2015 Program

Whistle Stop’s
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala
The Sixth Year
Proceeds to Benefit
DancingClassrooms
Lake Charles ~ August 2015
MHB
We are pleased to present the Whistle Stop’s Sixth
Annual Mad Hot Ballroom Gala to benefit Dancing
Classrooms. This evening’s performances are the
result of hard work, discipline and determination. Local
celebrities, paired with experienced dancers, will perform
for you tonight. Each couple chose their dance, music,
costumes and choreography. The dancers graciously
volunteered countless hours of practice in preparation
for tonight’s show because they understand the positive
effect Dancing Classrooms has in our area.
Nancy Vallee, director of the Whistle Stop, brought
Dancing Classrooms to Southwest Louisiana. Nancy has
done a remarkable job in implementing and fostering
the program, founded by Pierre Dulaine and the American Ballroom Theater of New
York.
Dancing Classrooms teaches children more than dance; the program teaches life
skills, which enhance children’s futures in every way. Our goal is to make Dancing
Classrooms available to every fifth grade student in Southwest Louisiana. After
tonight, I am confident you will appreciate the impact the structured program makes
on the children from schools fortunate enough to participate. On behalf of the Whistle
Stop and Dancing Classrooms, I want to thank all of the volunteers for their hard
work and dedication.
I wholeheartedly thank all our sponsors that made the 6th Annual Mad Hot Ballroom
possible:
Event Sponsors
Ballroom Sponsors
Children’s Clinic
Studio 901
Doris Rozas
Big Easy Foods
CITGO
JD Bank
L’Auberge Casino Resort
Media Sponsor
KPLC-TV
Enjoy the remakable evening; sit back, watch this great show, and please vote for
your favorite couple! I encourage you to stay after the competition and dance the
night away. Our “talent scouts” will be watching for potential celebrity dancers for
Mad Hot Ballroom 2016.
Leah Bossano
Co-Chairman
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala Event
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
1
MHB
In 2009, the Whistle Stop introduced Dancing Classrooms to
six schools in Southwest Louisiana. As seen in the movies
Mad Hot Ballroom and Dancing in Jaffa, the newest movie
released last year, Dancing Classrooms is a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program that utilizes ballroom dance
to teach 5th grade children the social and self-management
skills they need to be successful in middle school and in life.
Over the past seven years, more than 40 schools in Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and East Baton Rouge Parishes have participated in Dancing Classrooms. Over 1500 students benefitted
from Dancing Classrooms during the 2014-2015 school year.
The Whistle Stop also provides an After-School/Summer Program, giving us the opportunity to reinforce the SEL skills that were introduced during Dancing Classrooms
at school. The “end goal” of the After-School program is participation in the USA
DanceSport Competition in Baton Rouge. The group brought home more than 200
ribbons and medals. Top winners include: Caitlyn Wilson and Reginald Larkins; Jalen
Anderson and Chancey Guidry; Dedrick Johnson and Amaya Dupre; Quintin Braden
Magness and Rebecca Middleton; and newcomers, Eric Johnson and Traelen Huphrey.
All After-School programs use the Dulaine Method of teaching, which continues to
build self-confidence while practicing teamwork, communication and respect. The
benefits of Dancing Classrooms have far exceeded our expectations. Principals love
it because it improves the behavior of their students, builds self-confidence, and
teaches children how to be ladies and gentlemen. Students love it because it’s fun
and many of them realize a sense of accomplishment when they learn a new step or
a new dance.
The 2015-16 school year promises to be more successful than ever. Our goal is to
help our schools establish Dancing Classrooms partners, which are private donors
and businesses who will bring financial stability and certainty to each school’s program.
Increasing budget cuts to education make providing Dancing Classrooms a challenge
each and every year. Partnerships range from $500 to $1,000. A partnership
investment is not only 100% tax deductible but is also a valuable contribution to the
future of our community. Our children need your help, please give generously.
Nancy Vallee
Founding Director
The Whistle Stop / Dancing Classrooms Southwest Louisiana
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
2
MHB
The Whistle Stop
presents:
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala
Welcome
Dr. Juan and Leah Bossano, Event Chairpersons
Introduction of Masters of Ceremonies
Bruce Hamilton
Dana Keel
Chris Shearman
Opening Number: Past Dancers
(choreography by Dr. Tyson Green)
Introduction of Judges
Parade of 2015 Contestants
Competition Begins
Kalieb Pourciau and Emily Porché
Melissa Rasberry and Edward Marsh
Jamie Yelverton and Angela Peck
Tyler Williams and DaLanne Babineaux
Barbara Van Gossen and Robert Miller
Eric Avery and Lacey Harrison
Lorette Bass and Damien Thibodeaux
George Cestia and Lauren Miller
Doug Gehrig and Amanda Yellott
Allyson Miller and Marcus Bebee
Jazz-Funk
East Coast Swing
Merengue
Charleston
Tango
Hip-Hop/Cha-Cha
Swing
Freestyle
Medley
Jive Swing
Dancing Classrooms Finale
Awards Ceremony
Open Dance Floor for Social Dancing
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
3
MHB
People’s Choice Award
Vote for Your
Favorite Couple
by
Donating to the Cause!
The couple that collects the highest dollar amount wins.
Use the forms and envelopes found on your table.
An usher will gather them.
100% tax deductible
People’s Choice Award
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
4
MHB
Event Hosts
Bruce Hamilton travels throughout the United States
spreading his philosophy called No Bad Days to thousands of
people each year. Bruce believes that if you allow yourself to
have a bad day, YOU LOSE! Bruce shares his philosophy in a fast
paced humorous style. As a professional speaker, sales trainer,
business owner, general manager of National Networks, host of
an internationally syndicated television program, husband and
father of two, Bruce has a varied background to draw from.
Bruce is not a motivational speaker, he is a motivated speaker.
He is motivated to help others take control of their lives and
their destiny by taking control of their attitudes. Bruce has
been the Master of Ceremonies for Mad Hot Ballroom since its
inception in 2010!
Dana Keel is a life-long resident of the Lake Area. She has
been married to Clyde for 26 years and they share a blended
family of five children and 10 glorious grandchildren. Dana is the
Government and Public Affairs Manager for CITGO Petroleum
Corporation Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. In her
role, she serves the community through organizations such as
SWLA Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Sunrise Rotary and
raises needed funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association and
United Way SWLA among others. The department also follows
governmental issues affecting the oil and gas industry. Dana
enjoys family time, participating in church activities, fishing,
gardening, renovating and volunteering.
Chris Shearman is the 2nd place winner of MHB 2010!
Chris owns and operates Shearman Media, which is a onestop shop digital media marketing company. Shearman is also a
licensed Louisiana Real Estate agent with Reinauer Real Estate.
As a seasoned local musician, he is fascinated by the power of
music and frequently donates his talents to performing benefits
and private parties. Chris is a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High
School and of Louisiana State University. Shearman manages
the Calcasieu Soccer Club Adult Soccer Leagues and enjoys
sight-casting for redfish in his time off. His work as Youth
Programs Director with the YMCA helped cultivate his love for
enriching the lives of children and his decision to be a part of
the Mad Hot Ballroom Gala.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
5
MHB
Event Judges
Karen Estep
Dance Instructor
Sheryl Forrester
Certified Ballroom Dance Judge
Susan Gerard
Ballroom Competition Dancer
Angela Guillory Dance Instructor
Maryann Harvey
Certified Ballroom Dance Judge
Chris Martin
Dance and Cheer Coach
Gene Thibodeaux
Past Celebrity Dancer
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
6
KALIEB POURCIAU
MHB
John Kalieb Pourciau was raised in Maringouin, Louisiana.
A graduate of Catholic High School of Pointe Coupee,
he attended Louisiana State University, graduating in
2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Kalieb always
dreamed of being a doctor and impacting the lives of
others. He attended Temple University School of Podiatric
Medicine in Philadelphia and did his residency at John
Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a Foot
and Ankle Specialist at Center for Orthopaedics.
He enjoys cooking, LSU athletics, hunting, fishing, and
playing music. He and his wife, Kayce, have 3 amazing
children, Porter (8), Layla (6) and Juliette (2).
Dr. Pourciau is honored and excited to participate
in such an esteemed dance competition, which
raises money for such a wonderful organization
that touches the lives of so many people in the
community he serves.
Emily Porché
Emily was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
She graduated from Alfred M. Barbe High School
and McNeese State University where she obtained a
bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
Currently, Emily is the Event Coordinator at the
Burton Coliseum Complex. She schedules, coordinates
and manages the events that take place at the
Burton Complex. Emily is the main contact for those
interested in renting any, or all, of the three facilities.
She serves on the board of Fusion Five, Southwest
Louisiana’s young professional’s organization, and is
on the Executive Committee as the secretary and
treasurer, and also serves as the chairman of
the Branding Committee.
She has been dancing since she was 7 years
old, she is married to Cody Porché and is
a proud mom to two dogs, Kramer and
Bruce.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
7
MHB
Dr. Melissa Rasberry
Melissa is from Creole, Louisiana. After high school she
went to college at LSU, followed by medical school at LSU
New Orleans. Dr. Rasberry has been practicing family
medicine with Imperial Health in Lake Charles for 3 years.
She and her 6-year old daughter stay very active and
enjoy traveling and having impromptu dance parties in
their living room.
Melissa was very impressed with what Dancing Classroom
students were able to do after having the opportunity
to see some of them perform last year. She is excited
to be part of this year’s Mad Hot Ballroom Gala
because she believes that it is important for the
Dancing Classrooms program to continue in our
area schools. Melissa has never done ballroom
dancing before, but she says the journey has
been a lot of fun. Anyone who knows Melissa
knows that she loves to dance!
Edward Marsh
Edward is the Executive Vice President of Extex
Production, an Oil and Gas Company he helped start
with his identical twin brother in 1998. He has a
Petroleum Engineering degree from the University of
Oklahoma and lives in Lafayette with his wife Angelle
and their four dogs. Dance lessons and group classes
have been an entertaining, yet challenging hobby for
Mr. Marsh for the last 20 years. In 2009, he decided to
test his skills and took his dancing to the competitive
level by entering the sport of Country Dancing. He has
won five UCWDC World Championships: three with his
professional partner, Sheryl Forrester, and two in couples
with partner Angela Peck.
This is Edward’s third year to participate as
an expert dancer. He won 3rd place in the
2014 Mad Hot Ballroom competition with
celebrity partner Chauntel Mathieu and the
2013 People’s Choice Award with Mary
Beth Huber.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
8
Jamie Yelverton
MHB
Jamie, born and raised in Lake Charles, is a graduate of St.
Louis Catholic High School, McNeese State University and
Southern University Law Center.
He has been married to Charmayne Dingler Yelverton for
35 years, and they have three children: Chauntel Mathieu,
Fehran and Kendal. Jamie and Charmayne also have four
wonderful grandchildren. He is a practicing attorney-at-law
and is an active member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic
Church. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling,
golfing, boating and fishing.When asked to compete in this
year’s Mad Hot Ballroom Gala, Jamie did not hesitate to
commit and said that dancing runs in his family: “After
all, my daughter, Chauntel Mathieu, and sister, Mary
Beth Huber, have both competed as celebrities
in Mad Hot Ballroom. I’ve got to keep up the
family tradition while raising money for the
very worthy Dancing Classrooms program!”
Angela Peck
For more than four decades, Angela has spent her days
working in the dental field. Currently, she is the office
administrator for Lake Area Dentistry for Dr. Jeffery
Hennigan and Dr. Nathan Bray. She is the proud
mother of two sons and loves spending time with her
granddaughter.
After her youngest son left home, Angela pursued
her childhood dream of being a dancer and quickly
found a passion that led to distinguished success.
She holds five World Championship titles with
UCWDC, the most recent was captured this past
January at Disney World Orlando.
Most of Angie’s free time is dedicated to dancing in
the studio and on the competition floor. She won the
Best Costume award in the 2011 competition with
her partner, Larry Avery; captured 3rd place in the
2012 competition with Roger Porter; and won the
Originality Award in 2013 with Dean David.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
9
Tyler Williams
MHB
Tyler was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He graduated
from Mississippi State and the University of Memphis. He
is currently VP and Marketing Director for JD Bank and
serves as Treasurer of the SWLA Jr. Golf Association and
is on the board of the SWLA Alliance Foundation.
Tyler enjoys playing golf with friends and following his
wife’s basketball team around the country. He is married
to Brooks Donald, who is the head basketball coach for
the McNeese State Cowgirls. Tyler also serves as the radio
analyst for Cowgirl Basketball.
A long time supporter of Mad Hot Ballroom and Dancing
Classrooms, Tyler finally succumbed to the pressure
from Leah and Nancy and agreed to dance this
year. “I love my partner, DaLanne, our routine
and our music. I’m very excited for this year’s
competition.”
DaLanne Babineaux
DaLanne is a graduate of McNeese State University,
where she received a degree in Psychology Education.
While attending college, she was a cheerleader and
later served as the captain of the Cowgirl Kickers.
She is also a former cheer instructor for the National
Cheerleading Association. DaLanne has been
a dancer for 38 years. She became a Dancing
Classrooms Teaching Artist in 2010 and is now the
Program Coordinator & Senior Teaching Artist for
Dancing Classrooms. She currently teaches 5th
and 8th graders in the program.
DaLanne is married to Jason Babineaux and they
have an 8-year old son, Cayton and a 3-year old
daughter, Cortlyn.
DaLanne and her Celebrity Partner, Matt
Nicholas, won 1st place in the 2014
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala. She also won
2nd place in the 2010 event with Chris
Shearman and the Originality award in
2012 with Dr. Kieran Coleman.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
10
MHB
Barbara Van Gossen
Originally from Lafayette, Barbara graduated from
Barbe High School where she was also cheerleader. At
McNeese, she served as president of Phi Mu sorority
and earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration
in advertising and design. After graduation, she
worked at Lamar Outdoor, opened an office doing
freelance artwork for two years, and worked at
Louisiana Marketing for 18 years before partnering
with Kristy Armand and Christine Fisher at Healthy
Image and Thrive Magazine. She serves as Creative
Director for both companies.
Barbara is married to Mike Van Gossen, a professor at
McNeese and a personal trainer. They have one
son, Lucas (12), who is the love of their lives.
They also have three dogs and one feisty
cat! She has enjoyed dancing and making
new friends while preparing for the Mad
Hot Ballroom Gala.
Robert Miller
Robert is a supervisor for RD Spell Construction and
has been dancing for over 25 years. By day, he runs
heavy equipment and supervises road construction;
by night, he glides across the dance floor enjoying
his love for dance. Robert has always “felt” the
rhythm of music, which is one of the reasons he
started taking lessons. His hobby has turned into a
serious endeavor.
He has competed on the country circuit in “Amateur
couples” divisions and has won numerous times.
Mr. Miller holds the 2011 Male Silver Novice National
Country Dance Champion title and he is the reigning
2013 UCWDC World Champion. Winning in
Country competitions are not Robert’s
only accolades; his routines won Most
Original in Mad Hot Ballroom 2011
with former celebrity partner, Jill
Boyer, and Best Costume in the
2012 Competition with celebrity
partner, Debbie Lewing.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
11
Eric Avery
MHB
Eric, a native of Sulphur, graduated from Sulphur High School
in 1995. Eric went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree
from McNeese State University in 1999 and his master’s
degree from Louisiana State University in 2001. Eric is
the President and Managing Partner of Neighborhood Mini
Storage, Avery Archives, AGNG Development Group,
and the soon to open Crying Eagle Brewing Company.
Eric has served, or is currently serving, on the Board of
Directors for Immaculate Conception Cathedral School,
American Red Cross, Self Storage Association of Louisiana,
Big Easy Foods and Crave Gourmet. Eric has extensive
civic, medical and non-profit volunteer experience. He
and his wife Jennifer have 3 children (Jackson, Caroline
and Lauren). Aside from his family, some of Eric’s
greatest accomplishments include competing
in the Ironman Triathlon and multiple
marathons, reading the Bible cover-tocover and starting multiple businesses
from the ground up.
Lacey Harrison
Lacey graduated from Sam Houston High School where
she was a Sam Houston Broncette. She went on
to become a Cowgirl Kicker and graduated in
General Studies from McNeese. While growing
up in Lewisville, Texas, Lacey attended Top Hat
Dance Centre for 11 years and was in the dance
company for 4 years. She performed at various
Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboy Halftime shows. At
the age of 14, she moved to Moss Bluff, Louisiana.
She attended Ashworth School of Performing Arts
and was on the competition team for 6 years,
winning various awards and scholarships. In 2013,
Lacey danced in the Super Bowl Halftime Show
for Beyoncé and later that year, she performed in
Beyoncé’s music video, Blow. Lacey played the role of a
Legacy Bella in the 2015 movie Pitch Perfect 2.
Lacey currently choreographs competition
routines and teaches classes at Ashworth
School of Performing Arts, and she
is a Teaching Artist for Dancing
Classrooms.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
12
Dancing Classrooms ~ Lake Charle
The Dancing Classrooms program was
launched in 1994 by world-renowned
ballroom dancers Pierre Dulaine and
Yvonne Marceau as a not-for-profit
project of the American Ballroom Theater
Company.
An
arts-in-education/lifeskills program, Dancing Classrooms uses
ballroom dance to build social awareness,
confidence and self-esteem in children.
Dancing Classrooms residencies are
integrated into the school day; 5th
grade students meet with their Teaching
Artist twice a week for ten weeks. The
program utilizes a syllabus of ballroom
dance that nurtures mastery of an art
form in a fun learning environment while
fostering respect, teamwork, confidence,
politeness, and a sense of joy and
accomplishment. Essentially, it "teaches
life skills wrapped up in ballroom dance."
“The endless stream of not-so-common
courtesy is part of Dulaine’s system.
We say ‘Thank you, partner; hello,
new partner.’ We want to instill in the
children the idea that they are ladies
and gentlemen.”
Pierre Dulaine
13
rles ~ Colors of the Rainbow ~2015
As a special activity, each school
in the Dancing Classrooms
program has the option to
participate in a city-wide team
match, the Colors of the
Rainbow. At the close of each
course, students audition to
participate and twelve students
advance to the competition. The
schools are identified by colors,
with ladies wearing colored
sashes and the gentlemen
wearing colored cards pinned to
their backs.
“Our teaching philosophy is one
of inside-out versus outside-in.
The program is not just about
teaching dance, it’s about
teaching pride, confidence and
respect. We take the dance
that is inherent in students’
bodies and help them to bring
it out, not force it in, enabling
students to increase their selfesteem as they learn.”
Pierre Dulaine
14
Lorette Bass
MHB
Lorette Marie Bass was born in Lake Charles and
graduated from McNeese State University. Although she
started her career in the healthcare field, she went on
to get her Master of Education and Education Specialist
degrees. She has been an educator for the past 20
years and is presently the principal of Lake Charles
College Prep, the first charter high school in Lake
Charles. She is married to her soul mate, Gregory Bass.
Together, they have 5 sons (Jeremy, Gregory, Jordan,
John and J’kalo), 1 daughter (Genesis), and two beautiful
granddaughters (Jayla and Jayden).
Lorette spends as much time as she can with her family.
She loves to travel. Her dream is to retire, move to a
beach home and relax in the sun. Her ultimate goal
is to fulfill all of God’s plans for her life and to help
each student under her care reach their maximum
potential.
Damien Thibodeaux
Damien was born and raised in Lake Charles. He began
his dance training with Lady Leah LaFargue Hathaway
and attended the National Academy of Arts and the
Alvin Ailey School of Dance. Damien has performed
at venues across the globe including Broadway in
NY, Lincoln Center, London’s West End, and the
Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Locally, he has
directed, choreographed, and performed in several
productions.
Damien now divides his time and energy teaching
Pilates at the Christus Athletic Club, working at Spa
du Lac, and offering home fitness training for clients
with special medical needs. With the Boys & Girls Club
of America, he is creating the Louisiana School for the
Arts, an after-school program for at-risk children
and teenagers that offers training in dance,
acting, singing, music, and the visual
arts.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
15
MHB
George Cestia
George was born and raised in New Iberia, LA.
He attended
UL-Lafayette on a golf scholarship and received a Bachelor
of Science in Finance in 2000. In 2003, he earned a
Master of Business Administration in entrepreneurship
and marketing from LSU in Baton Rouge. He moved to
Lake Charles, LA in July 2003 to start his own business,
Home Instead Senior Care, a company that provides
home care for seniors.
He married Katie Cherhoniak,
a physical therapist, in 2009 and together they have 3
year old identical twin daughters, Louise and Frances.
George’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, golf, spending
time with family, cooking and entertaining. He is a past
president and current member of the Lake Charles
Rotary Club and Crime Stoppers, a Boy Scouts
of America Silver Beaver Award Recipient,
and current board member of the Calcasieu
Medical Society, Calcasieu Community Clinic
and Lake Charles zoning.
Lauren Morris Miller
Lauren is a native of Sulphur and a graduate of Sulphur
High School. She was a Cowgirl Kicker and graduated
magna cum Laude from McNeese State University
with a bachelor’s degree in English and an associate
degree in art.
At Tammy Palmer’s Center Stage, Lauren prepares
dancers for competition, choreographs dance
routines and designs costumes for many of the
competition pieces. Lauren is also a Teaching Artist
for the Dancing Classrooms program and the
Dance Coach for the McNeese Cowgirl Kickers.
Lauren recently married Coby Miller and they
have a mini Dachshund named Molly.
This is Lauren’s third year to participate in Mad
Hot Ballroom as an expert dancer. She and her
celebrity partner, Dr. Tyson Green, won both
the 2012 Mirror Ball trophy and the
2012 People’s Choice award.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
16
Doug Gehrig
MHB
Doug was born and raised in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, just
north of Milwaukee. He attended the University of Illinois
where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in
1972. After working in industry, his father’s McDonald’s
restaurants were expanding in the Lake Area, and he
joined the family business. The rest is history; Doug
has spent almost 40 years in the McDonald’s business
here. He owns and operates all 10 stores in Calcasieu
Parish. Doug has won many McDonald’s awards including
McDonald’s most cherished, the Ronald Award, for his
recognized dedication and service to the Lake Area. He
currently sits as chair for the Operators Association
in his McDonald’s region, representing some 135
operators. Whistle Stop and Dancing Classrooms
has been a favorite charity of Doug’s. In fact,
he has served as a board member of Whistle
Stop, and continues to heavily support them.
Being asked to compete in the Mad Hot
Ballroom competition is icing on the cake!
Amanda Yellott
Amanda was born in Houma, Louisiana and now lives
in Sulphur, Louisiana. She first started dancing at age
12 and a desire for the art was quickly born. Tap, Jazz,
Dance line, and Cheerleading were the first elements
of her newfound passion. Three years later, Amanda
began assisting the instructors at DaLanne’s Dance
Academy.
After years of recitals, competitions, and trophies,
Amanda hungered for more. Teaching satiated that
need; she taught all styles of dance. With students
ranging in age from 3-63, Amanda has loved every step
and pirouette. In July of 2012, Amanda became a Dancing
Classroom’s Teaching Artist. She loves the
program and believes that teaching from
the heart with passion and watching
the children become young ladies and
gentlemen is the most humbling
experience.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
17
MHB
Allyson Miller
Allyson was born in Opelousas and moved to Westlake
at the age of 9. She graduated from Westlake High
School and has a BS in Psychology from McNeese State
University. She is employed at CITGO Petroleum
Corporation as a Human Resources Business Partner.
Allyson is a member of the Imperial Calcasieu Human
Resource Management Association and Society for
Human Resources. She possesses a Professional in
HR certification and serves on the Board of Directors
for Boys Village. In her spare time, Allyson enjoys
running and spending time with family and friends.
She ran her first ½ marathon in October 2014! She
has been married to Kevin Miller for 13 years and
they have one daughter, Addie (10). Allyson is
excited to be a part of Mad Hot Ballroom and to
have the opportunity to help promote and support
the success of the children involved in our local
Dancing Classrooms program.
Marcus Bebee
Marcus began dancing at the age of 12 and dancing soon
developed into a passion. The former rodeo bull rider
and bullfighter traded in his chaps for competition
dance boots, eagerly hitting the competition floor by
age 15.
Marcus has won numerous competitions over
the past 20 years in both Professional/Amateur
partnerships and in Amateur Couples partnerships.
He enjoys building and choreographing routines for
showcase numbers and competitions. Marcus thrives
on teaching the joy of dancing to people of all ages
and skill levels. He offers group classes and private
lessons in Country, Ballroom, Latin and Swing dance at
Studio 901.
Mr. Bebee is a two time Mirror Ball Winner:
In 2011 dancing with Rebekah Osborne and in
2013 with Brigitte Johnson. He also won 2nd
Place in 2014 with Denise Rau. Marcus’s
joy is his 13-year old son, Gabe, who drives
his zeal and passion on the dance floor!
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
18
19
JD Gets Me
UP TO SPEED YET DOWN TO EARTH
JD Bank has always been an early adopter of the latest advancements, such as online banking,
online account origination, or our convenient mobile banking app. It’s just one reason why
we’ve thrived in helping the region grow for over 66 years. Of course, new technology will never
take the place of our genuine personal service. It’ll just help make your life a little bit easier.
CHECKING | SAVINGS | LOANS | MORTGAGES | BUSINESS
1.800.789.5159
jdbank.com
MEMBER FDIC
20
MHB
Our Volunteers
Leah Bossano
Juan Bossano
Melinda Lemke
Nancy Vallee
Andy Jacobson
Sadie Shearman
Dr. Tyson Green
Anne Marie Hebert
Susan Perkins
Fran Avery
Sherry Forest
Mary Beth Huber
Dorothy McDaniel
Shayna Sonnier
Danny Forest
Faren White
Savannah Burnett
Su’Anne Qualls
Erin Estep
Event Chairperson/General Organization/Event Planning
Organization/Stage Design/Photo & Video/Web & Program Design
Organization/Production Coordinator/Stage Director
Director of Dancing Classrooms/DC Dance Company Coordinator
Sound and Lighting Coordinator and Director
Front Room Manager/Host Supervisor/Table Decorations
Production Assistant/Opening Number Director
Public Relations
Backstage Director
Front Room Host
Content Editor
Front Room Host and Organizer
Front Room Host
“People’s Choice” Coordinator
Ushers Coordinator
Photography Coordinator
Social Media Coordinator
Host
Host
PEDIATRICIANS:
serving the
children
of southwest Louisiana
since 1962
Foster C. Kordisch, Jr., MD
Bruce M. Thompson, MD
David R. Wallace, MD
Stuart G. Landry, MD
Bryan S. Karriker, MD
Jay R. Maust, II, MD
Deborah M. Decker, MD
Anatole J. Karpovs, MD
Elizabeth S. Murray, MD
Kipp B. Ardoin, MD
Susan E. Drez, MD
Beth Savoie, APRN, PNP
Lauren Caraway, PAC
Shannon Boudreaux, PNP
Juan M. Bossano, MD
Neonatology
Jamal G. Saqer, MD
Pediatric Critical Care
2903 1st Avenue . Lake Charles, LA . 337-478-6480 . www.ccswla.com
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
21
The People of CITGO
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
One Step at a Time
CITGO is fueling good things
in our community. We promote
and participate in a wide variety
of social development programs
to improve the quality of life of
people in Southwest Louisiana.
We are a proud sponsor of the
fifth annual Mad Hot Ballroom,
which benefits Dancing
Classrooms where children
are taught social awareness,
confidence and self-esteem
through ballroom dance.
To find out more, visit
www.CITGORefining.com/Lake-Charles
©2015 CITGO Petroleum Corporation
22
MHB
Previous Years’ Dancers
2010
2011
Msgr. Harry Greig & Colleen Benoit
(1st place)
Rebekah Dressler & Marcus Bebee
(1st place/ People’s Choice Award)
Chris Shearman & DaLanne Babineaux
(2nd place)
Phyllis Thibodeaux & Daniel Gonzalez
(2nd place)
Dr. Hal Bienvenu & Denise Nix
(3rd place/People’s Choice Award)
Dr. John Noble & Paige Caldwell
(3rd place)
Gene Thibodeaux & April Lafargue
(Best Costume)
Larry Avery & Angela Peck
(Best Costume)
Wendy Hebert & Rody Broussard
(Originality)
Jill Boyer & Robert Miller
(Originality)
Phil de Albuquerque & Amy Nail Grimes
Dr. Keith DeSonier & Colleen Benoit
Michael Dees & Angela Peck
Willie King & April Lafargue
Dana Keel & Daniel Gonzalez
Michael Richard & Lucinda O’Quinn
Karla Russell Whiteman & Robert Miller
Dr. Hal Bienvenu & Denise Nix
2012
2013
Dr. Tyson Green & Lauren Morris
(1st place/ People’s Choice Award)
Brigitte Johnson & Marcus Bebee
(1st place)
Dave Evans & Colleen Benoit
(2nd place)
Lauren Monroe & Tyson Green
(2nd place)
Roger Porter & Angela Peck
(3rd place)
Nomica Guillory & Daniel Gonzalez
(3rd place)
Debbie Lewing & Robert Miller
(Best Costume)
Michael Flurry & Lauren Flurry
(Best Costume)
Dr. Kieran Coleman & DaLanne Babineaux
(Originality)
Dean David & Angela Peck
(Originality)
Leslie Musso & Marcus Bebee
Mary Beth Huber & Edward Marsh
(People’s Choice Award)
Dr. Alice Prestia & Matthew Deville
Dr. Kipp Ardoin & Amanda Yellott
Jacqueline Smith & Daniel Gonzalez
Britney Glaser & Robert Miller
Cody Vicknair & Amanda Yellott
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
23
MHB
Previous Years’ Dancers
2014
Matt Nicholas & DaLanne Babineaux
(1st place)
Denise Rau & Marcus Bebee
(2nd place/ People’s Choice Award)
Chauntel Mathieu & Edward Marsh
(3rd place)
Gambrelle Digiglia & Damien Thibodeaux
(Best Costume)
Lee Peck & Amanda Yellott
(Originality)
Jody Barrilleaux & Robert Miller
Dr. Brad Forsyth & Lauren Morris
Bray Harris & Lacey Harrison
Alan Heisser & Angela Peck
Carlos McGee & Karen Estep
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
24
MHB
Want to Dance Next Year?
If you would like to participate in next year’s event or have a
suggestion of someone who may, please contact Leah Bossano at
LeahBossano@CelebrityDancingSWLA.com or visit our website
at www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com.
-
You
You
You
You
You
should be well known in the community.
cannot be a dance instructor or competitive dancer.
must be in good general health.
must be able to practice on a weekly basis.
should be willing to encourage people to attend the event.
No dancing experience necessary, you will be paired with a “Pro”
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
25
26
DC Dance Company
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com