Local celebrities have been practicing their dance moves in order to raise money for charity during the second Lakewood Bandstand dance competition hosted by the Lakewood Center for the Arts on Saturday, August 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 368 S. State Street. General admission tickets (at $150/person) are still available. 

The event is a combination of two iconic television shows that Americans have loved—American Bandstand and Dancing with the Stars. Step It Up Studios has stepped in to create and stage the event pairing professional dancers with amateurs and then letting the audience rate-the-dancers. When viewers cast their votes by raising their numbered bids (from 1-10) they are also agreeing to donate the dollar amount associated with that number (10=$1,000). Last year Step It Up Studios owner Kristy Higgins estimates the event netted over $100,000.

This year’s beneficiaries are Children’s Cancer Association, ALS, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Lakewood Center.

Local celebrities include residents Kerrie Woolworth and Aideen M. Gaffney; Claire Sarnowski, Lakeridge High School student; John LaMotte, Lake Oswego City Council; Healther McPhearson and Rose Kilpatrick, Lake Oswego Businesswomen;  Kelly McGinness, Lake Oswego Country Club; Ken Studebaker, Lake Oswego Mayor.

Thanks to 10 lessons at Step It Up Studios as well as perhaps some natural talent and general chutzpah, the participants will be performing a wide variety of dances including the slow waltz, country two-step, foxtrot, mambo, East Coast swing, hustle, samba and the cha-cha.

The night kicks off with a garden party from 6:00 to 7:00 followed by the show from 7:00-9:00 and an after party until 10:00. In addition to the dancing there will be beverages, hors d’oeuvres, a raffle, silent and live auction for packages such as a week’s stay in a Tuscan villa or a Sky High Montana condo. Local businesses and wineries have contributed to the festivities including Riccardo’s, On a Whim Studios, Copper and Kings, Eastside Distilling, DePonte Cellars, Deuce Cellars, Potcake Cellars and more. Live music provided by Left Coast Jazz.

Can’t make it? You can still donate to the dancer of your choice by clicking here

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