2014 Program - Mad Hot Ballroom: Home

Whistle Stop’s
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala
The Fifth Year
Proceeds to Benefit
DancingClassrooms
Lake Charles ~ August 2014
MHB
We are pleased to present The Whistle Stop’s Fifth
Annual Mad Hot Ballroom Gala benefitting Dancing
Classrooms. Nancy Vallee, director of The Whistle Stop,
brought Dancing Classrooms to Southwest Louisiana.
Nancy has done a remarkable job 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. I encourage you to take
a moment to read the additional information about
Dancing Classrooms, located in the center pages of this
program, for clarity of the Dancing Classrooms mission statement: “Social awareness,
confidence, and self-esteem is learned through the practice of social dance.”
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 has made on the children from schools fortunate enough to
participate, and I hope you will share our enthusiasm for this cause.
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.
As the DC Dance Company delivers their showcase finale, please applaud them during
their performance and especially as they take a bow!
On behalf of The Whistle Stop and Dancing Classrooms, I want to thank all of the
volunteers for their hard work and our sponsors for their immense generosity. I
encourage you to stay after the competition and dance the night away because our
“talent scouts” will be watching for potential celebrity dancers for Mad Hot Ballroom
2015.
Event Sponsors
Ballroom Sponsors
Big Easy Foods
CITGO
Jeff Davis Bank
L’Auberge Casino Resort
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital
Children’s Clinic
Studio 901
Media Sponsor
KPLC-TV
Enjoy your dinner and join in the revelry of the competition and performances!
Leah Bossano
Co-Chairman
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala Event
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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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 this 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 six years, more than 35 schools in Calcasieu,
Jeff Davis and East Baton Rouge Parishes have participated
in Dancing Classrooms. Over 1500 students benefitted from
Dancing Classrooms during the 2013-2014 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 to participate in the USA
DanceSport Competition in Baton Rouge. This year, the group brought home more
than 200 ribbons and medals. Top winners include: Dasia May and Reginald Larkins;
Jalen Anderson and Caitlyn Wilson; Dedrick Johnson and Sydney Green; and newcomers, Quintin Campbell, Rebecca Middleton, Devin Williams and Jaini Turner.
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 2014-15 school year promises to be more successful than ever. Our goal is to
help our schools establish Dancing Classrooms partners, 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 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
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MHB
The Whistle Stop
presents:
Mad Hot Ballroom Gala
Welcome
Dr. Juan and Leah Bossano, Event Chairpersons
Opening Number: Past Dancers
(choreography by Dr. Tyson Green)
Introduction of Masters of Ceremonies
Bruce Hamilton
Dana Keel
Chris Shearman
Introduction of Judges
Parade of 2014 Contestants
Competition Begins
Alan Heisser and Angie Peck
Bray Harris and Lacey Harrison
Brad Forsyth and Lauren Morris
Chauntel Mathieu and Edward Marsh
Jody Barrilleaux and Robert Miller
Matthew Nicholas and DaLanne Babineaux
Lee Peck and Amanda Yellott
Gambrelle DiGiglia and Damien Thibodeaux
Denise Rau and Marcus Bebee
Carlos McGee and Karen Estep
Blues
Latin Fusion
Broadway
Swing
Country Medley
Jive
Contemporary/Tango
Foxtrot
Cha Cha
Jitterbug
Dancing Classrooms Finale
Awards Ceremony
Open Dance Floor for Social Dancing
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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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
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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 25 years and they share a blended
family of five children and six glorious grandchildren.
Dana is the Government and Public Affairs Manager for CITGO
Petroleum Corporation Lake Charles Manufacturing
Complex. In her role, she has the opportunity to serve the
community through organizations such as SWLA Chamber,
SWLA Center for Health Services, and Boys Village, raising
needed funds for Muscular Dystrophy Association and
United Way SWLA among others. The department also follows
governmental issues affecting the oil and gas industry.
She enjoys family time, participating in church activities, fishing,
gardening, renovating and volunteering.
Chris Shearman is the 2nd place winner of MHB 2010!
He currently employed by Southwest Daily News where he works
in digital and print advertising. 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. He enjoys coaching and playing
soccer, CrossFit, fishing and the outdoors. 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
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MHB
Event Judges
Susan Gerard
Ballroom Competition Dancer
Sheryl Forrester
Certified Ballroom Dance Judge
Angela Guillory Dance Instructor
Maryann Harvey
Certified Ballroom Dance Judge
Chris Martin
Dance and Cheer Coach
Gene Thibodeaux
Past Celebrity Dancer
Krickett Goutreaux
Dance Instructor
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Alan Heisser
MHB
Alan Patrick Heisser is a graduate of Covington High
School and has a bachelor’s degree from McNeese
State University. He is self-employed as an Investment
Advisor. While attending McNeese, Alan played in the
first Independence Bowl. He ended his football career
as the third all-time leading receiver for McNeese. He
is the co-founder of The Cops and Jocks Celebrity
Golf Tournament.
Alan loves coaching youth sports for his two sons,
Josh and Travis, and his daughter, Lexie. He enjoys
traveling and cruising to exotic places with his wife,
Cheryl Tucker Heisser, and his family. Alan is excited
about supporting Dancing Classrooms by performing
in the Mad Hot Ballroom Competition, especially
because he is friends with four of ABCs Dancing
With The Stars champions.
Angela Peck
For more than three decades, Angela has spent her days
working in the dental field. Currently, she is Office
Administrator for 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 has won several nationwide competitions,
and holds four World Championship titles with The
United Country And Western Dance Council.
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 her partner, Roger Porter; and won the
Originality Award at last year’s gala
with her partner, Dean DavidDavid.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Bray Harris
MHB
Bray is a native of Lake Charles, graduating from Barbe High School
in 2006, University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2009 (Spanish),
and Cochise College in 2011 (Intelligence Operations). He
works as a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty Lake Charles
and teaches high school at Lake Charles-Boston Academy.
He is also a soldier with Louisiana Army National Guard.
Highlights of Bray’s career include being nominated for
Real Estate Rookie of the Year and being selected as NonCommissioned Officer of the Year for the 415th Military
Intelligence Company. He serves as Board Secretary of Art
Associates of Lake Charles and as Board Member on City of Lake
Charles Personnel Board. After deploying to Afghanistan
and being stationed in Arizona, Georgia, Missouri,
and Mississippi, Bray is happy to call SWLA
home. Outside of working, Bray enjoys
spending time with his Great Pyrenees
(Atticus), speaking Spanish, reading, and
traveling. 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 at 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 currently
choreographs competition routines and
teaches classes at Ashworth School Of
Performing Arts, and she is a Teaching
Assistant for Dancing Classrooms.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Dr. Brad Forsyth
MHB
Dr. Forsyth, a native of Sulphur, is a graduate of Louisiana
Tech University and LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology
at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina
and is a board-certified OBGYN in private practice in Lake
Charles. Brad is married to Jessica (Chapman) and they have
three children: Walker (10), Truett (6), and Cecilia
(4). Brad is an active member of Trinity Baptist Church,
teaching Sunday Morning Bible Study, and he currently
serves as the president of the Trustees.
He also routinely coaches Upward soccer and basketball
and is on the board of directors for the Southwest
Louisiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Brad
hopes to provide some cover to the non-dancing
Baptists by reminding them that there is “a
time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3.4).
Lauren Morris
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.
This is Lauren’s second 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. Due to a last minute
severe foot injury, Lauren had to withdraw
from last year’s competition. She returns
determined to reclaim the Mirror Ball Award
this year!
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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MHB
Chauntel Yelverton Mathieu
Chauntel , born and raised in Lake Charles, is a graduate of St
Louis Catholic High School and McNeese State University. She
and her husband, Jonathan Mathieu, have three beautiful
children: Grant (9) Connor (7) and Macie (5).
Chauntel is a fitness instructor at Christus Athletic Club
and is actively involved with St. Martin de Porres Catholic
Church. She enjoys volunteering at her children’s school,
exercising, scrapbooking, shopping, spending time with
family and friends, and of course dancing!
After attending the Gala last year, Chauntel states, “I
saw pure joy and most importantly, confidence in the
children’s eyes while doing what they love. When I
was asked to participate this year, I did not even
hesitate to say yes because I want to be a part of
this great cause.”
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. Edward’s greatest joy is making others happy
with dance. Just take one look at his big
smile!
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Jody Barrilleaux
MHB
Jody is a 1981 graduate of Sulphur High School. She
works in Community Relations for Hixson Funeral
Homes and is involved in several organizations in the
community. She and her husband, Dwayne, have
been married for 28 years and have four wonderful
children and six awesome grandchildren. Jody and
Dwayne play/sing with a local band and lived the
dream of a lifetime when they traveled for 3 years
with Marty Haggard.
When
asked to participate in Mad Hot Ballroom
Gala, Jody did not hesitate to say yes. She states,
“I have this philosophy: ‘I will Celebrate Life to
the Fullest EVERYDAY’... I see how short life is
on a daily basis.” Jody’s goal here tonight is to
encourage others to live their dream, support
a fantastic charity, and share life’s greatest
goal... Love.
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 serious
competition.
He has competed on the country circuit
in Amateur Couples divisions and has won
numerous competitions. 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 routine 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
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Matthew Nicholas
MHB
Matt is a Lake Charles native and graduate of Barbe High School.
He attended the University of New Orleans with a golf scholarship.
He is currently the owner of Mast Power and Control.
Matt is married to Stephanie Hebert. They have 4 children:
Bella (10), Chloe (8), and twins, Lucy and Jack (4). Matt
enjoys hunting, fishing, and date nights without the kids.
Matt is considered one of the top amateur golfers in the state.
His accomplishments include: 2-time City Champion, 2009
Louisiana Mid-Amateur Champion, 2010 US Amateur, and
member of the 2010 and 2012 USGA State Teams.
Matt is driven by competition as well as helping others. Mad Hot Ballroom provides a forum to combine
these values. “Raising money for Dancing
Classrooms is the primary goal. Finishing
the routine on both feet is a close second!”
DaLanne Fruge 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
37 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
a 7-year old son, Cayton, and a 2-year old
daughter, Cortlyn. DaLanne and her Celebrity
Partner, Chris Shearman, won 2nd place in
the 2010 Mad Hot Ballroom Gala and
she won an Originality award in 2012
with her partner, Dr. Kieran.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Dancing Classrooms ~ Lake Charl
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
les ~ Colors of the Rainbow ~2013
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
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MHB
Lee Peck
Lee grew up in Westlake and has been delivering the news to
SWLA for more than 9 years. He earned his degree in Mass
Communications from LSU. He landed his first on-air job at
KPLC and says it was like coming home in more ways than
one because he was a KPLC 7 Teen Reporter in high school.
Lee has told many of SWLA’s stories, earning him several
1st place awards from the Louisiana Associated Press
Broadcasters Association, including Story of the Year and
2011 Reporter of the Year.
Lee’s actually covered the event for the past several years
and was set to be a celebrity judge. That all changed when
one of the dancers had to drop out at the last minute.
Lee says he’s ready for the challenge and looks
forward to dancing for a GREAT cause.
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
Classrooms 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
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MHB
Gambrelle Jones DiGiglia
A
native of Lake Charles, Gambrelle left during her senior
year at St. Louis High to pursue a modeling career at the
age of 17. Her work took her to Milan, Athens, Hamburg,
Sydney, Tokyo, Brussels, and Auckland. Gambrelle lived
in Paris for 27 years where she had twin daughters,
Eva and Lola (19) and Mia (14). They moved back to
the States in 2011 when she married her high school
sweetheart, Mark DiGiglia. Gambrelle is a Balanced
Body Pilates Instructor at the Sarah Quinn Jones School
of Classical Ballet and at Gigi’s Downtown.
The more she discovers about Dancing Classrooms,
the more she appreciates its importance to children
in our area because the program does not only
teach ballroom dance—it also teaches discipline,
kindness, respect, pride and interaction between
children from diverse backgrounds.
Damien Thibodeaux
Damien Thibodeaux 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 afterschool program for at-risk children and
teenagers offering training in dance,
acting, singing, music, and the visual
arts.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
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Denise Rau
MHB
After graduating from LaGrange, Denise earned her BS in
Psychology at Tulane University and her MBA at the University
of Texas at Austin. In 2001 she became a Certified
Financial Planner and founded Rau Financial Group, an
independent financial planning firm. Denise strongly
believes in community, having served on numerous
community boards/fundraisers over the years. She
currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Lake
Charles Memorial Hospital, is a Board Member of the
Chamber Southwest, and she is the Finance Liaison
for the Community Foundation of SWLA. Denise
and her husband, Fred Rau, have two sons, Derrick
and David. She says those three provide all the
entertainment she can handle! After visiting
several local Dancing Classrooms sessions,
reading the kids’ essays, and learning about
the life-changing power of this program,
Denise feels blessed to participate in this
event.
Marcus Bebee
Marcus began dancing at the early 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
19 years in both Professional/Amateur partnerships and
in Amateur Couples partnerships. He enjoys building
and choreographing routines for showcase numbers and
competition routines. 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.
Marcus’s joy is his 13-year old son,
Gabe, who drives his zeal and passion
on the dance floor!
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
17
MHB
Carlos McGee
Carlos McGee is originally from Port Barre, LA. He graduated from
McNeese State University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and
Public Relations. He was a 4-year letterman for the McNeese
Cowboys, playing wide receiver. After playing football, McGee
became a student coach for the Cowboys for the 1991 and
1992 seasons. He went on to coach high school sports for
5 years at Beau Chene and was named Assistant Principal
in 1998. In 2000, Carlos came back to fulfill his dream and
passion of coaching McNeese State football. After marrying the former Jodi Sweeney of Lake
Charles and becoming the father of 4 beautiful
children, Carlos decided it was time for a
career change. Today, he is the Director of
Business Development for Imperial Health, a
multi-specialty group of over 50 physicians
in the Lake Area. Karen Estep
Karen graduated from Barbe High School and McNeese
State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree
in accounting. She currently works at Barbe High
School and is a certified dance teacher and a member
of Dance Masters of America.
Karen has been a member of the Lake Charles
Ballet Society, Ballet Joyeaux, Barbe Bluebelles, and
McNeese Cowgirl Kickers. In 1989 she began
dancing at Glenda Moss Academy of Dance
and became a member of the Young American
Jazz Ballet Company and the Contraband Days
Dancers. She taught for Glenda Moss for over
10 years and has won several awards for her
choreography. Karen and her husband, Richard, have two
daughters: Kari (21) and Erin (19). They are
members of St. Martin de Porres Catholic
Church. Karen is very excited to be a firsttime performer in the Mad Hot Ballroom
competition.
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com
18
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MHB
Our Volunteers
Leah Bossano
Juan Bossano
Melinda Lemke
Nancy Vallee
Andy Jacobson
Sadie Shearman
Dr. Tyson Green
Susan Perkins
Fran Avery
Sherry Forest
Mary Beth Huber
Dorothy McDaniel
Adam Johnson
Shayna Sonnier
Faren White
Savannah Burnett
Su’Anne Fittz
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
Backstage Director
Front Room Host
Content Editor
Front Room Host and Organizer
Front Room Host
“People’s Choice” Coordinator
“People’s Choice” Coordinator
Photography Coordinator
Social Media Coordinator
Entrance Host/Tickets Coordinator
PEDIATRICIANS:
serving the
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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
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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
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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.
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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 DeSonnier & 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. K. 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
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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
[email protected] 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
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Add a little
z
z
a
z
z
Pi
to your plate!
From delicious stuffed chickens, turkeys, and turduchens to
gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and wild caught gulf shrimp,
Big Easy Foods has the Mmmmmmmm your meal is missing!
A proud sponsor of the Mad Hot Ballroom Gala,
Southwest Louisiana’s Celebrity Dancing Competition.
BEST OF LUCK TO ALL CONTESTANTS!
BIGEASYFOODS.COM | LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA |
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FACEBOOK.COM/BIGEASYFOODS
DC Dance Company
www.CelebrityDancingSWLA.com