Dancing with the Michigan Stars has raised more than $400,000 over the past five years for mostly Washtenaw County based charities and organizations. These groups count on fundraising and community support to allow them to continue the important work they do for the local area.
The sixth annual Dancing with the Michigan Stars is from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 in the giant ballroom at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest at 1275 S. Huron St. in Ypsilanti.
And there is a new “twist” this year – this is the first year the dancers can select their own charity. So 10 charities will benefit from this year’s event.
“I am so excited to dance as an amateur for Dancing with the Michigan Stars,” says Heidi Elder Ewing of Ewing Pros (Real Estate One). “I have ZERO dance experience, but I was nominated for this event and chose North Star Reach Camp, especially after our son, Theo, who was diagnosed with Focal Epilepsy. North Star Reach Camp provides a camp experience with medical assistance and supervision. We are elated to be raising funds for such an important cause.”
Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Ann Arbor donates 20 lessons to each participant to help prepare them for the event. These dancers and their instructors take this very seriously and want to put their best foot forward.
“Arthur Murray Studio is an important facilitator to make this possible,” says Elder Ewing. “We thank, Tansy Degen, owner, and the professional dancers! Dance on!”
There are two major awards that will be presented following the conclusion of the contest. The People’s Choice Award goes to the dancer who raised the most money for their charity of choice. The Judge’s Choice Award goes to the best dancer and will be selected by a group of judges, including Snow Urbin and Anna Trebunskaya from “Dancing With The Stars.”
Snejana “Snow” Urbin is a dancer and choreographer. Urbin specialized in Latin and Ballroom, Rhythm and Smooth styles of dancing and began competing at the age of 5. Anna Trebunskaya is a Russian born American professional ballroom and Latin dancer, known for her appearances on Dancing with the Stars. She now lives in Los Angeles and dances in the International Latin style.
The cost of the ticket also includes dinner (7 p.m.) and an open bar. The Joseph Deas Jazz Quartet will be performing for the pre-event cocktail hour. Following the dancing, there will be a DJ playing music for an after-event party.
Tickets are available HERE
The 2020 Dancing With Michigan Stars contestants
Ann Arbaugh: Charity is St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor’s Robert H. and Judy Dow Alexander Cancer Center Innovation Endowment Fund. Dancing the Lindy Hop with Andalound Hartman.
Darien Harris: Charity is Kids on the Go. Dancing the Tango with Summer Osentoski.
Heidi Elder Ewing: Charity is North Star Reach Camp. Dancing the Mambo with Ryan Cranson.
Anthony Cyr: Charity is Team Joseph. Dancing the Medley with Lauren Stewart.
Ali Hoxie: Charity is HAVEN. Dancing the Cha Cha with Jacob Aliapoulios.
Susan Aaronson: Charity is Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels. Dancing the Hustle with Peter On.
Ira Mark: Charity is Dancing for Washtenaw 100. Dancing the Medley with Amanda Chambers.
Nerissa Sarantos: Charity is St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Dancing the Salsa with Ryan Cranson.
Keith Hafner: Charity is the Salvation Army. Dancing the Tango with Greta Van Doren.
Kristin Finn: Charity is Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund. Dancing the Cha Cha with Andalound Hartman
