The stars came out to dance on Friday night.
Hundreds of people attended the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte at the Empire Theatre in downtown Belleville.
Four couples took to the dance floor for the competition which also serves as Volunteer and Information Quinte’s major fundraiser for the year.
The event followed the same theme as last year with each team coming from the same household.
Hoisting their mirror ball trophies at the end of the night were Angela and Bjorn Lagerlof, whose lively 50s inspired number earned the loudest applause and the most audience votes.
Angela and Bjorn Lagerlof are the champions of the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
It was choreographed by Devon Scott of Astounding Heights Dance Academy
When asked what they thought about the number of lifts and tricks in the routine, Angela joked that they asked for the tricks because they don’t have rhythm but they are athletic.
Angela and Bjorn Lagerlof are the champions of the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
In second place were Katie Sherratt and Jeannette Heffernan who performed a spunky jazz and acro number choreographed by Alicia Sewell of Astounding Heights Dance Academy.
Katie Sherratt and Jeannette Heffernan compete during the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
Also competing were Gillian and Corey Robinson who donned their lederhosen and danced to The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music (choreographed by France – For the Love of Dance) and engaged couple Robyn Rochon-Kaiser and Riley Dunn who performed a sweet country inspired dance (choreographed by Daryl Geesey -A Step Ahead).
Gillian and Corey Robinson compete during the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
Robyn Rochon-Kaiser and Riley Dunn compete during the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
The evening also featured an exhibition by members of Astounding Heights Dance Academy.
Members of Astounding Heights Dance Academy perform at the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
VIQ Executive Director Brenda Snider says they continued to face challenges to organize this year’s event due to the pandemic but they were able to pull it off.
“We had amazing dance teams. We had instructors. We’ve had sponsors and supporters. Huge turnout tonight. Mark opening the doors to the Empire once again for us to be able to host this. So, we’re just really grateful to our community.”
Funds raised through the event go to the organization’s volunteer and information programs.
“We support over 275 organizations with volunteers. We do all of the interviewing, the placing, the referring. You know, we work with screening with certain organizations. This year we’ve been doing a lot of contract work with, you know, Ribfest, Rockfest, Big Musicfest. So we’re out there. We’re busy making sure that events can happen in your community.”
Organizers expect to have a final tally on how much was raised some time next week.
Snider says they are already in the early planning stages for the 15th anniversary Dancing with the Stars Quinte which they expect to hold in spring 2023.
Competitors and choreographers share the stage at the 14th Annual Dancing with the Stars Quinte, September 9, 2022 at the Empire Theatre. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)
