Erin Lanahan Kolenda & Primo Garcia Triumph at Dancing with Vero’s Stars
- Vero Minute
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20
Riverside Theatre shimmered with celebratory energy Saturday night as Erin Lanahan Kolenda and her professional partner, Primo Garcia, were crowned the Mirrorball champions at the highly anticipated Dancing with Vero’s Stars gala. Their flawless performances, earning perfect scores from the judges, were amplified by their remarkable fundraising success, making them true champions for the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
While the stage sparkled with talent and passionate performances throughout the evening, Erin Lanahan Kolenda and Primo Garcia’s partnership and execution across various dance styles was riveting. But it was Erin’s final lyrical dance that truly captured the hearts of the audience.
Performed to her cherished mother’s favorite song (Fight Song) on the fourth anniversary of her passing, a poignant and deeply personal tribute, culminated in a breathtaking lift that left the audience visibly moved by the raw emotion and grace. See the full dance here.
Reflecting on the experience, Erin shared on Facebook:
"Last night I danced to my mom’s favorite song, on the 4th anniversary of her death exactly to the date. This story is about the struggles and triumphs that we go through, AND THAT WE GROW THROUGH. He who does not quit or give up, never fails. DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL WHEN IT GETS UNBEARABLY HARD, bc the miracle is one more breath away."
Her words illuminated the profound personal connection to her dance and offered a message of hope and perseverance to us all.
Adding to the chorus, fellow participant Edwin Rivera, who also achieved perfect scores, lauded Erin’s overall impact. "Erin Kolenda absolutely ROCKED the stage with her breathtaking lyrical dance... She also crushed it in the fundraising—clearly the winner in every way."
The success of Dancing with Vero’s Stars is a direct testament to the dedication of the Dance Committee, including: Stephanie Blackburn (Silent Auction Chair), Ben Earman (Production Chair), Taylor Farnsworth (Director of Healthy Start Fund Development), Nicki Maslin (Social Chair), Megan McFall (CEO of Healthy Start), Frida Randolfi (Healthy Start Board of Directors), Chloe Rose Schwartz (Event Planning), Melissa Shine (Committee Member), Jackie Stoelting (Committee Member), Ron Toperzer (Chair), Adrianne Ward (Development Manager, Healthy Start)
The funds raised during Dancing with Vero’s Stars are crucial in supporting the Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition’s mission. These resources enable the coalition to provide essential education, support services, and resources to expectant parents and young families, directly impacting the health and well-being of the community’s youngest members.
Congratulations to Erin and Primo, to all the dancers, sponsors, donors, and the dedicated committee!
Click here to make a gift to Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition.
