Written by: Rikysha Williams
VSU danced the night away at its third annual Dancing with the Stars of Valdosta event on Saturday.
The event was modeled after the popular television show “Dancing with the Stars” and helped to raise funds for several dance, music and theater scholarships at VSU.
The stars of the show were members of the community who were paired with dance pros. Audience members donated money toward the competing couples, and the couple that raised the most money wins.
Each couple selected a ballroom dance genre, and their dance was choreographed either by the pro they were partnered with, by previous event performer Jeani Synard or by Dr. Eric Nielsen, VSU’s dance program coordinator.
Angela Crance is the star who performed a quickstep with VSU student Ethan Parker.
“I believe this event should be supported because students benefit from the scholarship, and it helps them reach their dreams,” Crance said.
This year’s event featured a special guest performance by VSU’s first lady, Dr. Dacia Charlesworth. She brought the crowd to a standing ovation as she performed a salsa choreographed by the owners of Motion Dance Studios, husband-and-wife team Hannah Moore and Alvaro Leyva.
Nielsen hopes this event will continue to grow as the years go on.
“It’s our biggest event of the year for people to not only support a worthy cause but have a great time,” Nielsen said.