A summer of sore feet, stomped toes and long practices came to an end with Saturday’s Dancing with OUR Stars. The annual Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry fundraiser featured the dancing talents of more than a dozen local teams.
The theme of the show was Hollywood and Broadway soundtracks and the audience was treated to music from classics like “Top Hat” and “Mary Poppins.”
Chocowinity Primary School teachers danced to two classic Tom Cruise movie soundtracks: “Top Gun” and “Risky Business.” They sported the legendary boxers and shades for the “Risky Business” portion of the act.
Master of ceremonies Russell Smith said the team had been practicing without air conditioning.
The show and all of the dancers impressed Jackie Everett. She praised dedication and sacrifices made by participants.
“A lot of work goes into it. The charity’s wonderful and I think it’s great people take time out of their work days to do this,” Everett said.
The teams danced before two packed audiences.
“We had a nice turnout,” said Sally Love, executive director of Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry.
Even the weather cooperated with the afternoon show. As if on cue, Saturday’s showers began once the show was in progress and the sun was back out by the time the audience exited.
The Mid-East Commission and Parks and Recreations Department teamed up to dance to a “Space Jam” medley. Sporting ECU colors, the dancers bounced basketballs in their lively routine.
“It was fun,” said Teresa Hamilton, one of the dancers, after the performance. “You couldn’t see the audience, though. That’s probably what made it more fun.”
Margaret Lewis said she enjoyed the show, though it was not what she expected.
“It was really nice,” Lewis said. “Unusual.”
One “unusual” aspect of the show was a performance by Washington High School. Inspired by the Disney movie “Tron,” the WHS Dancers performed without the help of spotlights. The team wore black sweats covered in glowing lights operated by the dancers.
Carla Brown, Tribecca Moore, Amber McCullough, Shelby Lewis, Kate Miller, Diamond Barrett, Diani Teixeira, William Reising and Shannon Reising pop locked to a Kanye West song.
Winners were determined by donations made to each team and were announced following the 8 p.m. show.