Teamwork, homework and footwork: it’s all a part of what eight Naperville notables and their dance partners are putting in as they prepare for this year’s Dancing with the Celebrities.
Pinot’s Palette owner Pamela Bartlett and her partner Kyle Rath are putting in work on the dance floor and at home to perfect their dance.
“It is a samba/salsa combination,” said Rath. “Samba is a challenging dance, and she’s picked up very, very well on it. But the salsa is just kind of thrown in there just to throw you for a loop even further.”
Chef by Request owner Dave Miller says he and his partner Susan Cole are going to win with the enthusiasm they put into their 70s hustle.
“We are going to give it our best shot,” said Miller. “We’ve had a lot of fun doing it, and it’s been a unique experience for me, so we’re going to just practice as much as we can and go out there and let them have it.”
Brighton Car Wash owner Bianca Morin and her partner Luke Malczewski say their freestyle cha cha is going to dazzle the audience.
“We don’t even need to trash talk,” said Morin. “We’re really just that great.”
“The dance speaks for itself,” said Malczewski.
Loaves and Fishes Community Services Cares Program Vice President Janet Derrick and her partner Nicolas Rodriguez have something a littler different in mind and they say it will set them apart.
“I wanted to try something a little bit different this year,” Rodriguez said. “Usually everybody does a happy go lucky dance. This year I think I would try a seductive tango, a little bit different.”
All the celebrities say dancing might not be their forte.
“Well, I realized that I have less rhythm than I originally thought,” said Miller.
“I was terrified when I agreed to do this,” Morin said.
But they’re glad to benefit the Community Career Center.
“It’s a needed resource in this area,” said Morin. “I love the work that they do there helping people that are underemployed or unemployed find not just work but resume building and all sorts of contacts is amazing.”
Putting in the work to help others find work.
Dancing with the Celebrities takes place September 20.
For more information on how you can purchase tickets visit the Community Career Center website.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
To see the other four dancers in this year’s competition, click here.
