Get ready for a stupendous night of sparkles, sequins, and dazzling smiles! The St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts (SACSPA) will be hosting the annual “Dancing Stars of St. Johns County” at Lewis Auditorium. Ala popular television series “Dancing with the Stars,” numerous local “celebrities” don their dancing shoes and pair up with professional dance instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Doing their best Fred and Ginger, the couples will tango, salsa, and waltz their way into the spotlight.
The Basics
The 2018 Dancing Stars of St. Johns County will take place on Saturday, July 7 at 7pm in Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts. General admission tickets are $25. VIP seating is $50.
The Stars Lineup
Each dancing couple will compete for two awards – People’s Choice, based on votes from the general public, and Judges’ Choice, decided by the panel based on the evening’s performances.
Julie Basham
Julie Basham was born in England and moved to the United States when she was seven years old. She now lives and works in St. Augustine, Florida. Julie has a career in Residential Construction Lending and works for a local bank. When she is not glued to a computer screen she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
Jonathan Birbal
Jonathan Birbal was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the United States to study Computer Programming. He now works at Flagler Hospital in the interface team, connecting all the community physicians to the hospital for medical orders and results. He is always looking for new aspects of technology to learn and is always up for a change so when not working he is developing websites as a full stack web developer and playing video games with friends overseas. One of his goals is to be part of developing a self-sustaining space station and spacecraft.
Casey Brown
Casey Brown has lived in St Johns County since 2012. She moved to St. Augustine from Orlando. Casey is the proud single mother of two great kids. She has her own massage therapy practice. Casey recently accepted admission into Jacksonville University. She will be going back to school in her 40’s to earn her Bachelors Degree. Casey loves to travel and have fun with her family. One day she hopes to backpack through Europe. She is very excited to help out with a charity in such a fun way. Casey is representing St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS).
Kalee Howell
Kalee Howell was born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida and still loves calling it home. She is currently pursuing a Criminology degree while working full time for a local law enforcement agency. In her downtime, she enjoys being outside mountain biking or playing with her two dogs. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, learning new things, and supporting her local businesses. As a graduate from the St. John’s County Center for the Arts at St. Augustine High School, she is honored to participate in this event which supports the St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts, Inc.
Brian Kurz
Born in Murray, Kentucky and raised all over the Southeast until earning his Doctorate in Savannah, GA, Brian made his home in St. Augustine and started his career as a pharmacist in 2008. He grew up in a house filled with music and taught himself to play guitar at the age of 16. Brian also loved playing soccer and led his Club Soccer team to two State Championships as captain and was MVP of his high school team. He is an avid golfer and enjoys playing in his free time. Most days, you will find him at Walgreens in WGV, where he has been the Pharmacy Manager for the past 9 years. Brian has a passion for helping patients while putting a smile on their face.
Madeline Rivera
Madeline Rivera is a twenty year resident of St. Augustine, Florida. She has proudly worked at the St. Johns County Clerk’s Office for eighteen years and has worked in the traffic division for the majority of those years. Madeline works in customer service, attends court, and works closely with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement agencies in the community. Madeline is passionate about serving our county. She is the proud mother of three daughters. One of her daughters is a young adult with special needs. Her daughter attends Arc in St. Augustine which provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Madeline has a love for all types of music, especially music from her Latin heritage. She has always loved to dance and became a Zumba instructor teaching Zumba classes locally.
Noelani Taylor
Noelani Taylor is native to the Oldest City with a strong Hawaiian heritage. She’s passionate about running miles. Lots and lots of miles. In fact, she prefers running 100 miles to driving the distance. Noelani monitors Head Start programs around the country to ensure learners get the best school start possible! She serves on the Kids Bridge Auxiliary Board, to assist families through difficult transitions. She is an indoor cyclist extraordinaire, live music lover, and fan of random outdoor adventure. However, Noelani’s greatest love is her son, Koa! She’s an inspirational quote junkie and a hiking and biking buff. She is a positive energy enthusiast and advocate of lifelong learning. Stay tuned for info on her coaching services! She believes strength and growth lie outside your comfort zone, and she is thrilled to be stepping out of hers to benefit SACSPA! Noelani is representing Kids Bridge.
Tina Verduzco
Tina Verduzco is a local artist and writer. She co-wrote the Young Adult novel “Storm and the Mermaids Knot” with her writing partner Megan Richards, together they own LunaSea Publishing Company. Tina originally is from Iowa but has been a St. Augustine resident since 1984. When not in her studio making assemblage art or writing you can find Tina enjoying all the wonderful things St. Augustine has to offer!
Following the competition attendees will enjoy a professional show with championship dancers from Arthur Murray Dance Centers. Professional dance instruction for the annual Dancing Stars of St. Johns County is provided by Arthur Murray Dance Centers.
VIP Party
Immediately following the competition, VIP Ticket holders are invited to an after-party at the Corazon Cinema & Cafe. A dance floor will be set up for those who would like to dance and food and beverages will be available to purchase. Come celebrate and enjoy the fabulous party! Purchase your VIP ticket online and remember to vote for your favorite dancer!
For more information about the 2018 Dancing Stars of St. Johns County, visit them online at www.dancingstarsofsjc.com. Featured image via Facebook.
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