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Chattanooga: Dancing for dollars

By: Kathy Gilbert
(Contact)

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Will they trip, slip or just take a dip?

Ten Chattanooga celebrities hit the dance floor this month to prepare for “Dare to Dance,” a charity fundraiser for the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and the Kidney Foundation.

Most of the contestants never have danced before.

“I’m terrified,” said Chattanooga Lookouts owner Frank Burke, lacing up a pair of two-toned leather shoes. “I do a lot of public speaking and have no problem thinking on my feet — but I have a huge problem thinking with my feet.”

Styled after the popular television show “Dancing With The Stars,” the event takes place Sept. 6 at Chattanooga’s newest venue, The Mill, located in Cypress Corners in the Southside neighborhood. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with drinks, hors d’oeuvres provided by Chatt-a-Foodie and a silent auction until 8 p.m., when the competition begins, according to organizers.

Votes for the event’s “People’s Choice Award” can be placed any time at kidneyfoundation.com or partnershipfca.com. Video clips of practices will be available online by mid month.

Other local celebrities involved include Chattanooga Education, Arts and Culture department administrator Missy Crutchfield, WTVC NewsChannel 9 co-anchor Kim Fields and City Councilman Manny Rico.

“I told them, ‘I’ve got two left feet, but if you all want me to, I’ll do it,’” Mr. Rico said. “I’ll do anything for charity.”

All the contestants are polishing their twinkles, box steps and promenades.

“They’re two great organizations, and I’m happy to help them out,” said WTVC co-anchor Kim Fields. “But I’m a little nervous. Hopefully I won’t be landing on my head.”

Judges will be Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Conductor Robert Bernhardt, Hamilton County District Attorney General Bill Cox, Girls Preparatory School fine arts department head Cathie Kasch and teacher and writer Sonia Young, known as “The Purple Lady.”

Contestants will be scored on presence, posture, connectedness with their dancing partner, personality and presentation, said Holly Ashley, assistant director of development for the Partnership.

The 10 contestants will be partnered with dance professionals from the Fred Astaire Studio in Brainerd. Hair styling and makeup will be provided by Hair Benders International in East Brainerd.

Dance ability was not a criteria in selecting competitors, Ms. Ashley said.

Ms. Fields said contestants will practice at least 20 hours in the dance studio.

“It’s no joke,” she said. “We’ll try our hardest to imitate professional dancers.”

A positive mindset, though, is more important than twinkling toes, said Fred Astaire owner Dean Botting.

“The biggest thing they have to overcome is the fear factor,” Mr. Botting said.

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