Life’s A Dance Studio with Victor and Melanie Luna, and Hurd Real Estate & Co. owners, Gene and Amanda Hurd, present a star-studded evening of dance featuring local celebrities, world professional championship dancers, Shannon and Shane Jensen; Alyenendrov and Maria Tsorokean, Blackpool Professional Exhibition Champions 2022; and the cast members of Dancing with the Stars from ABC’s hit television series Dancing with the Stars including Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and Tristan Mac Manus.
Life’s A Dance benefiting Junior Achievement of NWFL will take center-stage at the Pensacola Saenger Theater on Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; VIP Exclusive Meet and Greet from 9:15 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a Silent Auction.
Performing a variety of dances from the samba to salsa, local celebrity couples will dazzle onlookers in a competition of both fundraising and dance skill:
- Gene and Amanda Hurd, of Hurd Real Estate & Co.;
- Steve and Shelley Black, local philanthropists with Bread & Table and owner/Agronomist at Green Procedures, Inc;
- Aaron and Kimberly Watson, The Watson Firm, PLLC & The Watson Foundation;
- Adam and Robbie Schrock, AppRiver Account Executive & Director of Administration at Santa Rosa Island Authority;
- Ernie and Ragan Dutra, Territory Manager for Westlake Royal Building Products & licensed agent with Hurd Real Estate & Co.;
- Larry Rapp and Allison Mink, Physical Therapist/Medical Director & NICU RN;
- David and Ally Bryant, retired law enforcement officer & dental assistant;
- Peyton and Autumn Blackledge, City of Milton Firefighter & Attorney/Owner/Managing Partner at Autumn Beck Blackledge, PLLC; and
- Anthony and Heather Doerr, Urologist & CPA/Financial Advisor at Hale and Doerr, LLC.
Victor Luna will be partnered with local celebrities to showcase their fundraising and dancing prowess. Partners include:
- Michelle Salzman, Florida House District 1 Representative & local philanthropist;
- Jenni Wood, Athletic Trainer and DonJoy Global Territory Manager;
- Kristie Tobias, “Fearlessly Made You” author and podcaster, & national speaker and business advisor for Studer Community Institute;
- Cameron Northup, YMCA, and
- Jennifer Belcher, Mortgage Loan Originator & Closing Director for Trident Home Loans.
Judges for Life’s A Dance include local and international celebrities: Tristan Mac Manus, DWTS professional and judge; Eric Luna, DWTS and SYTYCD performer; Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff; Roy Jones, JR, Boxing Legend; Nicole Stacey, Visit Pensacola; Troy Rafferty, Attorney/Managing Partner at Levin Papantonio Rafferty Law Firm; Sara Lefevers, Pensacola Chamber; Brian Williams, Kool Karts; Lewis Bear III, The Lewis Bear Company; Sid Williams Heath, Pensacola Little Theater; Christine Kellogg, PenArts @ The Gordon; and Alicia Christy, local philanthropist.
Following the show, VIP Exclusive ticket holders will be invited to the glamorous casting party that will take place in the Saenger’s beautiful mezzanine and ballroom. VIP Exclusive treatment includes photos with the cast, refreshments, and a chance to shine among the stars. Tickets are available in three price levels for $38, Premier $58, and VIP $78.
A limited number of VIP EXCLUSIVE seating will be sold for $203. Tickets may be purchased at the Pensacola Saenger Box Office at (850) 595-3880 or online at https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/lifes-a-dance-benefitting-junior-achievement.
Dance truly bridges the gap in society among professions and institutions and gives us all something to share and enjoy equally. Encompassing this message, proceeds from this event will support Junior Achievement’s mission to respect all talents, creativity, perspective, and backgrounds of all individuals. For more information, contact Ashlee Simpson at ashlee.simpson@ja.org, (850) 477-1420 and/or