The fifth season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” may be over, but the second season of Bloomington’s “Dancing with the Celebrities” is about to begin. The Arthur Murray dance studio in Bloomington has invited six prominent local figures to learn ballroom dancing and perform to benefit local charities.
Barbara Leininger, owner of the studio, says the first season of “Dancing with the Celebrities” raised $4,200 for local charities. Celebrities for the second season include opera singer Sylvia McNair, State Senator Vi Simpson and Indiana University School of Education Dean Gerardo Gonzales. Gonzales, who will be raising money for the Monroe County Schools Foundation, says he’s not concerned about showing his lighter side to the public.
Senator Vi Simpson says she hopes she’ll have a lot of support so she can raise money for Middle Way House. Also competing will be Judge David Welch, Bloomington Chamber of Commerce president Christy Gillenwater and WGCL talk show host Daryl Neher. The six contestants will perform on May 24 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, with ticket proceeds going to the local charities, which include the Teacher’s Warehouse, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Boys and Girls Club, and Shalom Community Center.
