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Now, as the dancers are in their final week of rehearsal, the May 17 event is sold out. (Call Curtain Call for availability as some seats may become available.) The event was originally scheduled to take place in Curtain Call’s Kweskin Theatre, but initial demand for tickets forced the local non-profit theatre company to look elsewhere for greater capacity. In stepped Mimi Klein Sternlicht of The Loading Dock in Stamford, and the program shifted into high gear. “The Loading Dock is a great new party space” said Ursone adding that “its industrial chic atmosphere has a theatrical flair of its own that blends perfectly with our program.” The new facility allowed Curtain Call to nearly double their attendance – which will provide much-needed income for this, the longest-running, community-based theatre in Stamford.
Metropolitan Dance Center in Stamford was so enthused that they committed five of their teachers to the program. Maria Fiora, of Maria Fiora’s Latin & Ballroom Dance Studio, committed three teachers, including herself, while other Stamford owner/instructors Luis Lopez and Greg Kasprzak of Latin Moves Dance Studio and Dance-Fit (respectively) jumped right in as new Star Dancers were added. “The volunteer commitment from all the studios has been phenomenal. This event just wouldn’t be possible without their expertise” noted Ursone. The professional dancers have been creating and refining their routines for the past eight weeks. Just as Ursone and Colatrella had knowledge of other like fund-raisers, so did John DePalma, Co-Director of Metropolitan Dance Center. “John told us all about a Kidney Foundation event he participated in in Arizona,” said Ursone noting that his advice, as well as that from all the dance school owners has been very helpful in the planning of the event. Based on the format of the hit TV show, DANCING WITH THE STAR, STAMFORD, features previously untrained volunteer dancers partnered with dance professionals for an evening of friendly competition. Behind the scenes video footage of all the dance couples will help mimic the show. Judges will not be revealing numerical scores, but will rather discuss the performances in a lighter and more fun-loving tone according to Ursone. “We want this to be a fun night for everyone – participants included, most of whom have never appeared on stage before an audience,” Ursone noted. Judges for the event include State Representative William Tong, local director Jeanine DeFalco, pro-am champion dancer Rick Lake, and resident TV personality Alan Kalter of The Late Show with David Letterman. Star Dancers include: Janice Arpaia – Cablevision News 12; Sarah Arnold - Stamford Board of Education; Lynn DiMenna – radio personality; Julia Frisoli - Actress; Sandy Goldstein – Stamford Downtown Special Services District; Juanita James - Pitney Bowes; Dr. Johnnie Lee - Stamford Health Department; Joyce Mazur – UBS; Dr. Marc Peyser – Chiropractor; Jami Sherwood - Simply Signs; Matt Zako - DJ for Cox Radio 95.9 The Fox. In addition to the eleven pro-am couples, the evening will also include exhibition dances from other professional dance competitors, including Benito Garcia, Emilee Peterson, brother and sister junior competitors, Michaela and John Gaylan, and Rick Lake, chairman of the Stamford Center for the Arts, co-founder of Lake Partners and champion ballroom dancer. Because the event is a fund-raiser for the non-profit theatre company, (ticket sales alone wouldn’t provide all the needed revenue), one aspect copied from the Florida group’s success was the idea of selling votes. Much like obtaining sponsors for a walk-a-thon or bowl-a-thon, friends and family can buy votes which will be counted towards The Peoples’ Choice Award to be handed out that night. (Go to: https://www.curtaincallinc.com/dancing.asp for secure online voting.) Also part of the fund-raising is a silent auction featuring mostly theater-themed packages. And if all the great fun of dancing, voting and silent auction isn’t enough for you, local restaurants and beverage distributors will keep everyone well fed – except maybe the dancers who’ll be watching their weight! Participating food and beverage sponsors include: Absolut Vodka, Bennett's Steak and Fish, The Capital Grille, Columbus Park Trattoria, David's Catering, Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery, Myrna’s Mediterranean Bistro, Heineken, Garden Catering, The Black Bear Saloon, Il Falco Ristorante, Michele's Pies, Napa & Co., RuLu's River Café, Strada 18, Beldotti’s Bakery, Bev-Max, DiMare Pastry and W.J. Deutsch & Son, Ltd. "We're also extremely fortunate to have corporate sponsorship from The Loading Dock, Access Securities, Pitney Bowes and Hampton Inn & Suites" Ursone said. Curtain Call is the non-profit community-based theatre company in residence at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT, providing year-round live productions as well as theatre arts educational workshops for youth and adults. Voted BEST LOCAL THEATRE GROUP 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 by the readers of Fairfield County Weekly, and named Best Performing Arts Group 2008 by the readers of StamfordPlus magazine Funding is provided by many local corporations, foundations and individuals, including The Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. For more information call 203-329-8207 or go to www.curtaincallinc.com. © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Contractors in place to help with debris removal in event of major natural disaster - Sep 21, 2008 - 2:47 PM 'Fish roast Ducks with convincing win - Sep 20, 2008 - 11:28 PM Fairfield Museum’s Fall Festival, Native American style - Sep 19, 2008 - 12:35 PM Silver Hill Hospital hosts weekly psychiatry radio program - Sep 19, 2008 - 8:57 AM Ducks storm back to beat 'Fish - Sep 18, 2008 - 11:56 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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