If Shawn Charlton thought he was going to have it easy for his first time competing in Dancing with the Seymour Stars, he was sorely mistaken.
Charlton, who owns his own entertainment business and works at Youth Services Center in Columbus, is paired with Katrina Hardwick, who has danced in every Dancing with the Seymour Stars event since it began in 2012.
With experience in a variety of dance styles, from hip-hop to ballroom to body rock, Hardwick, who works at Schneck Medical Center, has choreographed a fast-paced, fun routine for them that features some quick-stepping fancy footwork.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
Click here to purchase photos from this gallery“It’s not easy, so the fact that he can keep up shows he’s really getting it,” Hardwick said during a practice session with Charlton at Snap Fitness on Monday afternoon.
They are one of eight couples who will take to the stage Saturday for the sixth annual Dancing with the Seymour Stars fundraiser, which raises money for Seymour Main Street and the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour.
Other competitors are Bri Roll and Alex Cazares, Kelley Gillaspy and Matt Nieman, Theresa and Rob Schwartz, Sarah Arnold and Shintaro Takeuchi, Ashley and Andrew Dec, Ana De Gante and Francisco Galicia and Alexa Ulrey and Brandon Joray.
There also will be special performances this year by 2017 winners Nate Otte and Angie Mellencamp, Bollywood Unlimited and Apt. 201 featuring Hardwick, Nieman and Karen Haas.
Charlton said being involved in such an event is a fun and unique opportunity to support the community.
“I want to challenge myself with something a little out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I want to feel good about working hard to create an entertaining performance. I’m looking forward to hanging out with all of the other dancers and cheering them on.”
There will be two performances at Celebrations, 357 Tanger Blvd., Suite 101, Seymour. A family-friendly matinee with drinks and refreshments will be at 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Boys & Girls Club or First Financial Bank or online at seymourmainstreet.org and are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
The Saturday night show, which features a catered meal, is sold out and is for dancers’ families and corporate sponsors of the event.
Each couple will perform their dance routine at both shows, and people can donate $1 a vote for their favorite dancers. Those who raise the most money will be named the winners at the end of Saturday night’s performance.
There are three things Gillaspy wants to get out of the experience, she said.
“To raise money for two amazing community organizations, to meet new people and connect with those I have had the pleasure of already knowing and to have a great time and maybe acquire some new dance moves,” she said.
Gillaspy said regardless of who wins, she already feels like a winner.
“I just want to finish, have fun, laugh and maybe entertain a little,” she said. “By showing up and giving it our all, we’re already winners.”
Votes can be cast online now at seymourmainstreet.org or after the performances Saturday.
Those attending the show will be able to vote using their checkbooks, credit cards or cash.
Last year’s event brought in a record $101,316, and organizers and dancers are hoping to top that amount this year.
All of the money from voting, ticket sales and sponsorships of the event help fund operations, programs, events and special projects for Seymour Main Street and the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour.
The event has raised more than $440,000 in five years.
De Gante and Galicia are both new to the event this year but have been working hard to perfect their Latin-infused dance routine.
“I’m very excited but very nervous, too,” De Gante said.
Galicia had two dreams growing up — to be a makeup artist and a dancer. Now, he has accomplished them both.
But being involved in Dancing with the Seymour Stars is not about personal glory, he said.
“I don’t want to win. I want to help,” he said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: Sixth annual Dancing with the Seymour Stars
When: Saturday, 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. performance
Where: Celebrations at Shops at Seymour, 357 Tanger Blvd., Suite 101, Seymour
Cost: Tickets to the matinee are available for $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. The evening show is sold out. Matinee tickets can be purchased at the Boys & Girls Club of Seymour or First Financial Bank or online at seymourmainstreet.org.
Benefits: Boys & Girls Club of Seymour and Seymour Main Street
Dancers: Alexa Ulrey and Brandon Joray, Bri Roll and Alex Cazares, Shintaro Takeuchi and Sarah Arnold, Ana De Gante and Francisco Galicia, Kelley Gillaspy and Matt Nieman, Theresa and Rob Schwartz, Andrew and Ashley Dec and Shawn Charlton and Katrina Hardwick.
Online voting is available at seymourmainstreet.org.
[sc:pullout-text-end]