Dancing With The Gorge Stars hosts 10th annual event despite weather

The event was emceed by Utah Ballroom Dance Company Executive Director and Owner Mark Lowes, and kicked off with a performance by The Dalles Dazzling Dancers, a group of 12 local children who danced to “Try Anything” from the movie Zootopia: Aubree Johnson, Emmersyn Glasgow, Kourtney Lane, Melody Wood, Olivia Anderson, Ruthie Fain, Lilly DeHart, E.J. Iaulualo, Kai Chavez, Kallin Glasgow, Riley Mead and Xzavier DeHart.

Following the opening number, Lowes introduced all six stars and their partners, then the three judges who would be scoring each of the star’s dances. The night’s judges were all former contestants: Pamela Jensen, George Mickens and Tonya Brumley.

The first couple to dance were Mid-Columbia Vision Source optometrist Ryan LeBreton and pro Grace Johnson. In a tribute to Rocky, the pair performed the paso doble to “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. The routine received a six from Brumley and a seven from Mickens and Jensen, for a total of 20 points.

Next were KLD goat rancher DeAnn DePaepe, fittingly dressed as Little Bo Peep, and partner Anthony Whipple, fulfilling the role of Woody. The pair performed the foxtrot to “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story, ultimately receiving a seven from Mickens and Brumley and an eight from Jensen, for a total of 22 points.

Third in the line-up was A&E Plumbing, Heating and Air Department Manager Randy McMurrin and partner Haley Wayt, channeling their inner Top Gun as they danced the swing to “Danger Zone’’ by Kenny Loggins. They received an eight from Mickens and nines from Jensen and Brumley, for a total of 26 points.

Fourth was Ford, dressed as Barbie, and partner John Meo, dressed as Ken, who performed a cha cha to “Barbie Girl” by Aqua. Ford and Meo received the second highest score of the night from the judges, with a 10 from Brumley and nines from Mickens and Jensen, for a total of 28 points. However, once the audience was tallied and taken into account, they were ultimately named the champions of DWTGS season 10.

The next pair was Cousins Restaurant Manager Joel Lane and partner Sarah Reed, dancing the mambo to the Austin Powers’ theme song. Their dance received the highest score of the night with 29 points, made up of two 10s from Mickens and Jensen and a nine from Brumley, and was ultimately crowned the runner-up. According to the emcee, they were only four votes short of winning the mirrorball.

The last star to dance was Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield, dancing with pro Drew Innis, channeling a Ghostbuster and ghost duo. They danced the disco to “Ghostbusters,” and received an eight from Brumley and a nine from Jensen and Mickens for a total of 25 points.

In between the star dances and the announcement of the winner, the pro dancers from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company performed six different numbers of different styles, in a show emcee Lowes called “Ballroom Fever.” Dances performed included a swing to “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley and a rumba to “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion.

Following the pro dances, Ford was announced the winner. Previous champion Adolfo Mollinedo was onstage to help award the winner.

The event was a fundraiser, and all proceeds went to the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association.