Strip performers’ dancing feat: helping charities

Teaming Las Vegas Strip performers with professional dancers, "Dancing with the Las Vegas Stars" benefited five local organizations.

The afternoon affair Aug. 14 at Rain nightclub at the Palms offered guests beverages and appetizers before master of ceremonies Chet Buchanan of "The Morning Zoo" on KLUC-FM, 98.5, introduced the participating charities and judges and explained the rules of the dance competition.

Representing their charities were Paulette Anderson (American Cancer Society), Stephanie Kirby (Susan G. Komen for the Cure), Melissa Cipriano (Candlelighters), Bruce Rowe (The Caring Place) and Camila Buechler (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Jaci Brown from Cancer Treatment Centers of America presented a check for $10,000, which helped make the event possible, as did contributions from the benefiting charities and local sponsors: Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nine Group, KXPT-FM, 97.1, Walmart, Channel 13, Delgado Dance, Disaster Kleen-Up of Nevada, Escalera Landscaping, Barefoot Wine, Universal Carpet, Destinations-Senior Lifestyle and Lorian Home Health Care.

Admission was $50, and each vote for a dancing couple cost $2; there also was online voting.

The judges were Tony Delgado of Delgado Dance Studio, local radio personality Steph MacKenzie and impressionist Greg London of the Las Vegas Hilton.

The Strip performers had eight weeks of dance lessons before the competition.

Paris Las Vegas illusionist Anthony Cools took first place with Channel 13 weathercaster and dance instructor Ashlee DeMartino, performing Rock 'n' Roll.

Adam Tucker of "Country Superstars Tribute" at the Golden Nugget came in second with a Western-style dance with Jennifer Atlas.

"Morning Zoo" DJ Lauren Michaels performed the paso doble with Mariusz Zakrzewski, taking third place.

Kristen Hertzenberg ("Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular") danced the fox trot and cha-cha with Lupe Martinez. They took fourth place and won best routine.

"Peepshow" singer Cheaza danced the tango with David Rodriguez.

While the judging took place, the audience was entertained by Delgado Dancers, "The Rat Pack is Back" and Cheaza.

Seen in the audience were Beth Gomez, Margie Conway, Oliver Phillip, Irene Albrecht, Sheral Rowe, Cindy Miller, Terry Horowitch, Nancy Herbst, Fern and Gene Netzky, Charlene Anderson, Robert Parocua, Diane Garvey, Laura White, Jeanne Spala, Barbara Yamamoto, Aicha Watson, and Karen and Dennis Broderick.