2018 DANCERS

David Schmit is from Osmond, NE. Professionally known as a high school Spanish/English teacher. He will make his debut sharing his love of 90’s music. Aside from falling short of the American Idol auditions he still pursues his love of singing – in the shower. His students would describe him as eccentric, jovial, and a five star fashionista. 
Raelynn Coldwell is from Rapid City, SD. Professionally known as a Communications Director for Sacred Heart Monastery as well as a Freelance Designer. She will make her debut coinciding with David with an appreciation for the 90’s but also with some cultural flair. Though she aspires to be the make-up artist such as Bobbi Brown she wouldn’t mind painting faces at the fair. Contrary to David she would be described as elegant with impeccable etiquette skills. 
Together, they will make their first appearance as an engaged couple. David hopes to leave without having a wardrobe malfunction & Raelynn hopes to leave without a sprained ankle or stepped on toe. 
(All their words, not ours)

What can we say about this fun and fabulous couple?  They are a COUPLE of great friends, they are a COUPLE of co-workers, and they are a COUPLE of military veterans.  Bobbi Jo Aune is originally from Toledo, Ohio and when she isn’t dancing around her house, thinking she is Beyonce, she works in the financial sector of the government (and have no fear, not one of those scary people like the IRS).  Her daughter, who is in Hip Hop at the Green Room Dance studio laughs and shakes her head when she tries to show her ol' skool dance moves like the Running Man and The Cabbage Patch.  She has served in the US Army and now she hopes to SERVE the competition
Stephanie Rivera is from Tripp, SD and when she isn’t traveling the world in the Army National Guard (the USO tour may not be too far away!) she is employed with the government as well, as Material Handler Supervisor. This doesn’t sound too exciting, but she gets to boss guys around all day, so what isn’t exciting about that?  Her passion is to crochet, but she isn’t as old as she sounds!  She just hopes she doesn’t get her feet tangled together like she does in her ball of yarn
So as Stephanie is excited to wow you with (UN)professional dancing, Bobbi is hoping not to projectile vomit on the judges (you people in the front row better watch out!)

Deb and Dan Specht have more than seventy years of combined dancing experience. Deb started with ballet, tap, and jazz in grade school eventually moving on to line dancing in the 1990's. She is most proud of her ability to lead or follow depending on the quality of her dance partner. Dan's career blossomed as Yanktons first male prince in the Christmas favorite the Nutcracker Ballet in 1984. He became a nationally certified aerobics dance instructor in 1990 and has gradually declined in skill ever since. The Specht's are more than eager to Dance with Stars for such a worthy event. While their stars may be fading their desire to see an end domestic violence shines like the sun.

​Tim and Michelle are Yankton locals, married for nine years.  Tim is currently working in the hotel business to pass the time until he goes pro as a Latin dancer.  Michelle spends her days dancing around the house with the shades closed, attempting to rangle her family and dreaming about the tiny house that she is going to build in the back yard for herself to hide in.  Michelle is a Yankton native and Tim, born and raised a Minnesotan, wishes that he could say the same!  They have two beautiful daughters, Rylee (11) and Mikayla (7), both attending Sacred Heart School.  They also share a passion for dance like their parents, amongst other activities.  Tim and Michelle are eager to show off their electric dancing skills.  They have just recently won the Latin American World Salsa Extravaganza, held right here in Yankton, SD, the mecca of Latin dancing.  Their dance will highlight their world class figure 8 hip swivels, straddle helicopter handstands, and dirty dancing tango.  A quote from the couple, "We hope you make it to the show and help us raise money for this great cause!".

Brittany LaCroix and Nate Lien are throwin’ it back to give back! These two Beadle Bugs have been friends since elementary, causing mischief in the same YHS homeroom and even ran around the USD campus together! While Brittany has been dancing at the Academy of Dance since she was 3 years old, Nate has dabbled in the dance scene with toddler tumbling and making appearances in two Nutcrackers and the YHS boy/girl routine. Brittany is the Events and Promotions Coordinator for the City of Yankton and Nate has recently taken a job in Omaha, NE, but is excited to be back in his hometown dancing for a good cause! 

2018 JUDGES

Formally known as Samantha Rus, she brings to the judges table less than 1 month of valuable dance expertise. After a long shift as a City of Yankton Police Officer, Sam enjoys snuggling up with an ice cold Aquafina. She was recently taken off the single scene and hitched to her hubby this fall. Their life is enhanced with their beautiful dog. Sam particularly enjoys any restaurant with a semi-decent steak and loud chewers in her vicinity. After a pair of jeans being ruined in the 6th grade by an exploded black ink pen, Sam vows loyalty to blue ink pens forever. While staring at the clouds and deciding what shapes they look like, Sam discovered her love for the color Baby Blue. Sam’s favorite thing about being a police officer is interacting with the community and lending a helping hand wherever it may be needed.
Sam with take to the judges table on January 13th, 2018. Will you be there to get her autograph and high five? Get your tickets today!

 
Matt brings 35 years of dancing experience to the judges table with multiple awards and critical praise.
Most Improved Background Dancer 1997 Dakota Theatre production of "Grease"
2002 USD Strollers Champion
2009-2012, 20015 Czech Days Polka Champion
3rd place Thomas/Hunhoff wedding Limbo Dance Competition
"He kicks like a moose!" - Matt's Grandpa 1988
"Is he dancing, or having a seizure?" - Every YMS student 1994
"Look, it's the African Anteater Ritual!" - Kenneth Wurman 1987
"Nobody puts Matt in a corner!" Kelsey Hunhoff 2015
It is with these accomplishments that Matt will use to adjudicate properly as he wishes all the contestants good luck!

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In grade school, Sheila was truly awful at square dancing. Experts are still trying to determine how she caused such serious injuries to her entire square and the elderly caller in what residents of Hurley still describe as the "doe-see-doe horror of 1982." Sheila retired from dance in 1983 and now appears as a tree in Twin Peaks, as pictured. Sheila is completely open
to bribes, and wants all dancers to note that a Mrs. Forrester's ESB from Ben's Brewing Co. is a very tasty beverage. Wink, wink. 

2018 EmCee

Chris is a former media legend in Yankton. His wife often comments he is a legend in his own mind. He hosted popular shows on KYNT and WNAX and also hosted a local cable TV show called let’s talk Yankton. He is also a contestant on season 11 of Fireball Run on Amazon prime, along with his partner Mayor Jake Hoffner. Chris is currently Great Lakes regional sales manager for Shurco in Yankton, and is known as the “voice of Shurco” as he does all of their radio commercials and voice over work. He also portrayed David Letterman for years in Yankton’s version of the The Late Show. Chris and his wife Sara have two children; Megan and Matthew, both Students at the University of South Dakota. In his spare time he assists Sara in vacuuming dog hair from their two rescue dogs Sully and Rubio. He is honored and proud to be part of this event and let’s raise a lot of money.
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