An Evening With The Stars: New Chamber Event Brings Razzle Dazzle to Cheyenne County

The disco ball was raised and the dancing floor was set for a new annual event in Sidney, Dancing With The Stars of Cheyenne County. A chance to experience a dance competition unlike any other, the event spotlighted six different couples randomly paired together, ready to perform in front of an audience full of neighbors and friends.

Organized by the Cheyenne County Chamber, the event was originally suggested due to the need for new events in Sidney. Teams were then assigned by the Chamber, with some partners having never even met before dancing together. With almost six months of preparation, the different groups were in charge of planning their performances from costumes to dance steps. Some teams self-choreographed their dance moves while others sought the help of local instructors. 

A true community event, the evening was catered by Sonny's, The Rock Sports Bar & Grill and the Price Cream Co. A perfect compliment to the evening, To The Moon Balloons featured balloons scattered throughout the space. 

As the lights lowered and the stage was set, eager patrons delighted over men in tutus, a 50's sock hop style dance routine as well as a couple dressed in formal period attire straight out of a "Bridgerton" film set. 

The evening was filled with cheers, laughs, and words of encouragement; evident was the surefire energy of the room, from the dancers to the people in their seats. 

Each couple prepared two different dance routines, with the second being a required "Red, White & Blue" theme, as portions of the proceeds were donated back to local veteran programs. As the dancers took their final bows, the judges took a 15-minute intermission to deliberate, as the popular vote was cast by audience members. 

During the intermission, emcee Alisha Juelfs entertained with an 80's-inspired windbreaker costume change. She then invited dancers in the audience to come on stage to display their talents in a breakdancing contest. Inspired by the latest event at the Olympics, as well as its breakout star - Australian B-Girl RayGun, Juelfs showcased her best interpretation of RayGun's signature original moves encouraging the others to join in. 

Three awards were given to the different stars; best style and Technique went to Team Jachob Wiedeburg and Angie Dickman, best dance went to Team Erica Revord and Cooper White, and the People's Choice Award went to Team Erica Revord and Cooper White. The overall winner for the evening was Team Jachob Wiedeburg and Angie Dickman sponsored by Points West Community Bank. Each team received a special golden trophy and their sponsoring business received a traveling mirror ball trophy.

The six teams competing throughout the night were:

• Kortney Allington and Matt Cabbage sponsored by Adams Industries; 

• Jachob Wiedeburg and Angie Dickman sponsored by Points West Community Bank;

• Kyle Brown and Chelsea Butts sponsored by Gurley Diesel; 

• Tyler Shaw and Shead Maddox sponsored by Flooring Garage ;

• Erica Revord and Cooper White sponsored by The Big Boy; and

• Jamie Smircich and Lance Juelfs sponsored by Plummer Insurance. 

Author Bio

Kelsey Arrington, Staff Reporter

Cheyenne County native, local business owner.