Independence Mission Schools Fundraiser
Dancing For The Future Stars
NOT Just for Fun
attended by Sandra Fortuna, judge, and Jane Baginski, guest, on March 21, 2015
Pictured above: Miss Philadelphia with Jane Baginski & Radio Talk Show Host, Dom Giordano, (the biggest celebrity of the event), with Sandra Fortuna, the 'real' judge.
It was in the City of Brotherly Love and it was a VERY GRAND event with over 600 guests, 12 local celebrity contestants and the best dance teachers as their pros that Philadelphia could provide.
The Crystal Tea Room was the setting, which was enhanced by the butlered hors-d'oeuvres, the carving stations, the wine service, the salad bars, the fountains, the jungle of greenery, the full sky light roof, the hand delivered glowing martinis, the four huge monitors, the live music and the excellent meal.
The dance contest trophy was awarded to the local author, but all the contestants did their best to shine and deliver enthusiastic, energetic performances.
People kept telling us it was 'just for fun,' but both Jane and I disagree. Yes, all involved should have fun and show their fun-loving side, but after preparations to step out of one's element, spend months learning and practicing a dance to perform in front of hundreds of strangers with that performance possibly making a huge financial difference in the success of the event and its mission, 'just for fun' is NOT a valid description of what the celebrities are trying to do. It's for
As a judge, I gave every dance performance the same importance and consideration deserved by professional competitors at a National Championship or even at the World Championships. There were some details that were, to dancers from the competition world, just plain unfair, but the most endearing celebrity dancer still won, so kudos to her and to the judges and the voting guests.
Thank you to the Independence Mission Schools and their conviction, intent and generosity. Best wishes to them, and the organizer for fundraising, Marie Keith, for continued success and effect in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA.
Dancing For The Future Stars
NOT Just for Fun
attended by Sandra Fortuna, judge, and Jane Baginski, guest, on March 21, 2015
Pictured above: Miss Philadelphia with Jane Baginski & Radio Talk Show Host, Dom Giordano, (the biggest celebrity of the event), with Sandra Fortuna, the 'real' judge.
It was in the City of Brotherly Love and it was a VERY GRAND event with over 600 guests, 12 local celebrity contestants and the best dance teachers as their pros that Philadelphia could provide.
The Crystal Tea Room was the setting, which was enhanced by the butlered hors-d'oeuvres, the carving stations, the wine service, the salad bars, the fountains, the jungle of greenery, the full sky light roof, the hand delivered glowing martinis, the four huge monitors, the live music and the excellent meal.
The dance contest trophy was awarded to the local author, but all the contestants did their best to shine and deliver enthusiastic, energetic performances.
People kept telling us it was 'just for fun,' but both Jane and I disagree. Yes, all involved should have fun and show their fun-loving side, but after preparations to step out of one's element, spend months learning and practicing a dance to perform in front of hundreds of strangers with that performance possibly making a huge financial difference in the success of the event and its mission, 'just for fun' is NOT a valid description of what the celebrities are trying to do. It's for
- SERVICE
- CONTRIBUTION TO ONE'S COMMUNITY
- AFFIRMATION OF WHAT IS A LOFTY MISSION
- SUPPORT FOR A NON-PROFIT THAT IS MAKING A REAL & POSITIVE & NECESSARY DIFFERENCE
- THE CHILDREN OF OUR HOME TOWN
As a judge, I gave every dance performance the same importance and consideration deserved by professional competitors at a National Championship or even at the World Championships. There were some details that were, to dancers from the competition world, just plain unfair, but the most endearing celebrity dancer still won, so kudos to her and to the judges and the voting guests.
Thank you to the Independence Mission Schools and their conviction, intent and generosity. Best wishes to them, and the organizer for fundraising, Marie Keith, for continued success and effect in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA.