Inaugural Artists and Athletes competition benefits Holmes Center for the Arts
BERLIN TWP. − For the athletes, it's been a fun experience delving into a new arena.
For the dancers, working with relatively inexperienced partners has been a challenge.
Together, it is certain to be a fun time for all as the Holmes Center for the Arts (HCA) will host the first Artists and Athletes fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek.
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Dance teams, pairing a ballerina from HCA with an athlete from one of the area high schools, will be strutting their stuff and competing for the grand prize of $1,000, ($500 each for the winning athlete and dancer). The prize is sponsored by Akron Children’s Hospital.
Teams pair athletes and dancers for fundraising competition
There are five teams competing.
Team 1, sponsored by Hummel Group: Ella Sommers (dancer, Hiland) and Zeke Galbraith (cross country and track, West Holmes).
Team 2, sponsored by J. Miller & Son Excavating: William McFadden (cross country, Central Christian) and Emma Yoder (dancer, Hiland).
Team 3, sponsored by Dutchman Hospitality: Chloe Mast (dancer, homeschooled) and Kyle Maltarich (football and track, West Holmes).
Team 4, sponsored by Critchfield Critchfield and Johnston: Gavin Chase (dancer, homeschooled) and Grace Schlabach (volleyball, Hiland).
Team 5, sponsored by Mullet Cabinets: Lilly Goings (dancer, Hiland) and Gus Werner (football and baseball, West Holmes).
"It has been super fun working with Zeke and (choreographer) Sophia Beachy," Sommers said. "It's been cool to see Zeke go from having little dance experience to learning a full-on dance in just a few weeks."
Sommers added that she didn't know what to expect going into the competition, but now she is excited.
"I think people are going to love it," she said.
Galbraith, a state-qualifying cross country runner for West Holmes, added that he has enjoyed the experience so far, and is likes learning something new.
"I have been able to use my flexibility and the control I have of my body in learning the dance routine," Galbraith said.
The competition will be judged by Holmes County Commissioner Dave Hall, Kevin Bille of The Good Stuff podcast, Bronson Allison of LiveMoreTV and former professional ballerina Megan Coleman Stuart. Host of the event is Steve Lapp.
Bringing a vision to life on stage
Choreographer Keri Weber, who is working with HCA's Mast and West Holmes' record-setting wide receiver Maltarich, said it's a thrill to see her vision being put into action on stage.
"It's pretty neat seeing it all come together," Weber said. "And it's exciting. They are both very quick learners. They both pick things up just like that."
Maltarich added that he is comfortable being on stage, having participated in the school musical. He is excited to be part of the event.
Holmes Center for the Arts Executive Director Holley Johnson explained that each couple has been given the same amount of time to learn and perfect a dance routine. They were randomly paired, trying to match them physically.
"Bring your noise makers to cheer on and support your favorite team," Johnson said. "It is sure to be a fun atmosphere."
Tickets for the Artists and Athletes event are $10 for students and children up to age 18, and $15 for adults.
More information is available at holmescenterforthearts.org/artists-athletes.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Artists & Athletes competition a Holmes Center for the Arts fundraiser
