Darren’s Ballroom dancers in spotlight

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Darren Culp dances with student Priscilla Turner. Turner is one of the students going to Cancun as part of the “Dance Dreams” show in June as well as the Showcase in July. (Submitted photo)
Darren Culp dances with student Priscilla Turner. Turner is one of the students going to Cancun as part of the “Dance Dreams” show in June as well as the Showcase in July. (Submitted photo)

By Mark Ambrogi

The performers in Darren’s Ballroom Dance Studio annual showcase will be under a little more watchful eye this year.

Beyond performing for the audience, the showcase will be filmed for “Dance Dreams.” The new Fox Life reality show is focusing on Darren Lee Cupp and his Carmel studio students. The show, which doesn’t have a set debut date yet, has been following the students as they prepare for the showcase and a special performance for 10 students in Cancun, Mexico, in June.

The showcase will be held on July 12at the Ritz Charles.

“It’s basically a recital, but for adults,” Cupp said. “Each student learns a choreographed routine of their choice. We put the dance together and pick the costumes, the music and put the show. Then each student will perform the routine they are working on. It gives students the chance to shine and do something they are not used to doing.”

Cupp said this year’s showcase will be bigger than it ever was before.

“But it will also be a different atmosphere because they are shooting it for television,” said Cupp, who added that will make students a little more excited and nervous.

Cupp said at least 70 percent of his students perform at the showcase.

“The rest of them are there to watch and cheer everybody on,” Cupp said.

Cupp and his students are going to Cancun on June 6 and will appear in the June 7 show, specifically filmed for “Dance Dreams.” There will be media conference in Cancun before the show.

“Everyone will have to walk a red carpet and then we’ll perform,” Cupp said. “Even when they are filming the showcase, they are focusing more on the students who will be in Cancun.”

Priscilla Turner, one of the students making the trip, has been going to Darren’s Ballroom for lessons for six years.

“I never danced before,” the Carmel resident said. “It’s great exercise. It’s fun. You get all dolled-up. That’s totally out of my character. It makes me do things I wouldn’t normally do.”

Turner, 58, said the faster Latin dances are her favorite.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the showcase and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit eventbrite.com/e/darrens-ballroom-showcase-tickets-16510538465darrensballroom.com.


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