CRESTVIEW — International champion dancers Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad will perform locally Saturday, exhibiting their sensuous, award-winning ballroom dance moves.
The duo takes to the Crestview High School Pearl Tyner Auditorium stage April 5 as part of Fred Astaire Dance Studio's annual "Dance for Life" exhibition showcase, benefiting Covenant Hospice.
"Dancing is truly a celebration of life, and Covenant Hospice is all about quality of life," studio owner David Colón said. "It is such a great cause and a rewarding partnership for both organizations."
Many Fred Astaire studios present yearly exhibition programs, often benefiting a worthy community cause, Covenant Hospice senior development manager Jenni Perkins said. This is the fourth year that the local studio has partnered with the hospice.
"Charity events such as Dance for Life help fund Covenant Hospice’s special programs in Okaloosa and Walton counties," Perkins said, adding the service accepts patients regardless of their financial status.
World champions
While Fred Astaire dancers from the Crestview studio and throughout the region will perform at Dance for Life, many eyes will be on the international champions.
The couple are United States Dance Championship and British Invitational Exhibition World Championship winners. Just six couples are invited to participate in the British exhibition.
"Their performances are full of emotion, beauty and amazingly graceful lifts that leave the audience breathless," Colón said.
In addition, Piedad appeared on ABC's “Dancing with the Stars” and Fox's “So You Think You Can Dance,” Perkins said.
“Each year this dance showcase gets bigger and better," Colón said. "We are excited about hosting the event again, and we are thrilled to introduce local performing arts lovers to Justin and Kimalee."
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Dance for Life, a Covenant Hospice fundraiser
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. April 5
WHERE: Crestview High School's Pearl Tyner Auditorium
COST: $15 general admission; $30 VIP, including limited, reserved premier seating and post-event cocktail party with celebrity dance stars Justin Guilmette and Kimalee Piedad
TICKETS: Available at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 301 N. Main St., Crestview, 682-1455; or at the door.
Email News Bulletin Staff Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: World champion dancers performing Saturday in 'Dance for Life'