the club. The donations have tripled since the first year and now constitute about one-third of the club’s annual budget, she said.
“The kids are getting hands-on experience outside the existing school program … this is taking kids to the next level,” Kennedys said of the professional skills they are gaining through this production. “Many of the kids have said this is what they want to do for a living.”
PHS Media Productions teacher Robyn Bryce said she is delighted to “brag” about her media arts students’ involvement in the show.
Media arts junior Matt Zajk will be this year’s show director; sophomore Hunter Irvine will be the master control operator, and sophomore Cheyla Daverman, will conduct the red carpet interviews. Junior Bruce Sanchez and sophomore Lukas Gallegos will be manning the cameras. Fellow students Kimberly Ayala and Garrison Kruse will be production assistants, Bryce said.
“I am so proud of the hard work my students have put into this show with the help of Rob Milligan, general manager of Prescott Media Center who is producing the show for Boys & Girls Club,” Bryce said in an email to The Daily Courier. “It is truly a community event and shows just what can happen when teachers, volunteers, and community organizations come together to promote media and technology education in Prescott.”
Bryce said her students have gained skills through this experience that will “help them build a life in Prescott instead of seeking employment elsewhere in another county or event state.”
“This is the second year in a row that kids are running the show, and I expect it to be spectacular,” Bryce said.
The event’s popularity prompted the addition of a 1 p.m. matinee performance this year, and Kenney said there are still some $50 tickets left for that show. The VIP 7 p.m. evening show tickets of $250 that include the pre-event street party, red carpet and after-show reception at the Hassayampa Inn are sold out. Even those who cannot attend the show, but opt to watch it through livestreaming, can participate by voting for their favorite stars – the cost is $20 a vote.
“It’s humbling,” Kennedy said of how this show has evolved into a major benefit for the club, an educational experience for students and a much-anticipated show for the community.
Over the course of several months, Kennedy said, she has witnessed a lot of hard work between dancers learning their choreography to students learning their behind-the-scene roles. She said this year there will be some “unique things” she has never seen before.
“I’m really blown away by the talent we have this year; all the heart and soul people put into their performances,” Kennedy said. “It’s amazing.”
Anyone wishing to purchase 1 p.m. matinee tickets or who wish to cast a vote for their favorite dancer can do so by visiting the website: www.dancingforthestars.net.
For any other information, contact Boys & Girls Club at 928-776-8686.
Dancing for the Stars team profiles
AMY BONNEY & PATRICK WILCOX
Celebrity dancer Amy Bonney, a Prescott native with 20 years working for the Prescott Police Department, is paired with professional dancer Patrick Wilcox, owner of Landscaping by the Yard, opened Prescott Ballroom with his wife, Karen.
Votes: 422
Raised: $17,585
BARRY BARBE & KELSEY CLAIRE
Celebrity dancer Barry Barbe, owner of El Gato Azul restaurant and supporter of many local organizations and nonprofits, is paired with professional dancer and choreographer Kelsey Claire, who has been performing since age 12.
Votes: 1,363
Raised: $45,593
In Kind: $5,700
JUDD SIMMONS & MARINA ROGOVA-O'BRIEN
Celebrity dancer Judd Simmons, Yavapai County Assessor, is paired with professional dancer, choreographer and dance instructor at Yavapai College Marina Rogova-O’Brien.
Votes: 1,129
Raised: $46,391
JOHN MULL & ALEXIS PURSELL
Celebrity dancer, attorney and master swimmer John Mull is paired with professional dancer and former Prescott High School cheerleader Alexis Pursell who teaches dance and fitness classes.
Votes: 525
Raised: $17,851
VERONICA PHILLIPS & ZACH LEONARD
Celebrity dancer and former PHS cheerleader Veronica Phillips took dance lessons at age 5; she is paired with Zach Leonard, master swimmer, and emergency physician assistant.
Votes: 1,200
Raised: $46,260
In Kind: $9,800
KEN MABARAK & RACHELE SMITH
Celebrity dancer and real estate developer Ken Mabarak is paired with professional dancer Rachele Smith who started dancing at age 2 and competing at age 12.
Votes: 1,655
Raised: $62,386
JULIE COWING & SARAH HINSON
Celebrity dancer and hospice director Julie Cowing is pursuing a degree in forensic psychology; her dance partner is Sarah Hinson, a member of a flamenco repertory company and a belly dancer.
Votes: 583
Raised: $21,230
In Kind: $1,500
MEGAN HOLDSWORTH & RON HOWARD
Celebrity dancer, dietician and mother of six, Megan Holdsworth is paired with professional dancer on MC Hammer’s dance team, Ron Howard.
Votes: 1,470
Raised: $42,997
In Kind: $1,200
LAURA MARKEY & COLTEN DAVAULT
Celebrity dancer and owner of Center for Physical Excellence Laura Markey is paired with professional dancer Colten Davault, the youngest dancer in the competition with background in 10 styles of dance.
Votes: 1,824
Raised: $52,704
In Kind: $13,000
DR. DAN BECK & JAMIE PROCKNOW
Celebrity dancer, anesthesiologist and runner Dan Beck is paired with professional dancer, swimming pool construction business owner, and mother of eight, Jamie Procknow.
Votes: 730
Raised: $30,306
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