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Locals dance ‘Stars’ style for West Chester Symphony Orchestra

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer Updated 7:23 AM Friday, April 9, 2010

WEST CHESTER TWP. — The West Chester Symphony Orchestra will host its own version of “Dancing with the Stars” with the “Dance the Night Away” fundraiser April 17.

The annual fundraiser has a different theme each year, orchestra conductor Susan Schirmer said. Last year’s theme was a rock ‘n’ roll party; for 2010, the orchestra will provide musical backing while four township luminaries strut their stuff — or at least try to — with the help of professional dance instructors.

The four contestants are Kathy Rambo, vice president of special events for the West Chester Chamber Alliance; Lee Wong, West Chester Twp. board of trustees president; Patti Alderson, board president for the Community Foundation of West Chester and Liberty; and Jimmy Schmalz, local restaurateur and entrepreneur.

Wong is less than certain of his dancing abilities, but it’s all for fun and a good cause, he said.

“I say I dance like a two-by-four, but I do it for the community,” Wong said.

Wong wasn’t sure yet what dance he would be performing, saying “I’ll have to try it out first and see what I’m good at.”

The professional dance instructors will be coordinated by Deb Calabrese, a professional ballroom dancer who has appeared on tour with “Dancing with the Stars.” Rehearsals for the fundraiser had only just started this week, she said.

The orchestra will play various kinds of dance music, ranging from waltzes to swing to rhumbas, Schirmer said.

This is the orchestra’s eighth annual fundraiser, which typically draws about 150 people and raises “several thousand” dollars each year, Schirmer said. The event funds one-third to half of the orchestra’s budget.

The event also will include silent and live auctions, dinner, dessert and dancing for the audience as well. The fundraiser will be in the grand ballroom of the Marriott North Hotel at 6189 Muhlhauser Road.

Reservations are required, with tickets costing $55 per person. The registration deadline is Monday, April 12.

To reserve seating, contact the orchestra’s financial officer, Donna Carr, at Donna@westchester symphony.org.