Dancing with The Arc Slated for Thursday, June 4 at ESL Ballpark
The annual dance competition partners 5 Rochester celebrities with 5 people supported by The Arc of Monroe.
ROCHESTER, NY - The Arc of Monroe will hold its fourth annual “Dancing with The Arc” event on Thursday, June 4 at ESL Ballpark, One Morrie Silver Way, Rochester. Doors open at 5 pm and showtime is 6 pm. Five Rochester celebrities have been partnered with a person supported by The Arc of Monroe. Together, they have embarked on a magical journey to learn a fun dance. They’ve made their musical selections and are hard at work practicing their numbers; the duos will perform their dance for a panel of celebrity judges on June 4th. The event will be emceed by Scott Spezzano and Sandy Waters from 98.9 The Buzz.
Tickets for Dancing with The Arc are $25 each and come with a $10 food and beverage credit for June 5th at the ballpark. Kids five and under are free (and are not eligible for the food/beverage credit). Tickets can be purchased at ArcMonroe.org/Dancing or at the door. Rochesterians can vote for their favorite dance duo by clicking on their “Vote Now” button at ArcMonroe.org/Dancing. Each vote costs $5 and all proceeds go to The Arc Foundation of Monroe whose mission is to raise and manage funds and to deepen community connections for the people supported or employed by The Arc of Monroe. This year’s dance duos include:
Ethan Wade and Dorothy Glivens | https://arcmonroe.org/dorothyethan
Celebrity Dancer Ethan Wade has helped clients navigate their financial goals at Brighton Securities since 2013 while also serving on The Arc of Monroe Board of Directors and mentoring future finance professionals at SUNY Brockport. His Arc of Monroe dance partner is Dorothy Glivens. She attends Ballantyne Day Services and brings nonstop energy, style, and fun wherever she goes. A fan of dancing, shopping, pizza, and the Rochester Red Wings, Dorothy loves dancing to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and showing off her signature Temptation moves.
JoAnne Ryan and Clyde Tisdale | https://arcmonroe.org/clydejoanne
Celebrity Dancer JoAnne Ryan, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, leads with warmth,humor, and heart, balancing family, community impact, and plenty of sparkle along the way. Her dance partner, Arc of Monroe participant Clyde Tisdale, an artist at Community Arts Connection, is ready to light up the stage with James Brown-inspired moves and a little Michael Jackson flair. Clyde brings nonstop energy whether he’s showing off smooth dance moves, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, or enjoying pancakes at IHOP and his favorite spaghetti with mozzarella cheese.
Chris Fortune and Willow Perez-Evans | https://arcmonroe.org/willowchris
Celebrity Dancer Chris Fortune brings curiosity, charm, and community spirit to viewers as a reporter for News 10 NBC, covering the stories that matter most across Rochester. His dance partner, Arc of Monroe participant Willow Perez-Evans, an artist at Community Arts Connection, is ready to shimmy, shake, and steal the spotlight with powerhouse energy inspired by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Willow loves singing, dancing, cheering on the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles, and enjoying Taco Bell, shopping trips, and Lifetime movie marathons.
Hope Breen and Johnny Berg | https://arcmonroe.org/johnnyhope
Hope Breen is a storyteller, tourism advocate, and one of Rochester’s biggest cheerleaders, turning hidden gems and local favorites into must-see experiences for residents and visitors alike through her blog Roc the City with Hope. Her dance partner, Arc of Monroe participant Johnny Berg from Fairport Day Services, brings nonstop energy and fun everywhere he goes. Johnny loves singing along to “Barbara Ann” by The Beach Boys, showing off his signature sprinkler dance move, playing instruments, gaming with friends, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stephannie Joseph and DJ Dukes-Snead | https://arcmonroe.org/djstephannie
Celebrity Dancer Stephannie Joseph brings warmth, curiosity, and engaging storytelling to viewers as a reporter and anchor for 13WHAM, covering everything from neighborhood businesses to major community stories. Her dance partner, Arc of Monroe participant DJ Dukes-Snead, a proud student at LifePrep@Naz, loves grooving to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and showing off smooth dance moves wherever he goes. Whether he’s cheering on the Los Angeles Lakers or enjoying a perfectly toasted grilled cheese, DJ brings nonstop enthusiasm, talent, and fun to every moment.
This year’s choreographers include The Arc’s Carly Cerasuolo, Julie Keeney and Tanner Linton, along with Nazareth University student Grace Burkin, former Dancing with The Arc celebrity and multi-media journalist at News 8 WROC Gio Battaglia and Dance Emporium Instructor Kennedy Tye. This year’s costume designers include The Arc’s Caprial Pecchia, Skyla Pisciotti and Deanna Masset, along with Josean and Mikey Vargas-Rodriguez, proprietors of Luci & Dona on Monroe Avenue in Rochester.
This year’s judges include Rochester Television Legend Don Alhart, The Arc of Monroe President and CEO Tracy Petrichick, Rochester Radio Personality Dino Kay and Dancing with The Arc Alumna Dave Seeley from Rochester Works.
For more information, visit ArcMonroe.org/Dancing.
About The Arc of Monroe
The Arc of Monroe has been working passionately for 70 years to enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc shines a light on the abilities of the people it supports – over 1,500 people in 42 locations throughout Monroe County. As an organization with over 800 employees, The Arc is committed to supporting the local economy by being a partner and collaborator that aids in the economic development of the Monroe County community. Learn more at ArcMonroe.org.