Dancing 'star' couples perform for Geneva Cultural Arts Commission

Some local Geneva "stars" are lacing up their dancing shoes to put a unique spin in fundraising - with a couple dips thrown in for good measure.

Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, six Geneva "star" couples will take the stage at Eagle Brook Country Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., to benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission.

This will be the second year for the fundraiser, which is back by popular demand. Tickets cost $35 a person and can be purchased at genevarts.org. All proceeds raised will help the Arts Commission put on free and low-cost events for the community, like the Shakespeare in the Park festival and free film festivals.

"We had a complete sellout at last year's 'Dancing," Carolyn Hill, event chairwoman said.

"The feedback from people was just great. 'Dancing' was something unique so people just had fun. There were absolutely no glitches last year and everything worked out perfectly. People really got into it the cheering and the enthusiasm of the evening, which was something we just didn't anticipate."

This year's dancing stars come from all walks of life, something the Arts Commission wanted so as to represent all segments of the community. Participants vary from Matt and Kim Lennert, the owners of Geneva's Movable Feast catering company, to vice president of the Geneva school board Tim Moran and his wife, Barb.

"We want a diverse crowd. We try to pick couples from different segments of the community because they will bring in different groups of people," Hill said.

"Making it a diverse crowd is part of this fundraiser's appeal."

Each of the couple contestants will showcase a different dancing discipline, from the tango to the rumba to the waltz. Couples had eight lessons with a professional dance instructor at Geneva's State Street Dance Studio to help them add polish to their routines.

The public can view and vote for their favorite couples at genevarts.org. Votes cost $1 and all proceeds will benefit the Cultural Arts Commission as well. Online voting ends Friday, Feb. 5 but those who attend the fundraiser will also be able to vote for couples during the event.

According to Hill, "heavy" hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be served throughout the evening.

Last year the rumba ruled supreme as Tom Rogers, principal of Geneva High School, and his wife Mary whirled their way to a first place finish and the Commission ending up raising about $11,400.

"People really get into this," Hill said.

"Last year we had people come holding up signs for their favorite couple. Doing a "Dancing With the Stars" fundraiser is just a great, fun idea and it's going to be better than ever this year."

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>If you go</b></p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>What:</b> "Dancing With the Geneva Stars," a fundraiser to benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, featuring six local couples showing off several different dancing disciplines</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Where:</b> Eagle Brook Country Club, 2288 Fargo Blvd., Geneva</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>How much:</b> Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at genevarts.org. People can also view and vote for their favorite couples at genevarts.org up until Feb. 5 for $1.</p>

<p class="factboxtext12col"><b>Details:</b> Visit <a href="http://genevarts.org" target="new">genevarts.org</a></p>