Fallon's 'stars' strut their stuff Friday

Ten of Fallon's finest will bravely showcase their dancing ability Friday night ... all in support of the high school's Fallon Swing Club.

Fallon's Dancing with the Stars takes place Friday night at the Churchill County High School gymnasium at 7 p.m. Ten local "stars" have been matched with students from the Fallon Swing Club, and the pairs will each have one minute to strut their stuff for both the judges and audience.

Debbie Edwards, director of the Fallon Swing Club, said the club participated in a similar event in Carson City where Edwards was a judge. She said the class thought it would be a lively fundraiser for the club. Edwards and the students brainstormed local names of potential participants, and also solicited names from committed dancers.

"A few I had to really talk to," Edwards said. "We were not looking for dancers. We were looking for high-profile people the community would love to come out and see do this."

Edwards was successful in recruiting some of Fallon's more "high-profile" players, like Mayor Ken Tedford and NAS Fallon Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Glaser and other members of the community representing business, education and the hospital.

Prior to assigning partners to dancers, Edwards met with each one, taught them a few steps and tried to learn their personalities. From there, she chose Swing Club members with whom to match dancers.

Edwards arranged the choreography for each dance and met with each team as the process began, but she left them to arrange practice times on their own. Most dance teams have been practicing for about a month.

Like the television show, Fallon's Dancing with the Stars will be judged by three judges: Jef Horne, owner of The Studio and the Fallon Ballet Company; Lisa Sloan, a local dancer; and Jeffrey Lynn, a ballroom judge from California who competed on the national level.

So what will the dancers win?

"A nice little medallion to put around their neck ... and bragging rights," Edwards said.

Actually, prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place finishes.

"We're in it to win it," said a confident Mitch Overlie. "That's our motto. Actually, I really don't care how I do as long as I beat my wife."

The admittedly competitive couple of Mitch and Lissa Overlie are both dancing as stars in Friday's competition, although Mitch was somewhat wheedled into participating. The couple worked with Edwards on the musical "Carousel," which included a fair amount of footwork.

"She approached both of us, knowing I wouldn't turn her down if Lissa agreed," Mitch said. "I wasn't too sure about the whole thing; I don't have very much of a dance background. It was very scary but I'm glad I'm participating. I've learned a lot, and it's even better competing against my wife."

Another "star" talked into dancing Friday night is Jim Johnson from Kafoury Armstrong & Co. He said he was "volunteered" by Jane Anderson because the two couples have been out dancing before. He's no newby to dancing, though.

"In my family, dad and mom always danced," Johnson said. "We were at least taught the basics."

How does he think he'll do Friday night?

"I'm hoping for the middle of the pack; nobody wants to come in last," Johnson said. "I'm hoping to beat Kenny."

Tickets for Friday's performance cost $10 or $8 for senior citizens and children under 9 years old. Tickets are available at the door or from Robertson & Koenig Optometrists, KHWG radio or from any Swing Club student.



Fallon's Dancing with the Stars

March 28, 7 p.m.

CCHS Gym



Stars and Partners



• Mayor Ken Tedford, dancing the Waltz with partner J'Liane Jones

• Lissa Overlie, dancing the Tango with Anthony Woller

• Capt. Mike Glaser, commanding officer of NAS Fallon, dancing the Salsa with partner Rachel Tolzmann

• Jane Anderson from the Churchill County School District, dancing the Salsa with partner Tyler Sugg

• Jim Johnson from Kafoury Armstrong & Co., dancing the Tango with Ileigh Williams

• Reva Forsythe from Banner Churchill Community Hospital, dancing the Cha-Cha with partner Kenny Tedford

• Mitch Overlie, CCHS wrestling coach and P.E. teacher, dancing the Cha-Cha with Shayla Card

• Monica Fairbanks from Western Nevada College, dancing the East Coast Swing with partner Ryan McCormick

• Motulalo Otuafi, CCHS football coach/juvenile probation department, dancing the East Coast Swing with partner Courtney Edwards

• Terri Pearson, CCHS secretary and student council advisor, dancing the Waltz with partner Jacob Card