Don't Miss Dancing with Vero's Stars
- Vero Minute
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Get ready for an electrifying night this Saturday, May 17th.
Ten extraordinary members of our community – your leaders, business owners, and everyday heroes – will trade their familiar roles for a dazzling turn on the dance floor in the 13th annual Dancing with Vero’s Stars at Riverside Theatre to benefit Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
Meet all ten of them and their dance partners below – where you can easily click to vote and support them. They will be judged on two sets of criteria – 1) their dancing skills and 2) how much they’ve raised. Every ticket purchased and every online donation made serves as a resounding cheer for healthy beginnings in Vero Beach.
Courtney Dietrich: Pro golfer and agent with Alex MacWilliam Real Estate
COURTNEY DIETRICH & DIMAS CARABALLO: Dancing Bachata (a sensual Latin dance characterized by its hip movements, close partner connection, and often intricate footwork) to the songs DOBLE FILO / EL SAMBRERO BLANCO. The challenge lies in the subtle body isolations and the ability to convey the dance's romantic essence.
Amber Callaway Lewis: Co-owner of Treasure Coast Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness alongside her supportive husband, both of whom participated in Healthy Start programming when pregnant with their son
AMBER CALLAWAY-LEWIS & ROBERT SCOTT: Dancing Foxtrot (a classic ballroom dance known for its smooth, gliding movements and elegant flow across the floor) to the song THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN WHILE YOU’RE DANCING. The challenge lies in maintaining continuous movement, precise footwork, and a sophisticated partnership.
Jennifer Carter: Local chiropractor at Orchid Island Chiropractic
JENNIFER CARTER & LANCE SEXTON: Dancing Tango (likely International Style Tango, a dramatic and passionate dance with sharp, staccato movements and a close embrace) to the song TAKE A STEP. The challenge involves mastering the quick changes in direction, powerful legwork, and intense connection between partners.
Jeff Palleschi: Owner of 21st Amendment Distillery, proud veteran and husband
JEFF PALLESCHI & MARIANELLA TOBAR: Dancing Argentine Tango (a more improvisational and intimate form of Tango, emphasizing close connection, intricate leg weaves, and often complex musicality) to the songs MI CONFESION / MILONGA PARA AS MISSOES. The challenge is in the nuanced communication and the ability to navigate the often-unpredictable flow of the dance.
Steve Renfrew: Owner of Renfrew’s House of Gainz, loving husband and father of three daughters
STEVE RENFREW & LILY GOULET: Dancing Midwestern Jazz (an energetic and expressive style incorporating elements of traditional jazz dance with potentially unique regional influences) to the song FOOT LOOSE. The challenge could involve sharp isolations, dynamic leaps and turns, and a strong sense of rhythm and performance.
Wesley Mills: One of the founding members of Mills, Short & Associates, supported by his dancer wife and their two daughters, honored to give back to this wonderful community
WESLEY MILLS & KAYLAN KEATHLEY: Dancing Merengue (a lively and fast-paced Caribbean dance with a characteristic limping step) to the song SUAVEMENTE. The challenge lies in maintaining the energetic rhythm, precise timing, and adding variations while keeping it fun and engaging.
Patricia Davis Brown: Award-winning interior designer and host of the Varied Voices Podcast
PATRICIA DAVIS BROWN & EDWIN RIVERA: Dancing Electric Tango (a fusion style blending the sharp movements and intensity of Tango with modern and unconventional elements, possibly incorporating electric music) to the song MAMA MIA. The challenge will be in seamlessly merging these contrasting styles and bringing a unique energy to the performance.
Chris Woodruff: Owner of Vero Tackle and Watersports and Paddles By the Sea
CHRIS WOODRUFF & KARREN WALTER: Dancing American Tango (a ballroom version of the Tango that incorporates more open breaks and flowing movements compared to the Argentine Tango) to the song THE GREATEST SHOW. The challenge involves balancing the sharp characteristics of Tango with smoother transitions and maintaining a strong frame.
Preet Singh: Sebastian police officer patrol Corporal and S.W.A.T. member
PREET SINGH & ALEX BACELO: Dancing Bhangra-Hiphop Fusion (blending the energetic folk dance of Punjab with the urban and rhythmic movements of hip-hop) to the songs PATOLA (Punjabi) / GET LOW. The challenge will be in seamlessly integrating the distinct styles, maintaining energy and coordination through potentially fast-paced and complex choreography.
Erin Lanahan Kolenda: Owner of Erin Lanahan Method LLC and VE Retreat
ERIN LANAHAN KOLENDA & PRIMO GARCIA: Dancing International Style Bolero, a slow, romantic Latin dance with Cuban origins, characterized by its rise and fall, and expressive arm movements) to the song FIGHT SONG. The challenge lies in conveying emotion through graceful movement, maintaining a strong connection, and interpreting the musical nuances.
Dancing with the Stars
Saturday, May 17 -- Riverside Theatre
5:00 p.m. – Doors open
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Red Carpet
6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. – Pre-show Reception & Silent Auction
Followed by after party at Portales Building
Committee
Chief Executive Officer, IRC Healthy Start Coalition–Megan McFall
Taylor Farnsworth - Director of Fund Development, IRCHSC
Adrianne Ward - Development Manager, IRCHSC
Ron Toperzer - Chair
Stefanie Blackburn - Silent Auction Chairperson
Ben Earman - Production Chairperson
Nicki Maslin - Social Chairperson
Frida Randolfi - Board of Directors Liaison
Chloe Rose Schwartz - Event Coordinator
Melissa Shine - Committee Member
Jackie Stoelting - Committee Member
Main Stage Emcee - Tiffany Corr
Red Carpet Emcee – John Moore
Judge – Dee Rose
Judge –Ashly Bille
Stage Accountant –Michael Randolfi
For more information, contact Healthy Start at (772) 563-9118
or visit
Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition
Our Mission:
The mission of the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition is to establish and support a local system of care that optimizes the health of moms, babies and their families living in Indian River County
Our Vision:
To have the healthiest babies born in the State of Florida
Our Passion:
Helping mothers, families and babies is the foundation of everything we do
The awards will be handed out by Healthy Start Coalition CEO Megan McFall and Chair Ron Toperzer.
Announcements by
Tiffany Corr:
Kathie's Style Icon Award
Top Online Fundraiser
Top Dance Score
Top Overall Fundraiser
Second Runner Up
First Runner Up
Mirrorball Winner