"Dancing With The Orangeburg Stars"
Friday, February 26, 2016
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"Dancing With The Orangeburg Stars" Event Raises Thousands for OCSD5 Education Foundation

     Eight celebrity couples entertained a sold-out crowd at The Cinema on Saturday night at the first annual “Dancing with the Orangeburg Stars” competition. The fundraising event was presented by the Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5) Education Foundation with the proceeds going to support targeted and innovative educational programs and experiences for the children attending OCSD5 schools.
     The dance competition included performances by Liz Keitt and her partner Akeem Bonepart dancing to “Boogie Fever”; Curtis Carter and his partner Evia Thomas swinging to “Dancing in the Streets”; Dewall Waters and his wife Phyllis shagging to “Let’s Marvin Gaye and Get It On”; Yanet Claxton and her partner John Green performing the Salsa to “Valio La Pena”; Sheriff Leroy Ravenell and his wife Angela hopping and bopping to “Jailhouse Rock”; Dr. Stephen Peters and his wife Dr. Angela Peters swaying to “Love Never Felt So Good”; Dr. John Ross and his partner Shannon Williams rocking to “Old Time Rock and Roll”; and Josh Ridley and his daughter Delaney twisting and turning to “Twisting the Night Away”.
     The judges deliberated for nearly fifteen minutes before selecting the winners of the competition. The Judge’s Choice Trophy, based on technical dancing skills, was awarded to Josh and Delaney Ridley following their high energy routine that included multiple lifts and cartwheels by both father and daughter. The People’s Choice Trophy, based on voting and fundraising, was awarded to Dr. Stephen and Dr. Angela Peters. Dr. John Ross and Dr. Peters were the leading vote getters for the evening and were back and forth in the voting all night. The “Most Entertaining” Trophy was awarded to Sheriff Leroy Ravenell and his wife Angela. Their performance to “Jailhouse Rock” drew a standing ovation from the audience and included the Sheriff dressed in a black and white prison jumpsuit with Angela appearing as the warden.
     The Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Von Gaskin, Meteorologist with WIS-TV. WIS Sunrise co-anchors Mary King and Len Kiese served as judges for the competition along with OCSD5 Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sharon Quinn. Tamalyn Blackman, the owner of Tamalyn’s Dance Centre and founder of the Orangeburg Civic Ballet, was the Director and Choreographer for the show.
     “I want to thank our dancers and everyone who came out to support our cause with donations and contributions,” said Paul Miller, the President of the OCSD5 Education Foundation. He continued, “Although our final numbers will not be known until later this week, from what I have seen this will be the most successful fundraising event our Foundation has ever had.”

Click HERE to go to the "Dancing With The Orangeburg Stars" website for more information & photos.