We got some big-time ballers: But who’s going all the way tonight, Jan. 10?

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Jan 10

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 10, 2025 — It’s a battle between good and evill as six locals grapple to float on their feet as Armageddon breaks out in a dance-off for the ages tonight at The Dalles High School at 7 p.m.

The 11th Annual “Dancing with the Gorge Stars” - a major fundraiser for the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association - is bringing some big time ballers to the stage.

Tickets are $30 at the door.

Local Amanda Evans with Pro Dancer Brice Christensen

Amanda Evans, what are you bringing to the floor?

Purchase additional ballots to help your favorite dance team win.

“A lot more spinning and sequins than I am used to,” she said, while practicing with her professional partner 20-year-old Brice Christensen. ”I ask people for money for work. That’s a lot less intimidating than dancing.”

In a rating of 0 to 5, what are your chances of winning the whole thing?

“2,” she said.

But Brice was at a 5, so that comes out to a healthy 3.5 confidence level and remember the audience can best the judges by buying votes and stuffing the ballot box for their favorite dancer.

Local Larry Slemp with Pro Dancer Delia Mandik

Contestant Larry Slemp will be wearing his blue suede shoes tonight as he elevates himself to The King.

“Viva Las Vegas,” he said. “Full mutton chops and two dancers!”

We know one half of that peanut butter, bacon and banana sandwich. Pro dancer Delia Mandik will be leading him in his desire to be crowned.

Chances?

“4,” he said, exuding tremendous confidence. He’s got a bit of a showbiz background… Look out for Larry - the Toyota Assistant Service Manager will be shaking it down.

Local Jonathan Ross with Pro Dancer Sierra Mullins

Radio DJ Jonathan Ross brings his special gift of gabba gabba hey as he will Tango away with his pro partner Sierra Mullins of Portland.

What are you bringing to the floor?

“Buy a ticket and, I’ll show you,” he said. Nice Play, Jonathon. All about the tickys. “I’ve never danced before but I am feeling really good. That’s a good sign,” he said.

What are your chances on a scale of 0 to 5?

“37,” he said. “I told you I was feeling good about this one.”

Local Desiree Cozad with Pro Dancer Alex Patrushin

Dental Assistant Desiree Cozad is set to sink her teeth into this competition as she goes after the coveted mirror ball trophy.

“I always wanted to try ballroom dancing,” she said. “This is a fun way to try it, just slam it in there.”

Cozad who hangs her hat at Studio Fit and is also a belly dancer… Gave us cause to speculate. She was a bit too quiet about her background. Is she sandbagging? She and dance partner Alex Patrushin said they scored a 3 when it comes to winning the whole enchilada.

“We’re working together,” Alex said. “We’re goal oriented.”

That you are, so we are upgrading your chances to a five. We’ve got a sleeper.

Local Anthony Pereira and Pro Dancer Camille Dagle

Boy Scout Master Anthony Pereira described his dance chances as “300 pounds of adorable. “I took a little bit of ballroom dancing in college,” he said. I had to fill out my PE requirement. This is great fun for the community. Getting six people to come out and make fun of themselves can pack an auditorium with 500 people. People are stopping me on the street and talking to me about this. It’s perfect small-town community stuff. And it’s indoors in the winter. We’re all stepping out of our comfort zone. I sit behind a desk most of the time.”

Don’t let that fool you. Anthony has the power of the pack. His Scouts will be coming out in force tonight and word has it they’ve been raising money on soap box derby sales to pack Pereira’s vote box.

He’ll be dancing with pro dancer Camille Dagle of Winchendon, Mass.

What’s she think of Anthony?

“He’s wicked inspiring,” she said. Anthony said they are rocking the chances of bagging the ball at a 3.91.

Local Christina Vergori with Pro Dancer Cyril

Supergirl Christina Vergori is putting on her cape for this foot frenzy. The Cosmetologist and owner of Hairoism Salon will be teasing the crowd with pro dancer Cyril.

“My dad nicknamed me that,” she said of the Supergirl moniker. She brandished her tattoo, proving she had the super powers it takes to bring the ball home.

“I don’t want to let my clients down,” she said, noting patrons and family will be coming from Portland and Hood River.

“The people in The Dalles are so nice,” Cyril added. “I want to do my best dancing for them.”

“It doesn't matter who wins,” Christina said. “It’s about having fun and giving people a good show… we’ll win.”