SwingShift and the Stars dance-off for charity
Posted: 09.19.2011 at 5:03 AM

The fourth season kicked off with some smooth moves and tapping toes Friday night at the Traverse City Opera House.

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TRAVERSE CITY -- The first round of the new SwingShift and the Stars competition is complete.

The fourth season kicked off with some smooth moves and tapping toes Friday night at the Traverse City Opera House.

Among the six competitors is 7&4's Melissa Smith and her partner Rodney Woodring who are dancing for The March of Dimes.

The other dancers include:
Carol Vernam (Wyant Computer Services) dancing with instructor Mel Kiogima for Child and Family Services

Kathy Lauterbach (owner of Floor Covering Brokers) with teacher Rich Budek, representing the Grand Traverse Conservation District

John Corcoran (owner of Premiere Land Services) with professional Maria Curiale-West, raising money for Host Homes for Homeless Youth (CHS)

Dr. Jeff Szczepanski (Section Chief of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Munson Medical Center) with Lisa Brown for The Ryan Dobry Diabetes Charity

Max Dingeman (Premiere Health and Fitness Center) partnering with dance instructor Jennifer Howard dancing for the VSA arts of Michigan - Grand Traverse Area.

The money raised from Friday isn't official just yet but SwingShift organizers estimate the total donations right now are around $28,000. The dancers are now gearing up for the next competition which is Oct. 21.