‘Dancing with the Professors’ Returns to UCM Feb. 19

WARRENSBURG, MO – Re-launching a program that was last celebrated on campus in 2018, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Dance Club will sponsor “Dancing with the Professors 2023” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 in Hendricks Hall. This student-run fundraiser has become a fan-favorite over the years and provides an evening of ballroom and popular dance styles performed by UCM students, faculty and staff.

Modeled after the nationally known television program, “Dancing with the Stars,” UCM dance students choreograph and dance alongside the university’s faculty and staff. The judging panel consists of three UCM faculty and staff members, while members of the audience have an opportunity to cast their vote for the winner at the conclusion of the performance. Special guests will provide entertainment as scores are being tabulated.

This year “Dancing with the Professors” will showcase eight couples, and each will perform two dances varying in style. The 2023 dancing couples competing for this year’s trophy are:  Joe Moore, professor of sports communication, dancing with his daughter, senior Vocal Music Education major, Gaby Moore;  Jackie Brandhorst, associate professor of management, dancing with junior English Education major, Harlee Lawless;  Gregory Streich, chair and professor of political science and international studies, dancing with  sophomore Modern Languages major, Kennedy Boyd; Jackson Thomas, visiting assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, dancing with freshman Musical Theatre major, Kennedy Reisdorph;  Allison Robbins, associate professor of music, dancing with junior Musical Theatre major, Maleena Johnson; Tyler Hirlinger, associate instructor of marketing, dancing with senior Technology Design and Drafting Technology major, Melia Rice; Amanda Bradbury, assistant instructor of finance, dancing with junior Musical Theatre major, Miranda Muenz; and Lars Jepsen, office professional IV in theatre and dance, dancing with junior Musical Theatre major, TiJhana Hines.

The UCM judging panel includes Roger Best, university president; Beth Rutt, director of student activities and the Student Wellness and Recreation Center; and Wendy Geiger, school chair and professor of communication and digital media and past participant in “Dancing with the Professors.”

Admission to the event is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the door with cash, check or Venmo. Throughout the evening, audience members are encouraged to add money to their favorite couple’s donation bucket. The dancing couple that raises the most money will receive five extra points to their final score.

Proceeds from the event will help send UCM dance students to the American College Dance Association conference at the University of Central Oklahoma in March. Tax-deductible donations can be made through the UCM Alumni Foundation. For more information, contact the UCM Division of Theatre and Dance at 660-543-4020 or Student Coordinator, Katie Kaminski (knk74640@ucmo.edu).