VERO BEACH — Other than a slightly soggy red carpet, the brief but intense storm that rolled in Saturday evening did absolutely nothing to dampen the festivities at the fifth annual Dancing with the Vero Stars extravaganza, held for the first time at Riverside Theatre.
One of the most popular fundraisers of the season, the event raised $191,000 for the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, a group of five programs that’s mission it is to see that all women have access to prenatal care and all infants to services that promote normal growth and development.
Ten couples danced in various styles ranging from the classic Waltz and energetic Lindy Hop to the sultry Cha-Cha and the Tango.
In the end, only one could be given the Mirror Ball trophy. And that winner was Dr. John Sarbak.
The goal of Co-Chairs Laura Guttridge and Cheryl Gerstner and their committee was to create all the “glitz and excitement of a Hollywood premier party” and they eye-poppingly achieved it. From the moment guests ascended the broad front stairway it was all about Glitz, Glamour and Glitter. A crowd of “adoring fans and paparazzi” – costumed students of the Indian River Charter High School Schumann School for the Visual and Performing Arts – cheered, sought autographs and snapped flashes, as the crowd awaited the Stars’ arrivals aboard classic cars provided by the Indian River Region Antique Automobile Club of America.
Black, white and red, rhinestones, roses, candlelight and crystal transformed the theatre, as the biggest-crowd-ever bumped elbows, mingled with the Star couples, munched passed hors d’oeuvres and beverages and perused the Silent Auction offerings.
As her husband, Coalition Board Chairman Joe Robinson, worked the room, ensuring all was moving forward on schedule, Mandy Robinson said, “When it is a cause you’re passionate about, you’re happy to do it.”
As befitting the pull-out-all-the-stops theme, the evening offered an opportunity for the women to glam it up and shimmy into that fabulous outfit they might rarely get the chance to wear – sequins, sparkles, fringe, miniskirts, décolletage, off the shoulder, floor length swoops of color, strapless bustiers, fascinators – and the SHOES! And that was just the guests. The dancers cranked it up even further, as they stood with their partners, nerves and adrenaline peaking, absolutely glowing with glamour and dramatic make up.
“Are you nervous?” Page Curtis was asked.
“YES! Extremely! ” Curtis replied. Her partner, Barry Trammell, would be dancing a tango. Trammell, a classically trained ballet dancer, and co-owner of Vero Classical Ballet, would be competing against his wife, Amy, the instructor dancing with Star John Talmadge. “It is a bit nerve-wracking,” she said.
Radio Personality Hamp Elliott, the Breeze, 93.7, again served as emcee. Channeling TV’s Dancing with the Stars judges were the night’s panelists Lance Sexton (the Critical One), professional dancer and owner of Melbourne Ballroom; Donna Roberts Mitchell (the Sassy One), local singer/actress and co-owner of Ideas Garden Advertising and Planet Vero; and Adam Schnell (The Over-the-Top Funny One), professional, international dancer, faculty member of Riverside Children’s Theatre and Director of the Dance Conservatory at Riverside.
Before beginning their dance, each couple presented a short, hilarious video they had taped during the long, grueling rehearsals. With a background of a million tiny, twinkling stars and giant stars projected onto the floor, the competition began.
In the unenviable first-up spot was Star Mary Beth McDonald, former Vero Beach mayor, (among numerous other community activities). Glowing in a short shimmery grey gown with swingy, fringy skirt, and sparkling headband, she and partner Robert Scott, owner of Indian River Ballroom, danced the Cha-Cha. “I didn’t think it would be so physically demanding,’ she commented, pre-performance. “We started rehearsing in October, twice a week.” They earned a score of 23.
Couple No. 2 was Michelle Kantzler, a Realtor at Dale Sorenson Real Estate, and partner Freddie Vega, stepping for Jose Ratto only two weeks before the show. In spite of having very little rehearsal time, the couple nailed the Bachata/Salsa, Kantzler’s multi-cutout, canary yellow, costume and bright blue headdress perfect for the rhythmic moves. The judges awarded the duo a 22.
Next up was Kerry Firth, owner of Inside Track Almanac, and partner Joe Wynes, an independent instructor from Sebastian and respiratory therapist at the Sebastian River Area Medical Center. Firth glowed in a flowing blue gown and radiant smile, as they danced a Waltz. “You did what suited you,” commented Schnell, and Mitchell noted, “There is nothing more sexy and beautiful than a confident woman.” The couple received a 24.
Dancing the Tango was Page Curtis, who represents artist and philanthropist Virginia Knapp and owns Caroline Page Jewelry and Clothing, and her partner, Barry Trammell. Curtis was a knock-out in a short red dress, longer in the back, with black accent. “Did it just get warmer in here?” commented Elliott of the sensuous number, which scored a 27.
Taking the floor next was John Talmadge, owner of Vero Beach and Orchid Island Ace Hardware, with partner Amy Trammell, dancing the Lindy Hop to Benny Goodman, and wowing the audience with a spot-on series of lifts. Talmadge wore a sailor suit and Trammell a full-skirted dress, straight from the Big Band Era. The judges agreed with the audience, even Sexton, who had enjoyed hearty boo’s (as instructed by Elliott) whenever he was critical, deemed it “Great.” He and Schnell both awarded their first-ever 10’s, and Mitchell added a 9, for a near-perfect 29.
Sixth up were local criminal defense attorney Adam Chrzan and partner Terry Greene, dancing the Charleston. A lifelong dancer, Greene performed and choreographed with well-known Vero Beach dancer/choreographer Chris Dale Sexton, and came out of retirement for this occasion. Her sleek, short red dress perfectly suited the kicky Charleston moves, and the couple received a 25.
Next to take the floor was John Sarbak, a board certified plastic surgeon, Medical Director of the White Orchid Spa and “up til now non-dancer,” with partner Karren Walter, formerly with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, frequent performer, choreographer and teacher. Had there been a Zowi-est Costume award, this couple would, arguably, have gone home with it, in their Spanish, Tango/Paso Doble attire. All in black, with plenty of sparkle, he, the matador, in sequined bolero jacket, bare chested, twirling a black and red cape, she, the bull, in black lace with red rose at neck and hip. “Not all men can carry off a sequined jacket,” commented Schnell. Mitchell fanned her face, and Sexton “liked the cape,” adding up to a 26.
Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar and partner, Patti Rooney, were next to compete. Rooney has appeared in numerous productions of various kinds, including performing in the Rockettes’ Radio City Music Hall Christmas Show, and is currently Riverside Theatre comptroller. The couple performed a Tango. In a short sparkly black fringed costume and lovely, creamy skin, Rooney’s grace and flexibility served the dance well and the couple received three 9’s.
Couple No. 9 was Vice-President of Commercial Lending for CenterState Bank Chris Bieber and his partner, Stefani Conrado, lifelong Vero Beach resident who was “born to dance.” She was with Tessiers’ 14th Avenue Swingsation Studio where she still teaches Salsa. A paralegal, she is currently seeking an elementary education degree. The petite Conrado sparkled is a glittering silver minidress as the pair rocked the Salsa, executing several daring lifts smoothly. The couple earned a 26, and a rare “Great” from Sexton.
The final couple of the evening was Trish Hickey-Reid, owner of Blondies on Ocean, and partner Tom Isola, an independent dance instructor. Isola’s black tie and tails were the perfect match for Hickey-Reid’s flowing, peacock blue gown and as the floated through a romantic waltz. Schnell’s comment: “I’m a hopeless romantic, and that was a classy way to end the evening.” “He read my notes,” said Mitchell. “Beautiful,” added Sexton.
Scores were based 50 percent on performance and 50 percent on total dollars raised. Guests could vote with money- $1 = 1 vote; or through purchasing roses for their favorite Star. With everyone back in their seats, the dancers took the stage and the winners were announced.
- Best Dancer Award was a tie between John Talmadge for his energetic Lindy Hop and Trish Hickey-Reid and her graceful Waltz.
- Star Fund-raiser was John Sarbak with $36,000.
- Second Runner-Up was Chris Bieber.
- First runner-up was Deryl Loar.
- Grand Champion Mirror Ball Winner was John Sarbak.
Dancing with Vero’s Stars 2013 from Vero News on Vimeo.
