The Community Council for the Arts brought a special event to Lenoir County Jan. 12.
“Stars Dance for the Arts” drew residents of Lenoir County and people from Wilmington, Greensboro, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Chapel Hill, Goldsboro, Greenville, Durham and as far as Richmond, Va.
After a year’s worth of planning, the event — hosted by Dirk Griffith and Lynn Johnson-Blake — was presented to a sell out crowd that enjoyed the dancing prowess of nine couples performing dances varying from tangos to foxtrots, cha cha and salsa to jitterbug. Costumes glittered, toes tapped and smiles filled the arts center.
While all couples were winners in many ways, two couples wound up with the three trophies, presented by Platinum Event Sponsor, Chairman and CEO of Minges Bottling Company Jeff Minges. Jim Baker and Margaret Williams won the Popular Vote Trophy and the Mirror Ball Trophy. Dr. John Herlong and Nora Parker won the Judge’s Trophy.
The Popular Vote was awarded based on the total number of votes cast on line before the event up to midnight Jan. 11 and votes cast by event participants during and immediately following the event. The Mirror Ball was based on 50 percent judges score and 50 percent popular vote. The Judge’s trophy was the highest combined judges score received.
Judges were Sallie Barrett of Chapel Hill, Robb Beaman of Cary and Byron Jennings from Goldsboro. Production manager was Erin Barker Whaley. Overseeing the dancer portion of the event was Vicki Barker. Sound, lights and special effects were provided by George Manning, and videography was provided by Clark Tutt.
Other couples participating were Stephen Alford and Amy Whitfield, Davis Canady and Emily Smith, Lynette Johnson and Lyn Turner, Suzanne Gallaher and Willie O’Keife Lewis, Cherita Lytle and Joe Exum, Vickie Robinson and Tommy Pressly, and Jennifer Worsley and Jay Barker.
All couples choreographed their own routines, found their costumes, selected their music, arranged their many practice sessions and, as many others, volunteered their time.