And the winner is....Dancing With The Gorge Stars Delivers on Big Laughs; Big Talent
By Cole Goodwin
Pattie Blagg said that the Dancing with the Gorge Stars had “its best crowd ever” on Friday January 13th, 2023. Now in its 9th season this production from Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association has really mastered that art of putting the ‘fun’ in fun-draising with an opening dance routine by The Dalles Dazzling Dancers, seven competitors with varying levels of skill, and professional dance performances from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company.
The evening brought big laughs, and cheers from the audience. As well as some good natured booing from the audience when the judges revealed some of the more unpopular scores for the dancers.
Competing for the prized disco ball topped trophy were Tara Pray, Carmen Myers, Mike Nagle, David Wring, Adolfo Mollinedo, and Hilda Miller.
Tara Pray kicked off the competition with a too-hot-to-handle performance to “Mama Wanna Mambo.” Fans in TEAM TARA T-shirts loved it and filled the auditorium with vigorous chants and cheers. Tara also wowed the judges and received high scores for her performance.
Team Tara cheered the loudest for their Gorge Star.
Carmen Myers performed a foxtrot with feline sass to “Everybody Wants to be a Cat.” Judges noted she seemed to have had a misstep or two to which she responded that she’d “made eye contact with her husband.” This delighted the audience.
Carmen Myers anxiously awaits the judgs verdict.
Fans of the Dancing Queen Carmen brought signs and cardboard cut outs to cheer on their Gorge Star.
Mike Nagle, gave it his all on the stage, performing a rather awkward but amusing Tango to the Michael Jackson tune “Beat It.” Judges did not go easy on Nagle, giving him some of the lowest scores of the night. For his part, Mike was a good sport about it all, giving it his best until the very end.
David Wring performed some confident seight of hand and a swing dance to “All Shook Up.”
David and his dancing partner awaiting judgment.
Hilda Miller, put on a disco performance to the tune “Bad Girls.” Judges noted that she looked “lost” at certain points during the dance but that she was clearly having a lot of fun.
Hilda having some funky disco fun on stage.
But there was one performer who really stole the show.
Adolfo Mollinedo, blew audiences and the judges away with a low neckline, fancy footwork, powerful stage presence and an outstanding rendition of the Cha Cha to “I’m too Sexy.” The combination of flash, footwork and feeling won over the judges and the audience leading to a perfect score of 30 points from all three judges.
Adolofo and his dance partner receiving the audiences applause after a show-stopping performance.
Although all competitors won in their mission to help raise money for Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association voters named just two finalists: Carmen Meyers and Adolfo Mollinedo.
But only one could walk away with the disco ball covered trophy and be changed forever…and that performer was…drum roll please…. Adolfo Molliendo!
Congratulations Adolfo! That trophy is going to look great in the Tierra de Lobos tasting room!
Missed it?
Stay tuned for net year when season 10 of Dancing with the Gorge Stars returns to the stage! Or check out this years performance by purchasing the commemerative video of the performance from MCCCA.
To learn more about MCCCA and check out their 2023 Concert Series lineup or purchase a season pass check out MCCCA.info
