The evening’s highlights included a symphony performance, the dance competition and an exhibition dance by the Cincinnati Ballet. To date, officials said the amount raised this year is still being calculated. Last year, approximately $5,000 was raised.
“Everyone had a great time and they enjoyed participating,” said Susan Schirmer, conductor of the West Chester Symphony Orchestra. “All of our contestants have had a lot of fun doing this, but it has also helped us to set a little higher fundraising goal because we have attracted a wider audience.”
Dr. Kevin Joseph, M.D., president and CEO of West Chester Hospital, and his dance partner Mary Ramirez Cook, owner of A-Marika Dance Company, were took home first place in the dancing competition, earning the highest score of a 17.5 out of a possible top score of 20.
With a score of 17, the second place win and a “People’s Choice Award” went to Shirley Sampson, realtor, CRS, GRI at Comey & Shepherd Realtors, and her partner Doug Reynolds, owner of Westside Ballroom Dance Center. The “People’s Choice Award” is voted on by attendees as well as through online voting.
“Receiving The People’s Choice award was a great honor. I am very proud that I had so many people vote for me,” Sampson said. “Overall, it was a wonderful experience. It’s great exercise and it helps take the stress off of business and everyday life, because when you’re dancing, you have to concentrate on the dance.”
Other dance contestants in the dance off were Tom Daskalakis, Chief Operating Officer of West Chester Hospital, and his partner Gabrielle Sharp; and Dr. Amy Brenner, M.D., of Amy Brenner M.D. and Associates, Gynecology, Weightloss and Medispa, and her partner Damien Walsh. Debra Calabrese and Mario Kraszewski served as judges.
The participants ranged from beginners to seasoned, ballroom dance professionals. For Brenner, the competition was a new experience. To prepare, she took dance lessons from Walsh. She enjoyed it so much that she said she plans to continue taking lessons.
“I’m a resident of West Chester and my business is in West Chester. One of my patients told me about her involvement in The West Chester Symphony. Being a small business owner in West Chester, I like to support the growth of any kind of cultural experience, or development of the West Chester community,” Brenner said.
“From a dancing perspective, it’s more of a wannabe type of thing. It’s something that I’ve never done. My kids are involved in dance and I always wished that I had grown up with some kind of dancing experience versus playing basketball,” she said.
Next year’s fundraising event is scheduled for April 5. For upcoming concert dates, visit www.westchestersymphony.org.
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