Dancing with the Stars Marietta

Cobb/Marietta Leaders Prep for Dance-off to Raise Money for Local Georgia Metro Dance Theatre

Four-team cast hits the stage Feb. 10 at The Strand

 Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre (GMDT) is ready to once again unleash its largest fundraising event, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), taking place at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on the Historic Marietta Square on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Since first hitting the stage in 2015, Dancing with the Stars features local community “celebrities” who boldly take the stage and dance to win the hearts of the judges and audience alike. This year, each group – thoughtfully paired with a GMDT choreographer — will compete by performing a polished dance routine in hopes of garnering the most People’s Choice votes, which are received through donations, as well as earning the title of Judges’ Choice. The night’s winners will walk away with one of the two coveted mirror ball trophies while the proceeds go to support GMDT’s 2023/24 season, making it possible to stage three stunning productions for the coming year.

When: February 10, 2024, at 7:00pm
Where: The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta
Tickets: https://georgiametrodance.org

This year’s teams include:

• Team Mojo Dojo Casa House: Elizabeth Ewing, Paul Seals, Meaghan Timko
• Team The Darlings: Dr. Brenna Christensen, Lisa Cupid, Jessica Guinn, Natalie Rutledge
• Team SuperFly: Matt DeBusschere, Joy Doss, David Persson
• Team The Showstoppers: John Alday, Colt Chambers, Karen Hill, Tori O’Bryant

Judging this year’s contestants are Earl Reece, Katy Ruth Camp, and Miss Cobb County Audrey Kittila.

During the event, GMDT’s upper-level dancers will perform and serve as backup dancers for the celebrity contestants. Tickets start at $30 and may be purchased at georgiametrodance.org.  

Support from ticket sales and donations through voting go directly to Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The 2023-24 GMDT company is comprised of 125 students ranging in age from seven years-old to graduating high school seniors who train at the Georgia Dance Conservatory (GDC) studios on the Marietta Square.

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About Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre

Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre (GMDT) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, student-based dance company housed in the studios of Georgia Dance Conservatory on the Marietta Square. Founded in 1956, the company was formerly known as Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre. GMDT educates, cultivates, and inspires young dancers to become the next generation of artists and leaders through rigorous dance training and diverse performance opportunities. Through a commitment to excellence and integrity, GMDT strives to positively impact the community with engaging performances that celebrate life through the transcendent power of the arts.

QUOTES FROM CONTESTANTS:

“Dancing with the Stars of Marietta is a fun and exciting way for community leaders to raise money and awareness for the arts,” said Colt Chambers, 2024 DWTS contestant on Team The Showstoppers. “I hope the evening is filled with energy and introduces so many community members to the artistry of dance and the incredible work of the students of Georgia Metro Dance Theatre. GMDT plays a vital role in enriching our community’s cultural landscape, fostering a love for the arts among our youth, and building their confidence and discipline in a supportive environment.”

“The arts provide a window into the diversity of human experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of various cultures and perspectives,” added Chambers. “By supporting local arts, we can safeguard our cultural heritage and encourage new forms of creative expression, enriching the cultural landscape for all residents. A vibrant arts scene also enhances the public image of our community, making it more attractive to residents, visitors, and potential investors. It also instills a sense of pride among residents, who value living in a culturally rich environment.”

“I have cheered on so many of my community friends over the years and was excited when they asked me to participate this year,” shared Dave Persson, DWTS contestant on Team Superfly. “The audience is going to have so much fun while we raise funds for Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre. Marietta boasts an extensive variety of arts and entertainment for all ages. Programs like GMDT need our ongoing support as they work to train our future performers.”