Richland One’s Dreher High hosts 15th Annual Dancing with the Teachers fundraising event
March 16, 2022
The Dreher High School Dance Company is hosting its 15th Annual Dancing with the Teachers (DWTT) fundraiser on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Dreher auditorium. Eight faculty and student groups will compete in duets, trios or small group performances to raise funds for the dance program.
“In 2019, we were one week away from opening night of the 14th production of DWTT, when COVID hit. All the costumes were purchased, and the dances rehearsed, but we never went back to school,” said Dreher Dance Director Kathleen Lee. “It was devastating.”
1stRow (L-R): Dreher Seniors Cassandra Escorcia and Olivia Williams. 2nd Row (L- R): Erica Holcombe (math), Dr. Chris Lee (band), Nicole Mesimer (Spanish) and Madalyn Hazlette (math). 3rd Row (L to R): Theresa Guinyard (custodial manager), Wendy Howard (French), Ben Broughton (guitar), Lana Vaughn (English) and Shannon Hamilton (English).
It has been two years since the show has been held and a fourth of the student body has never experienced the event, she added.
“We’re starting all over,” said Lee.
This year’s event will include Dreher faculty and dance company cast and guest artists, including: the Southeastern School of Ballet, the Academy of Dance Arts, Palmetto Performing Arts, Meadow Glen Middle School Dance Company and Mrs. Jenkins Dance Academy all of the Midlands.
Two awards are given at the end of the evening; Dreher’s Crowd Favorite Award, which is tabulated by who raises the most money, and the Judges’ Choice Award, which is determined by assessing the best technique, precision, costuming, style and performance energy.
Judges include Richland One School Board Commissioner Aaron Bishop, Dance Artist Heather Stokes and Westwood High School Dance Educator Venisha Stribling. There will also be a surprise international guest artist.
Advance tickets may be purchased from participating teachers for $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $8 as early as 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Lee by calling 803-629-7469 or by emailing her at [email protected].
