Skip to main content

'Ballroom with a Twist' brings dancing stars to Luhrs Center


SHIPPENSBURG >>A panoply of entertainment is in store for ticket holders June 13 when "Ballroom with a Twist" glides into the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University.

The 8 p.m. show will feature top performers from three hit television shows: Stars from "You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing with the Stars," and "American Idol" will go from screen to stage to wow the audience with captivating costumes, magnificent melodies and dramatic dance numbers.

Audiences will be entertained by the fusion of classic and timeless dance moves from yesteryear and the high energy of today's contemporary and "hip-hop" styles. The result is a fast-paced, sizzling show sure to delight audiences of all ages. It's definitely not your grandparents' ballroom dance!

Performers from across the globe will enthrall audiences with updated versions of the samba, waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and the ever-popular jive, while American Idol finalists will enrapture the crowd with soaring melodies and contemporary hit songs.

Anna Trebunskaya is one of the many stars who will take the stage during the action-packed evening. You may remember her as the fiery Russian-born redhead who was partnered with such notables as football star Jerry Rice, fashion expert Carson Cressley, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and soap star Jack Wagner.

Trebunskaya, who has competed on the show many times throughout the years, said she is enjoying taking her talents to the road. "I like that you're not getting judged on national television and it's also fun to have the opportunity to dance with a professional," said Trebunskaya.

Adele Gutman is just one of Trebunskaya's many fans. "She is a ballroom dancing goddess and is one of the most highly skilled dancers I have ever seen on 'Dancing with the Stars,' or anywhere else," said the New York resident and former ballroom, country and Latin dance teacher.

Central Pennsylvania dance teacher Frank Hancock agrees. "She is one of the mainstays, having been on the show for numerous seasons and is an excellent dancer."

Trebunskaya said dancing before a live audience adds an unforeseeable dimension to her work. "Different audiences react differently. Throughout the show there will be moments when we get to know our audience. That's unpredictable and exciting, so that aspect of it is really fun." Without giving away too many secrets, Trebunskaya said, "There are moments when the audience is built into the show. We bring the house lights up, we see their faces and we hear from them. There's also a question-and-answer session." The interactivity doesn't end there, "We also conduct a dance lesson with audience participation," she said.

Deborah Davis, Director of Ballroom Break, the largest, independent dance studio in Central Pennsylvania, said she is happy to hear about shows like this coming to the area to shine the spotlight on ballroom dancing.

"It's certainly popular and seeing it live is different than just viewing it on television. Having a show like this come to our area just gives it more exposure," she said, adding, "And it's something you can do your entire life."

The star-studded lineup includes:

• 'Dancing with the Stars' celebrity pros Anna Trebunskaya, Dmitry Chaplin, Sasha Andreev, Alla Kocherga and Tony Pututau;

• 'So You Think You Can Dance' finalists and world champion dancers Asuka Kondoh, Rudy Abreu, Serge Onik, Nick Garcia and Legacy, Jenya Shatilova, Patricia Kaniowski and CJ Bair.

• 'American Idol' finalists Gina (Glocksen) Ruzicka and Von Smith.

IF YOU GO

Ballroom with a Twist

WHEN: 8 p.m. June 13

WHERE: H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Shippensburg University

COST: $39, $45, $55 and $59.

TICKETS: Call the box office at 477-7467; or online at Luhrscenter.com.