Local dance pairs shake it up

Sonoma Community Center dances into spring with a re-vamped Dancing with Our Stars, event to raise funds for its arts education programs and events.

Modeled after the hit TV show, the live version of Dancing with Our Stars features talented dance professionals paired with local notables to rehearse and perform a dance in front of a live audience. Now in its third year, the 2013 event will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Sonoma Veterans Building.

MCs Squire Fridell and Jean Arnold-Sessions will narrate the proceedings, while a lineup of “pro & star” dance couples take to the floor. This year’s dancers are: Bill Hammett & Ginnie Nichols (pictured); Gary Saperstein & Gabrielle Von Stephens; Mark Stornetta & Elaina O’Malley; Jaime Love & Dave Williams; Gayle Arrowood & Dennis Goss; Gary Edwards & Vera Harvey; Art Fichtenberg & Jenny Witous, and Christy Coulston & Terese Hernando.

Winners will be determined by a combination of judge’s scores and popular vote. Online voting will begin via the Sonoma Community Center website and proceeds will help raise additional funds for the Center. Judges Suzanne Brangham, Steve Page, and Suzy Fridell, taking the popular vote into consideration, will crown the winning couple.

This year’s event will feature $50 general admission seating. At the $100-$150 level, include a pre-show reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, reserved seating, and fine wine. Tickets are at Svbo.org, 938.4626 or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person at the community center office.