Web posted
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Reaching for the stars
Local stars learn new dances
By CHRIS ROBINETTE
Traveler Correspondent
A fundraiser for the Arts Center has taken a different turn this year, selecting hip hop as a theme for its dance class, Dancing with the Stars.
The idea came from a brainstorm session at the Arts Session. People of all different ages have signed up and attended.
So far 56 have been attending the six week dance course. Ginger Peacock, who has been attending the lessons said, "It is fun," adding that "we've (the students) laughed a lot."
Dancing with the Stars was created to help fund the Arts Center and the programs that they put on. The programs are designed to help introduce people in the community to the visual and performing arts.
The classes, taught by Sarah Bryant and Kerry Schnackenberg, teach a variety of dance styles related to hip hop from different decades, ranging from the 1980s to the 2000s, and everything in between. Songs from all the eras are used, from artists like MC Hammer to Soulja Boy.
Five club line dances are taught, along with two hip hop routines.
The classes are enjoyed by those that go; April Tarrant, a student in the class, said "(I) just get to enjoy some time off from life and get good exercise."
"It has been a blast," she said, adding, "I look forward to it all week long."
People signed up for a variety of reasons, some for exercise, and some just to have fun. Student Tim Cassidy said "Somebody generously offered to pay for me, and I couldn't say no."
Businesses and individuals were invited to enter the class, businesses were given the option of making teams for the dance off on Feb. 23.
The classes will culminate in the dance-off, which is also a party open to the public. It will be held at the Agri-Business building on Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale for $15, those interested can call the Arts Council at (620)-442-5895. There will be different types of dancing, including ball room, country and classic rock.
Below: Shelby Scott and Jade Sparks, who are members of the Arkansas City High School Danceline, help local Dancing with the Stars participants with their moves.
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