Dancing with the Local Stars Muskegon returns to the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. 13 ON YOUR SIDE is playing a big part once again.
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Dancing with the Local Stars Muskegon returns to the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22. Once again, 13 ON YOUR SIDE is playing a big part.
You may remember Patrick Johnson. He danced with our Samantha Jacques just last year when she took part in the competition.
He told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, “It’s one big party,” when talking about the show.
This year, 13 ON YOUR SIDE’s Emily Scarlett will take the stage as one of the “stars.” Scarlett and Johnson make Team #6 and are named Pump it Up. Johnson’s been acting as one of the show’s professionals from the very beginning and has a longtime background in dance.
“Started in the Bahamas a long, long time ago and moved to New York to follow my dreams,” said Johnson. “Traveled around the world dancing with the Dancing of Harlem.”
Eventually, he settled in Grand Rapids.
“Then, they tapped me for Dancing with the Local Stars,” he said. “I was a little apprehensive.”
When asked why, he said, “I’m not usually a big fan of that type of stuff. So, I was like, eh, I don’t know these folks. So, I’m not even sure if I want to do it.”
17 years later, he’s been part of it ever since and said, “I look forward to it every year.”
The team rehearses at HIS Dance Academy in Grand Rapids where his wife, Tassia, is the associate director of the dance ensemble.
“Oh, I met her moons ago in New York City. We met at the Dancing of Harlem,” he said. “Well, first of all, I respect what she has to say.”
He also said, “Having someone look at the work that we’re doing and say, ‘Hey, maybe you can tweak it this way, or tweak it this way,’ she has been awesome for that.”
As for what we have planned for this year’s performance, he said, “Let’s see, without giving away any classified information, how can I answer this question?”
Eventually, he said, “It’s going to be highly energetic. Performance value is a 10, and we have a couple of surprises.”
If you’ve never been to Dancing with the Local Stars Muskegon before, or even if you have, here’s why he said you should be there.
“Because you’re going to have the time of your life. It’s wild, it’s crazy and it’s organized. Organized chaos.”
Not to mention, you’re also supporting a good cause. All net proceeds will go toward West Michigan food pantries.
“After 17 years, almost $2.5 million, that’s not something to say, ‘oh, that’s nothing.’ That’s a lot,” said Johnson, laughing.
Don’t worry, you’ll still see Chief Meteorologist Samantha Jacques on stage serving as emcee. She also put together a fun 13 ON YOUR SIDE dance, for Saturday night only, where you’ll see several familiar faces.
You can come dance with us the weekend before the event!
On Sunday, Feb. 16 from 2-3 p.m., Scarlett and Johnson are hosting an hour-long dance class as part of the Dancing with Local Stars fundraiser. It’s $10 for the one-hour workout and takes place at HIS Dance Academy on 29th Street SE in Grand Rapids.
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