The Celebrities - Professional Dancers - The Judges - Thank You's
The Celebrities
Suzette Berkman - Community Leader

I remember my mother playing records in our kitchen almost around the clock whenever we were home after school and on weekends. She played either classical, Latin, or rock and roll records. Whenever Latin or rock and roll was played, there was no way to be still! It didn't matter who was there, dates, friends, family...we all danced with each other. I remember one time my mother was trying to make icing for a cake, but due to her not being able to stand still while some wonderful music was playing, she ended up re-making that icing around seven times!

I also remember my mother taking me with my closest friend to a ballet class to see if we would agree to take the class. Unfortunately they were on point that day, and while I loved the music, I could not understand putting myself through that obvious agony. I wish she had taken us to a modern dance program instead. So, no, I have not had formal dance training but wish I had. I was an athlete so my time in those early years was devoted to athletics and intensive studies.

I volunteered for two reasons. In our current home, the very first event we hosted was for The Spring. A young lady spoke whose life had been saved by The Spring, and I came to understand just how meaningful this organization is. The second reason is that Sarah Coates, a serious dancer and organizer of this event has been helping The Spring for many years. When she called it was definitely a command performance, for to honor fellow community volunteers in a heartfelt activity is a must and also a pleasure!
Chad Brock - Singer, Song Writer, Morning D.J. WQYK 99.5FM

I started dancing in high school in the 70's when the disco dancing was big. (Don't tell anyone.) At that time since I wanted to participate on the dance floor with everyone else, I had to just jump in and go for it. I have never had lessons, but as a professional singer, I do feel the rhythm. I really love any kind of dancing, but today I have a special interest in salsa and ballroom. Funny thing is... I do not look like, act like or talk like a dancer so it is always a surprise to others when I do get out there and move.

I am happy to be able to participate this year in Celebrity Dancing in Tampa Bay. I always want to be able to help others... especially women and children. In addition, my wife Natalie has always wanted to see me on in the hit reality TV show Dancing with the Stars, so this is the next best thing.


Katie Coronado - WFLA-TV/ WTTA-TV News Anchor

I have always loved to dance, but have never had any formal training. I did, however, grow up in a family that played Latin music at home all the time, and dancing was just something we did, with or without a party! Because of all of that family dancing, I'd like to think I have a little rhythm I wanted to be a part of this event as dancing has always made me feel happy. I also feel very blessed to participate with a charity as important as the Spring of Tampa Bay while at the same time allowing me to do something I enjoy - helping others.



Charleene Closshey - Performing Artist (violinist/vocalist/actress) and former Miss Tampa

As a child, I was always fascinated by dance - the beauty and artistry of movementand - although dreams of sugarplums waltzed through my head, most of my time was spent cultivating my music. Still loving to explore dance and its many sides, my parents enabled me to take classical ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance classes (all of which came in very handy later as a performing artist!) To this day, the passionate expression of dance excites me. Combining physical movement and grace with the rhythms and melodies of music really moves me... literally! Whether shaking to a sexy salsa, cutting a rug with the Charleston, or grooving to a fabulous funk beat, I love to dance.

One of my life's greatest blessings is my family. My mother always taught me "To whom much is given, much is required." The Spring gives so much and so freely to families in need in the Tampa Bay area, so what a wonderful opportunity for me to begin reciprocating their generosity.



Ginger Gadsden - Ten News Morning and Noon Anchor

I have no dance experience at all unless you count the tap dancing all anchors do on the news set when a story is not ready. The Spring is a wonderful organization, and if I am going to make a spectacle of myself, it should be for a good cause.
Steven Yerrid - Trial Lawyer

When I was a child, my mom taught me to dance, and I've loved it ever since. When I was 9, we even won a dance contest together. The grace and beauty of dancing has always reminded me of her.

I'm very grateful to be invited to participate in an event that's so much fun and does such good for others.
Wendy Ryan - ABC Action News Anchor

As a child, my mom signed me up for ballet but I failed horribly at it because I was not very graceful. I also took tap lessons which went a little better. I later tried a jazz dance class in high school, and also became a cheerleader. With the cheerleading there was some dance but mainly a lot of jumping up and down. I've taught various aerobic classes over the years, so my cardio should be good; however, don't expect much form unless you put me on a spinning bike!

I volunteered because I'm a huge fan of ABC's Dancing With The Stars, and I'm hoping to pick up a move or two to show off to my husband! Also The Spring is a wonderful organization that does such great work in preventing domestic violence and protecting victims



Frank Sanchez - Community Leader

When asked if I have ever had any dance experience, my answer was a flat out NO! I was however, always interested in playing sports like baseball and football, and was on my high school's tennis team. This sports experience of mine, I am now told, qualifies me somehow with dance movement.

I volunteered for this Celebrity Dance event because I want to try to get over my fear of dancing especially in front of a lot of people! I am taking it on as a personal challenge while honoring The Spring of Tampa Bay. The Spring is an organization I hold in high regard. For over 30 years it has been a huge asset to our community.



Michael Stewart - 717 South Restaurant Owner

I never learned to dance from a professional, but my best friend Lee Mezrah took lessons so he taught me everything I needed to know in 8th grade. I would just mimic everything he did on the dance floor. Every time we would go out on the dance floor, I would just watch him and then do what he did. I have played the piano all my life, so I do have some musical skills. Now, if I can just move the music from my fingers to my feet.

My mom and my wife are obsessed with the Dancing with the Stars TV show. When I was asked to do this, at first I thought no. I couldn't imagine myself dancing in front of so many people. But, when my mom and my wife wanted me to do this, I couldn't let them down. I am sure they will be cheering me on with posters and screaming!!!

Also, 717 South Restaurant joins other restaurants in Tampa and donates a percentage of sales on a particular night to The Spring. So, this is another way that we can give more.



Ken Walters - Businessman, Promoter and Civic Leader

My dance experience has been limited to say the least. However, back in the 90's, at the Chatterbox Lounge on South Howard Avenue, I perfected the dip-drop and the fall-on-top.

The Spring is a wonderful organization with great people. It is my pleasure to volunteer and perhaps entertain as well.
Professional Dancers
Tommy DiTommaso - American Rhythm Champion

   I started dancing at the age of 12 when some of my friends called me from a dance studio to please come fill in as they a needed another guy for a Christmas Showcase. I reluctantly agreed. When it was over, I found I loved it, and a year and a half later I won the United States Junior Latin championship for the under 18. I was 14 at the time. At 13, I was 2nd. I since went on to become an American Rhythm Champion dancer with my then professional partner Lynn Kawamoto.   
   I am pleased to be involved with this event. I believe in the Spring and its mission, and am happy to be a part of making a difference in the lives of these many victims of domestic violence.
Denise Rivera - Former British South American Showdance Champion.

   I started to dance ballet at the age of 4, but didn't want to appear in front of an audience in a children’s play in P.J.’s with a dolly as a partner. So, I decided I needed to search for a real partner. When I was seven, I joined a Ballroom Dance School.  The first week I sheepishly stood in at the back. Week two I jumped in the front, and from that day on this became my style.  
   I chose for the second time to volunteer for The Spring because this organization symbolizes just like the season, a brand new day for those mothers and children who have given up hope of ever feeling whole again. Here they slowly regain their self-respect, courage, confidence and trust to love and live again. They can rest in a secret place and renew their strength. I am honored to be a part of such an outstanding blessed organization.
Laurie Collett - Undefeated National & Open-to-the-World Amateur Theater Arts Champion

   Why I started dancing is this. As an art form, dancing is unique because it is the only art in which the human body is the instrument of expression. For the dancer, every movement is a mirror of the soul, so dance is the most intimate and personal of the arts. Partnership dancing is even more revealing because it reflects the bond between the partners, their mutual trust and respect, and all aspects of the dynamic between them. To me, it's not about the judges' marks or the applause; it's about moving someone in the audience to experience joy, sadness, inspiration or some other feeling that they might not appreciate in any other way. What really matters is the audience of One, and I pray every time I set foot on the dance floor that my dance will glorify Him."
   "Dancing has been so good to me, giving me a creative outlet, an opportunity to express myself, to travel around the world doing something I enjoy, and to meet wonderful people who share a common interest. Whenever possible, I like to give that gift back to others. The Spring is a truly worthy cause, and I consider it an honor and a blessing to be able to contribute in whatever way possible. I'm really looking forward to having lots of fun choreographing something totally different for another individual, and hoping that he and the audience will really enjoy it, too!"

Richard Collett - Undefeated National & Open-to-the-World Amateur Theater Arts Champion

     Five minutes after setting eyes on Laurie I asked her to dance. I never had any ballroom training, so I'm still not sure why I asked her. Laurie was a former ballet soloist. I took my first dance lesson at 41YEARS OLD! The rest, as they say, is history.
     It's amazing to me just how universal dancing is throughout the world. You can go to a small village in a third world country or a grand palace in Vienna and you will find people dancing! It brings smiles to young and old. You can enjoy dancing with your spouse or by yourself. It can even make enemies get along. Now we find that it can add years to your life. If we could only bottle it!
     I was honored when asked to take part in this event. Not only because it is for a great cause like The Spring, but also to share my love of dancing and performing with the community. Dancing has taken me to places throughout the world that I could only read and dream about as a shy boy growing up in Massachusetts. I credit dancing for changing my life and I hope that after watching this event someone will realize that it will do the same for them.
Michele Mason - PBS Ballroom Standard Champion

     I started Ballroom and Latin Dancing at age 4 1/2.  I am very grateful to my parents for encouraging me to pursue dancing, first as a hobby and then later as a career.  Dancing has taught me not only how to move to music but numerous life lessons and attributes for which am truly grateful.  
     I did not want to miss out on the opportunity to help to raise money for such an important charity as The Spring. Because dance is my passion and an area that I have studied greatly over the years, I can not think of a better way in which I can personally contribute to the community.


Timothy Mason - PBS Ballroom Standard Champion

   At age 8 my best friend and I went to see Saturday Night Fever. We loved the dancing so much that we decided to take a disco class in our town Hadleigh in the county of Essex in England. From that experience we took other classes to learn ballroom and Latin. We joined team matches with other young people driving all over the country to compete. Dancing from that early day has continued to be an important part of my life, and now it is my profession.
   When I first heard about this event it peaked my interest as I, too, had seen the show “Dancing with the Stars.” It was just the right way for my wife Michele and me to volunteer for a charity because we were asked to do something we have been trained to do. Also, it is always such fun to see how much a new student, who is relatively unaware of ballroom dancing, can accomplish in a short period of time. Through our passion for dancing, this is the perfect attachment for us to The Spring. We are most happy to help, and we thank you for this chance to participate.
Ashley Novak - Easidance Studio instructor

Ashley took her first dance lesson 10 years ago when her aunt, who was a ballroom teacher at the time, invited her to attend one of her dance events. During some general dancing, Ashley was asked to dance a rumba. Having been an athlete and a musician, she was sure she would be able to dance...no problem! She soon realized how much more there was to dancing than just moving her feet. She went on to compete with her instructor for a few years.

Ashley always had such a passion for music and all the possibilities that go along with it. Learning to dance became an outlet for her to utilize her athleticism and musicality at the same time. Her desire to share this passion for music and dancing inspired her to start teaching with the Fred Astaire Franchise in North Carolina. She immediately loved teaching. Being able to convey her true love of dance to someone just as hungry for it was most satisfying. Her proudest career move was coming back to Florida and becoming a part of the Easidance Ballroom team. Working now with the owners Timothy and Michele Mason who are past standard dance champions, is giving her the opportunity to help manage one of the premier studios on the west coast of Florida.

After attending this event last year, and seeing the great work by everyone, Ashley is elated to be a part of this year's Celebrity Dance production. She loves performing as every performance is a new interpretation of what she knows. She says it's such a joy to do what one loves and have it at the same time be beneficial to others as well. Ashley wants to thank The Spring of Tampa Bay for allowing her to contribute to such a rewarding event.

 

Julia Meyerovich - Owner and Dance Instructor of 1st Dance Studio

   I am a Moscow native, now proud to be an American citizen. I have danced since early childhood and tried several styles of dancing in Russia. My professional dancing career stated in a San Antonio TX, where I met my husband and partner John Neighbors. I was 21 and stared going to the Latin Cubs. Merengue was easy, but Salsa was not cooperating with me, so I called the local dance studio and the rest is history.  
   I have been teaching in the Tampa Bay area since May of 1999. In May 2002 we opened our own dance studio in St. Petersburg called 1st Dance. We try to support all local charities and fundraisers. I am against violence and abuse, so I am happy to be a part of this extraordinary night to help such an important organization as The Spring of Tampa Bay.





 

Kiril Arsov - Former Bulgarian Ten Dance Champion

   My parents enrolled me in ballroom dance classes when I was 5. At first I didn't like it, but after a few months I knew that I wanted to dance for the rest of my life. So I continued to dance, and had a very successful youth and amateur career in Europe. I started teaching when I came to the US at age 16.I came to realize how much dancing changes people's lives by making them feel happy and more complete. Becoming a professional dancer has given me the opportunity to do what I love, and share it with other people.  
   I am thrilled to be part of this Celebrity Dancing event while at the same time making a small contribution to such a noble cause as The Spring of Tampa Bay.




 

Sid Pocius - Lithuanian Dance Champion

My career started at age 6 when my mother took me to audition in the famous dance school "Zuvedra" in Lithuania.  I became passionately attached to this form of dance from my first introduction. At age 13, I won the National Lithuanian Dancesport Championship. I firmly believe my dance career accelerated tremendously when I was selected along my partners to represent Lithuania on their first trip abroad for junior dancers. I continued to travel and represent Lithuania all over Europe.

At 18, I opened my own dance studio, the "Tango", where many different venues including modeling, fashion, theater, and all types of dance were offered. I currently live in Sarasota, Florida, where I continue to train and coach top competitive couples, judge various competitions, as well as choreograph and perform in shows.

Because I am a professional ballroom dancer, when I was asked to participate in this Celebrity Dancing charity night for the Spring of Tampa Bay, I knew this would be one event where I could really help, and hopefully make a positive difference. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful cause




The Judges:
  • John Parks - A Professor in the Theater and Dance Department at USF, Assistant Choreographer to 'The Wiz' on Broadway, toured with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company
  • Armando Carrasco - World Certified Ballroom and Latin/Rhythm Adjudicator; Professional Latin Dance Finalist
  • Debra McWaters - Artistic Director of Broadway Theater Project; Assistant choreographer on 'Chicago', 'Fosse' and associate choreographer on 'Look of Love' - all on Broadway

Masters of Ceremonies and Announcer:
  • Brendan McLaughlin - Evening News Anchor, ABC Action News
  • Victoria Regan - U.S. Canadian & International Ballroom Champion; Broadway Performer; Singer, World Championship Judge
  • Mark Royals - Retired NFL, Broadcaster/Speaker
Along with great appreciation to our wonderful Dance Instructors and Celebrities who have donated< hours of their time, we would like to thank the following:
  • The Tampa Tribune - Media Sponsor
  • Schon Adverting - Donating website www.forthespring.com and invitation design
  • Extravaganza Productions - Set design and production
  • Designs to Shine - Costumes
  • CBS Outdoor Advertising - Billboards
  • ShowTime Dance Shoes/ Marcie Picard
  • Dancing D.J.'s - Mike and Peg Johnston
  • Tampa Police Department
  • Hillsborough County Sheriff's Dept.
  • Hair Perfections - Shawn Jayroe, owner
  • The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
  • Bonnie Lynd and her wonderful Band
  • The Staff at the Spring of Tampa Bay, Inc.
  • The Boards of Directors and Trustees of The Spring
  • The Spring Daytime Auxiliary!!

Show Date: Thursday, March 20. Tickets: www.tbpac.org 813.229.STAR - Outside of Tampa Bay area, 800.955.1045
The Spring of Tampa Bay, Inc. www.thespring.org PO Box 4772, Tampa, FL 33677
Volunteer co-chairs: Sarah Coates, Stephanie Hobson
Website design donated by www.schonadvertising.com | Web hosting donated by www.managedwebservices.com
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