All the contestants of the 2023 Dancing with the Shuswap Stars. (photo credit: Kristal Burgess Photography)

By Pete McIntyre

Sold-out event

Locals dance up a storm for charity

Nov 22, 2023 | 7:30 AM

Bruno Tonioli would have been on his feet and cheering.

A sold-out crowd of 450 people took in Dancing With the Shuswap Stars, a fundraiser to support the Shuswap Hospice Society.

The event is modelled after the Dancing with the Stars TV show and showcased Shuswap dancers volunteering their time to perform a dance routine at the SASCU Recreation Centre Nov. 18.

Father-daughter duo Cappi and Jack Bowers (photo credit: Kristal Burgess Photography)

The final fundraising total is still being tabulated, but organizers say the event was incredibly popular with people able to purchase a star vote for $5 and choose their favourite dance couples to support.

Options for Sexual Health clinic closure

Local organization concerned with potential closure of clinic that serves women and girls

49m ago

Homeless Shelter Space

City supports Upper Room Mission's call for year-round shelter supports

3h ago

Lumby Murder Inquiry

Inquiry into Lumby murder case to go in the spring

8h ago

The overall People’s Choice winner is based on a combination of popular vote and the judges scores.

There are two categories: Rookie, which was couples who have never danced at the event before, and Pro-Am All-Stars, which is where previous DWTSS dancers were paired with professional instructors from City Dance in Vernon.

The winners were:

Rookies Overall People’s Choice – Justin and Renee Brien

Rookies Judges’ Choice (highest scores from the dance judges) – Cappi and Jack Bowers

Pro-Am All-Star Overall People’s Choice – Ian Gray with City Dance Co-owner Heather Stranks

Pro-Am All-Star Judges’ Choice – Bonnie Vandevosse and instructor Orlando Robertson

Another news release will be issued once the fundraising total is finalized.