Students perform with local celebs in dance fundraiserOct. 6, 2010 KALAMAZOO--Local celebrities will be paired up with Western Michigan University dance students to vie for the top prize in the "Dancing with the WMU-Kazoo Stars" fundraiser Friday, Oct. 22. Hosted by the WMU Department of Dance and Partners in Dance, the event will feature a star-studded cast hoping to tango, trot and waltz its way to $10,000 in scholarship money for future WMU dance students. Choreographer and former WMU faculty member Tony Calucci recently returned to campus to prepare the troupe for its big performance. Calucci, who has been a coach for ABC's popular "Dancing with the Stars" TV series, worked with Kirsten Harvey, WMU assistant professor of dance, to create a unique ballroom routine for each couple. Celebrity contestants
Judges include Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, who won the dance competition in 2008; Kathryn Williams, local choreographer and WMU dance instructor; and Dr. D. Terry Williams, professor emeritus of theatre. The dancing will begin at 8 p.m. in Miller Auditorium. Tickets are $75--$50 of which is tax deductible--and include hors d'oeuvres and dessert. A cash bar will be available, and the evening will be complete with live music, dance instruction, entertainment and a ballroom exhibition. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact the Department of Dance at (269) 387-5830. Media contact: Tonya Durlach, (269) 387-8400, tonya.durlach@wmich.edu WMU News |