The dance program at New Mexico State University promises to make the 11th season of “Look Who’s Dancing,” one of its primary fundraisers, the most exciting one yet.
This season’s community “celebrities” range from healthcare professionals to business owners to the chief of the Las Cruces Fire Department. This year’s contestants include:
– Karissa Avila Doan of Pioneer Bank
– Lee Silverman of Steinborn & Associates Real Estate
– George Vescovo of Vescovo Toyota of Las Cruces
– Griselda Martinez, City of Las Cruces Economic Development deputy director
– Lola Cunico of IQVIA
– Eric Enriquez, chief of the Las Cruces Fire Department
– Becky Corran from NMSU Doña Ana Community College
– Jesus Padilla, an Inpatient Medical Coder at Memorial Medical Center
– Ron Saltzman, owner of Frame and Art Center
– Sandra Espiritu of Enchanted Sun Team Realty
This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Pan Am Center. Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens, and $5 for kids 12 and younger. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the show. Day-of tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $10 for kids 12 and younger. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NMSU dance scholarships for students.
“This event is more than just a fundraiser for the dance program. It brings members from the community, both the Las Cruces community and the NMSU campus community, together to celebrate the love of dance,” said dance professor Debra Knapp.
“Look Who’s Dancing” has traditionally paired NMSU dance students with community professionals to compete, which requires hours of rehearsal and preparation.
“This event provides an avenue for the dance department to bring together our wonderful supportive community and the students at NMSU, as well as providing skill development, training opportunities and an education that enhances community relations and career opportunities,” said NMSU dance director Ray Backlund.
Not all the students participating are dance majors, however. Karen Torres, a senior kinesiology major, will be dancing the Tango with Silverman.
“I really enjoy working with my partner,” Torres said. “He is always making jokes and makes practice fun.”
While practice can be intense and challenging, senior dance major Manny Carmona said they can prove to be a lot of fun.
“‘Look Who’s Dancing’ has allowed me to make connections with great people and not only dance, but create a bonding relationship,” said Carmona, who will dance Freestyle with Doan.
For ticket information, call the NMSU dance office at 575-646-2070 or the Pan Am ticket office at 575-646-1420. Visit the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LookWhosDancing or http://bit.ly/NMSU-Look-Whos-Dancing.
Informatiion from NMSU