Dips, lifts, and spins, they’re all getting perfected as these Naperville notables prepare for the 2018 Dancing With The Celebrities competition.
Amber Sweda with Batting 4 A Cure used some country inspiration for her routine with instructor Luke Malczewski. Both are eager to take on their competitors.
“I think the competition is a little stiff this year. It’s going to be good, it’s going to be a good show,” said Sweda.
“From what we’ve seen they look really good,” said Malczewski.
“But I’m excited for our routine though. It’s different [and] it’s fun. He’s pushed me a lot,” added Sweda.
While CEO of Marquette Companies Nick Ryan and his partner Paulina Struk are keeping their dance a surprise, their final score may be just that to the competition.
“Well, we’re the dark horse,” joked Ryan.
“I think we make a really good team together and I think we have high chances of winning,” added Struk.
Bringing a mambo style to the stage will be Laura Bokar, the CEO and President of Fox Valley Institute for Growth and Wellness. Training with her partner Nick Rodriquez has been tough, but they’re both excited to support what the event is all about.
“The main reason I’m excited is because it’s for Community Career Center,” said Bokar. “Kim White has done a great job in our community and I just wanted to support it. And do something beyond writing a check; I really wanted to give time. The talent part we’ll see. But I really wanted to give my time and I’m just very excited.”
And hoping his 80s hip-hop dance moves bring home a win is Tom Kukulski, the director of Calamos Wealth Management who’s having fun practicing with his dance partner Jaana Lillemagi.
“We definitely are hoping to be the crowd pleasers,” said Lillemagi.
“Well I really don’t view it as competition. I just view it as we’re going to win,” joked Kukulski. “So I really don’t pay attention to the others out there and whatever they’re doing. [I wish] the best to them, but we’re going to win.”
They all still have time to finesse their talents, as the sold out event takes place on September 19.
And next week we’ll introduce the remaining four competitors.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
