Dancing with the Stars: Laredo Style

Citizens of Laredo did not need to be  Hollywood celebrities to be considered a dancing star, during an evening filled with elegance, rhythm and style. Woman's City Club (WCC) celebrated their 6th annual dance contest Dancing with the Stars, a charitable event, the past Saturday Sept. 28, at the Laredo Country Club where local contestants danced the night away for a non-profit organization.

To start the evening off, WCC treated its attendees to an exquisite dinner followed by a delightful chocolate dessert. An atmosphere of elegance was appreciated by the audience, and  sparkling chandeliers lit every corner of the room and soothing melodies of Etta James softly played in the background. As more attendees made their entrance, fashion made its presence known. Audience members wore remarkable wardrobes that literally shined; they were seen wearing dazzling gowns, sequin blouses and cardigans that made an impression of their own.   Gleaming jewelry was not the exception, from radiant charms, diamonds, pearls and different gems, these accessories were part of almost every female wardrobe in attendance.

As the night ran its course, masters of ceremonies Patty Kirby, KGNS promotions director, and Michael Blake, Texas A&M International University sports information director, began to introduce the contestants by sharing with the audience a brief biography of each couple, stating why they were joining the cause and naming the organization they represented. The first contestants were Marisa Ramos Benavides and Marco Antonio Ramos. Thet danced to "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project, dance of style tango, representing the Kidney Foundation of Laredo. After, Sonia Hernandez and Jose M. Sanchez, Jr. danced to "Samba" by Gustavo Lima, dance of style samba, representing Border Region Behavioral Center. Then, Gail and William Hauserman dancing to "An Elvis Medley," a mix composed by Elvis Presley, Otis Blackwell, Fred Wise, Dick Manning and Buffy Saint-Marie; their dance of style varied from waltz, jive and rumba, representing the Rio Grande International Study Center. Thereafter, Norma Eliza Quintero and Santos Davila danced to "Spicy Latin Mix" by Enrique Iglesias, J.Lo and Pitbull, dance of style latin, representing United Day School. Afterwards came Belinda Cantu and Jesus Garcia dancing to "Samba Brazileña" by Sergio Mendez, dance of style samba, representing Laredo Animal Shelter & Pink To Do. Adjacent, Jessica Botello and Rick Flores danced to "Cherokee Fiddle" by John Lee, dance of style country, representing the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center. Followed by Sonya and David Sanchez who danced to "Zoot Suit Riot" by Cherry Poppin Daddies, dance of style swing, representing Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center. Proceeding with Karina Montemayor and Abel Hernandez who danced to " Derecho Viejo" by Eduardo Arolas, dance of style tango, representing Vidal M. Treviño School of Communication Fine Arts. And last but not least, Renee Hinojosa and Carlos Benavides danced to "Evolution" a mix by various artists, the dance style varied genres, representing Boys and Girls Club of Laredo.

The contestants were adjudicated by all attendees  and a panel of judges that was shaped by Randy Black, Homero Medina, Julia 'Cissy' Narcisco, Estela Shea, and Karen Epstein Stewart. Dance contestants were first nominated into a group of five couples, which gave them the opportunity to dance for a second chance and to get judged on choreography, style, creativity and costumes by the selected panel of judges. Coming in third place was Renee Hinojosa & Carlos C.Y. Benavides, second place was given to Marisa Ramos Benavides and Marco Antonio Ramos, and first place was awarded to Norma Eliza Quintero and Santos Davila.

For more information on WCC events, the public can get in contact with Nancy De Anda who was the event's consultant  or any other member of the organization.

(Neguif Angeles may be reached at neguif.angeles@dusty.tamiu.edu)