The Career and Networking Center’s Dancing With the Celebrities event can be the time of their life for the dancers, and they’ve got a new lineup of contestants to go with their new name.
Paul and Jaana
Practicing at Naperville’s My Dance Hub are T2 Asset Management’s Paul Novak and his partner Jaana Lillemagi. They’re confident Paul’s acrobatics will win them the crown.
“I want to show you a little bit about what we have so far. She taught me a cartwheel,” said Novack. “We’ve been working about four months on that, it’s fantastic.”
Kara and Iegor
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Kara Carpenter has only had a few practices with her dancing partner Iegor Likhachov, but that hasn’t stopped her from getting ambitious with the routine.
“She feels very comfortable with everything. She wants to do a lot of different things but I said maybe we should keep it for now,” said Likhachov.
“I want to pull out all the tricks!” added Carpenter.
Gerald and Brianna
While Kara and Iegor may have the tricks, BMO Harris Bank’s Gerald Lewis and partner Brianna Nalyvaychuk say they’ve got the teamwork to take the title.
“We’re feeling great. We’re feeling good. I think we have a winning routine here. He’s got a lot of charisma, a lot of personality he brings it totally in our performance,” said Nalyvaychuk.
“She’s got all the professional skills. I think we’re good. We’re a good match,” added Lewis.
Kelly and Luke
Arthur Murray’s Luke Malczewski and Itzy Ritzy’s Kelly Meyer-Douglas are looking to take home the Grand Mirror Ball this year and are confident in their chances.
“We’re not ranking ourselves. They all have really good second and third place routines,” joked Malczewski.
A Great Cause
Every team said they’re excited for the September 18 competition, but especially because it’s helping a great cause.
“We’re so blessed and so happy to be benefitting the [Career and Networking Center] in Naperville. They do a fantastic job with local outreach and giving back in the local area. So we’re honored,” said Novack.
Best of luck to all the dancers and tune in next week for a preview of the other four pairs.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
