Traverse City Record-Eagle

Arts & Entertainment

July 23, 2010

Dance Stars: Lineup, charities announced for third season

By Vanessa McCray Record-Eagle

Traverse City — TRAVERSE CITY — A new cast of dancers will try to tango and fundraise their way to the top during the third season of SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity.

The event, founded by singer Judy Harrison, matches six local personalities with six dance instructors. The teams raise money for six local charities through once-a-month dance competitions beginning Sept. 3 at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City.

The line-up of dancers was announced this week. Participants are Denise Busley, owner of the Grand Traverse Pie Co.; Heather Daniels, a local radio producer; Dr. Pat Friedli, a family physician; Kristin Marinoff, of Grand Traverse Woman Magazine; Brody O’Connell, a local TV reporter; and Kelvin Shaw, owner of Cartridge World.

Shaw said he has little dance experience, save for some lessons he took through the college for fun. Still, he’s game for the competition.

“I am excited. I am a little nervous, but it will be a lot of fun. It’s for a great cause,” he said.

Local charities to benefit are the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Youth Working on Wellness, Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region, American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan.

“To be a charity chosen for such a high-profile event is really awesome,” said Habitat’s Carrie Ullery-Smith.

The organization set a “lofty” goal to raise $70,000 to $80,000 — enough to build a house, she said. Habitat plans some of its own fundraisers to tie in to the dance event.

SwingShift and the Stars raised about $120,000 in its first two seasons, said Harrison. Two winners are rewarded, one based on audience and judge reviews of the dancer’s performance, and another winner based on money raised. Harrison said she’s already impressed with “the energy of the charities this year.”

Dance instructor Laura Cannon of Traverse City will participate for the first time in the event. Her background is in ballet, but she’s done many different kinds of dancing and is paired with O’Connell.

“It’s pretty exciting — a little nerve-wracking that he’s a news reporter,” Cannon said, joking that she hopes he doesn’t tell everyone if they make any mistakes.

Harrison and her band perform at each dance competition at the Opera House. Event dates are Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3 and a grand finale on Dec. 31. Tickets are available online at www.swingshiftandthestars.com.

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