Prenn Woods and Anya Kwan

Local Celebrities Pair with Professional Dancers to Raise Money for The ARK

Educators, a police officer and medical professionals are just some of the people who will trade in their day jobs for dancing shoes at the sixth annual Dancing with The ARK’s Stars on March 12 at Pinewood Preparatory School. 

The premier fundraiser for The ARK, this event features a dynamic cast of local celebrities paired with professional dancers. Proceeds benefit the many programs of The ARK as it provides essential services for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Serving five counties, The ARK offers respite care, support groups, caregiver consultation, education, resource referrals, community learning programs and rural services development. 

The 2016 celebrity dancers are:

  • Jimmy Bateman, Summerville Police Department
  • Gary Brewer, Banks Construction
  • Nancy Deitch, Rollings Middle School of the Arts
  • Mary Early, Early Family Foundation
  • Wakesha Evans, Hope Clinic
  • Matthew Orosz, Hearing Care of Summerville
  • Greer Reagin, Reagin Orthodontics
  • Pren Woods, Alston Middle School

Each dancer is paired with a professional dance partner from Elite Dance International Studio in Mount Pleasant. Couples will perform at the event for a chance to win one of two titles: the Judge’s Award or the People’s Choice Award voted on by the audience. 

Similar to the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” four couples will dance in each round, with the two couples receiving the most judges’ votes competing in a “dance off” to win the Mirror Ball trophy. The couple receiving the most votes by dollars wins the People’s Choice trophy. Votes are $10 each, and can be cast in advance at TheARKofSC.org or at the event.

This year’s judges are Rodney Profit, 2015 winner of the Judge’s Award; Kenny Walker, 2015 People’s Choice Award winner; and professional performers Brad and Jennifer Moranz of Moranz Entertainment. 

This year’s Mirror Ball Sponsor is Dorchester County Probate Judge Mary Blunt. Serving as the master of ceremonies is Steve Mandell, head of school at Pinewood Preparatory School. 

Dancing with The ARK’s Stars is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at in the Eidson Gym at Pinewood Preparatory School, 1114 Orangeburg Road in Summerville. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Purchase tickets online at TheARKofSC.org or call 843-832-2357 for information.