Though Dublin didn’t bring home the coveted mirror ball trophy, the community’s dancing couples were still winners as they helped raise $165,000 for Erath County Big Brothers, Big Sisters through the annual Dancing for the Stars event.
The event was held Thursday, Nov. 9 at the brand new Tarleton State University Rodeo arena, a new location for the event.
“Dancing for the Stars was amazing this year! The Erath County community pulled together and set a record breaking year!” Executive Director Sarah McNeal-Weaver said. “We are so thankful for what this community does for our program. Dancing for the Stars is a beautiful event that allows the community to get involved and have a fun night.”
Some of the ‘Littles’ (the kids who are partnered with either a Big Brother or Big Sister) were asked what they enjoy most about their ‘bigs’ and many of the kids stated they enjoyed getting to play games or simply liked spending time together.
The kids also entertained audience members with an impromptu dance off.
The annual event puts dancing couples against each other to get the highest scores and to see who raises the most money. Whichever team raises the most money through “audience votes” is declared the winners of the event. This year, Team Evans, with Sherrie and Scott Evans, were declared the winners despite Sherrie breaking her arm during dress rehearsal the night before the event.
As a longtime Dancing for the Stars dance instructor, Sherrie knew the show must go on and donned a matching cast that corresponded to her Thursday night dance outfit.
Receiving the only perfect score of the night, 10s were given to Team Evans across the board by the judges along with a standing ovation by the audience, in part for the Evans dedication to the community throughout the years.
Dublin’s teams weren’t left out of the fun, however, as both Team C2 and Team Hutchins showed off near perfect routines.
The dancing competition’s first-ever best friend duo, Darrell Curry (owner of Rafter C Roll Offs and more and co-owner of DLMM Services LLC) and Kayla Conner (owner of Southern Sass in Dublin) took to the stage dancing to a peppy version of “Last Dance.” Their scores ranged from 7 as the lowest, to 9 at the top.
After competing, Conner said the experience was incredible and like nothing she had ever been a part of.
“The community being so kind even though we weren’t perfect or professionals was the coolest thing ever. Above all, I just feel so blessed to be able to be a part of something that raised that amount of money for an amazing nonprofit,” Conner said.
They were not the only couple representing Dublin at the event as Team Hutchins, Lucky Vines owners Jeff and Kimberly Hutchins donned their dancing shoes.
“It was good, it was so awesome,” Kimberly said after the couple completed their dance. “We had so much fun.”
The couple danced to a medley of songs and earned scores ranging from 6 all the way up to 8.5.
Brayden and Brittany Lack, Team Lack, also competed earning high scores from the judges dancing to a Britney Spears medley.
Teams for next year are in the process of being selected and routines will be choreographed by professional dance teachers in conjunction with Studio 6:14 Dance and Performing Arts.