6:30 PM Dancing, Dinner by the Bite
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Music Hall Ballroom
6:00 PM Meet-and-Greet Reception with the Stars and the Pros
8:00 PM Celebrity Dance Competition
10:00 PM Dance the Night Away
Lite Fare provided by:
DelightMore • eat well Celebrations and Feasts • Jeff Thomas Catering
Moerlein Lager House • Prime Cincinnati • Primo Italian Steakhouse • Skyline Street City Pub
Hosts: Chris & Janeen
DJ:
JD Hughes – 103.5 WGRR
All proceeds benefit Cincinnati Arts Association's Overture Awards and arts education programs.
Every effort has been made to assure the information and exposure contained in this program is accurate as of April 19, 2024. We apologize for any omissions.
CHRIS & JANEEN
After all or part of four decades on 103.5 WGRR’s “Married with Microphones,” Chris and Janeen retired from their morning show at the end of 2023. Mayor Aftab Pureval proclaimed their last day on the air as “Chris & Janeen Day” and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, phoned into their show with congratulations and an official state proclamation.
Married for thirty-eight years and in Cincinnati radio since the ‘70s, Chris & Janeen remain an integral part of the community, with activities such as the DAV 5K, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Chris was LLS Man of the Year in 2019 for money raised), and SPCA Cincinnati, where they were recipients of the P.B. Johnson Humanitarian Award. In 2022, the couple was presented the prestigious Marconi Award by the National Association of Broadcasters as America’s Large Market Personalities of the Year. Chris & Janeen are also ardent supporters of the Cincinnati Arts Association, serving as hosts of this event since its inception and recently emceeing the 2024 Overture Awards Finals Competition.
SCOTT ALLGYER Owner, Studio 900
Scott is a Cincinnati-native son from the Westside. He and his husband, Bill, opened Studio 900 Salon and Spa in downtown Cincinnati in March of 2019. They have a fantastic team of twenty-two Haircare and Beauty Specialists. Rest assured, they keep Scott in the back of house away from all clippers and shears, keeping clients safe as well as not blinding them with his amazing spreadsheet skills.
He is a recent retiree from a nearly thirty-year career in sales and marketing with Eli Lilly and Company. He served in various roles from market research, sales, and sales training to sales management across varying medical specialties from rheumatology to psychiatry and endocrinology. Scott started his career in Germany and is happy to have finished his career with Lilly in the Greater Cincinnati market.
After graduating from Elder High School as a proud Panther, Scott completed his Bachelors in Industrial Engineering at the University of Cincinnati and went on to complete his Masters in International Business from the University of South Carolina. Scott and Bill are actively involved with the Cincinnati chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. They are happy to call Clifton home, where they live with their teenage granddaughter Alex and their nine-month-old puppy, Charlie.
ALEX JOHNS Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker
After graduating from Indiana University and living in a few different locations, Alex has made Cincinnati his home with his wife, Michelle de la Vega, and two dogs, Elsa and Mabel. He loves Cincinnati for its rich history, culture, fine arts, and food.
Alex became a residential real estate agent in 2020 with Team de la Vega at Coldwell Banker Realty. After spending more than twenty years in industries putting clients first, Alex’s understanding of relationships, communication, and business knowledge has proven to be a valuable asset when working with his clients through buying and selling transactions.
Most proud of his work with animal welfare at Cincinnati Animal CARE, Alex has also volunteered with multiple community organizations and feels it is a very important part of his life.
.
DR. HALI JUNGERS Veterinarian, Newport Aquarium
Hali currently serves as the full-time veterinarian at Newport Aquarium in Kentucky. Before venturing to the Bluegrass State, Hali honed her skills in her native California, earning a B.S. in Biology from Azusa Pacific University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences. Her journey continued with training at institutions like VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center in San Diego and University of California, Davis.
At Newport Aquarium, Hali orchestrates the healthcare of the entire, diverse animal collection. Leveraging her experience in aquatic animal health, she continues to spearhead the advancement of the veterinary department to uphold the well-being of the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Beyond her daily duties, Hali contributes to the scientific community through both original research and collaborations, with presentations at conferences like the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM) and International Symposium of Aquatic Animal Health (ISAAH). Moreover, she serves as a peer reviewer for scientific journals and engages with future veterinarians through guest lectures at UC Davis. She was also recently elected to a position serving on the AVMA’s Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee.
When not immersed in her work, she enjoys cherished moments with her partner, Nicholas, and her feline companion, Gumby.
DR. MAGDALENA KERSCHNER
Board certified Anesthesiologist and Aesthetic Medicine Physician; Founder, Victory Wellness and Medspa – Cincinnati, OH and Naples, FL
Magdalena is a board-certified Anesthesiologist and board-certified Interventional Pain Specialist. She completed her medical school education at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI and subsequent anesthesiology residency at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.
After many years of practicing traditional medicine and treating illness, Magdalena realized that preventing disease before it starts results in healthier and happier patients. The concept of preventing illness has awakened in her an interest in weight management and bio-identical hormone replacement therapies as a modern way to promote physical and emotional wellness. Magdalena holds a certificate of training from Dr. Neal Rouzier, a nationally recognized authority in bio-identical hormone replacement therapies and preventative medicine, as well as a certificate of training form Canyon Ranch Health and Wellness Program.
Magdalena is a member of numerous medical societies including American Medical Association, American Society of Interventional Pain Physician, Cincinnati Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, and Society of Bariatric Physicians. She has also written and published a book, Get Your Mojo Back! Dr. K’s Secrets to Natural Hormone Replacement, with expert tips and information about bio-identical hormone replacement.
DEB SCHUBERT Health Care Professional Marketing, Procter & Gamble
Deb was born and raised in Cincinnati and attended Anderson High School. After graduating, she went to Eastern Kentucky University and in 1986, joined Procter & Gamble where she has spent the last thirty-eight years in Marketing. What seems like a lifetime of working for this amazing company has given her some incredible experiences and lasting friendships. For the past twenty of those years, she has grown to become one of the company experts in marketing P&G brands to Healthcare Professionals – so, for example, if you visit the dermatologist and they recommend Head & Shoulders or Olay, that’s a result of what Deb does.
Deb has a true passion for the arts which is why this evening is so special for her. She is active in local theater and has performed with groups such as The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Music Theatre. You may have seen her as Eva Perone in Evita, Velma VonTussel in Hairspray, or most recently, Dee Dee Allen in The Prom. She wants to note, however, that those are all non-dancing roles!
(continued from previous page)
It’s family first for Deb, though. She and her husband, Tom, live in Anderson Township with their Goldendoodle Guinness. She is incredibly thankful for the love and gut-busting laughter they share each day. Collectively, they have five (adult) kids – Alex, Brett, Evan, Josh, and Kaylee – who are each uniquely awesome. Thank you for supporting the arts!
ZACK THORNTON
Director, Advisory Services, Fidelity Investments
Zack is a Director and Team Leader in Advisory Services for Fidelity Investments. His team is currently responsible for partnering with the Fidelity branches in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Fairlawn. He joined the company in 2014, working in several roles across the company including High Net Worth, Onboarding, Learning & Development, and Workplace Planning & Advice.
Zack received his Bachelor’s in History and Political Science from NKU and attended Chase Law School. Outside of work, Zack and his wife, Beth, have been married for twelve years. They have two children, Cora and Everett. When free time allows, Zack can be found remaining active in sports or trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
JAMES BRANHAM
James has been an instructor with Arthur Murray West Chester since July 2023. He teaches many styles of social dance but is drawn to many of the Latin club styles and their free, fun nature. Before he found himself teaching ballroom dance, he grew up in and around the Dayton area before moving to Illinois to study music, where he received a B.M. in Commercial Music from Millikin University. James loves using his formal music training to help aid his students with the mastery of complex rhythms in dances and the expression of themselves to the music.
BONITA BROCKERT
Bonita is a Fellow National Championship Adjudicator and three-time United States finalist, Vice Champion in American Ballroom. She has choreographed for PBS and American Express, and has performed with the Chicago Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Spoleto Festival, and the international tour Dancing Nights. She is a former coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team and an International Dance Board consultant. Her work with youth dancing includes coaching The Ohio State University Dance Team for eight years, serving as the standard director for Columbus Youth Dancesport for two years, judging the Youth Dancesport at the Arnold Sports Classic for the last ten years, and currently teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools, elementary and high school levels.
She has been part of Dancing for the Stars since its inception and may be best known for getting Sheriff Simon Leis arrested by his own deputies.
MAURA GARUCCIO
Born and raised in Italy, Maura is a professional dancer and coach with over fifteen years of experience. Her love of dance and dedication to her craft were developed from her earliest days dancing in Brindisi. After competing and becoming Italian Champion in International Standard and being in the top couples in Europe, Maura moved to Cincinnati, where she now works with dancers across the Midwest in both International and American styles.
(continued on next page)
(continued from previous page)
As a teacher, Maura leads her students to dance to their highest ability. Her special recipe of high-level dance knowledge, unwavering care, and tough love has led to many accolades, most recently earning 5th Top Teacher at the Ohio Star Ball 2022, Second Place in the Top Teacher Category at Ohio Star Ball 2023, and Top Female Teacher winner of the MIB in the USA 2024. Maura brings in top coaches from the United States and abroad to ensure her students continually learn from the best. Her work with kids, supporting them to become lifelong dancers, is one of her greatest sources of pride.
JEREMY MAINOUS
As a swing kid of the ‘90s, Jeremy's passion for dancing grew through dances such as the Lindy Hop and jitterbug. Shortly thereafter, he started training to be a teacher at the local Arthur Murray Dance Center and has not looked back since. There, he served as the manager and dance director and traveled nationally to help train and develop staff in Arthur Murray studios. With the help of his co-owner Desireé, Jeremy continues to develop his own staff into teachers, motivators, and believers of "The Awesomeness of Dance."
They both are very proud of the accomplishments of their studio, with such honors as "Emerging Business of the Year" from the City of Blue Ash, a "Studio Excellence Award," the "Studio of the Year" award from Arthur Murray International, and numerous top studio awards at various competitions, to name a few. Jeremy also had the pleasure of competing locally and nationally with Desireé. He continues to compete professionally with his new partner and his students as well.
JOSH TILFORD
Josh began his dance career as a student at a local area franchised dance studio in Columbus in 2006. After a few classes, he was hooked, and the owner invited him to train to be an instructor. A few months and countless hours of dance practice later, he earned that title and has never looked back. Since then, he has won numerous awards as a professional competitor and has become a Top Teacher of the Global Dancesport Series and the World Pro-Am Dancesport Series for eight consecutive years! Over the last seventeen years of teaching, he has been privileged to work with hundreds of students who have taught him just as much as he hopes he has taught them. From his humble beginnings as a student who had two left feet to attaining remarkable achievements in the professional arena, Josh strives to impart his knowledge and experience to those he teaches.
MELISSA VAUGHN
Melissa started dancing at age three and has an expansive performing arts background. She is celebrating her fifth year at Arthur Murray Montgomery and enjoys watching her students’ love of dance continue to grow. She thanks everyone for their continued support of the arts.
PRZEMEK FOKT-SKIERECKI (SHEM)
With more than ten years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels, Shem demonstrates daily his personal commitment to learning, which drives his continued success. Strong communication skills, a compassionate teaching style, and his flexible methodology enable every student to build their own strengths on and off the dance floor.
Shem has danced professionally since 1995 and has been an international instructor and competitor in Europe (including his native Poland) and the United States. He is currently Dance Director at Emerald City Ballroom in Columbus, OH. A consummate professional, Shem embodies the infinity of dance throughout life.
DOUGLAS BEAL
Douglas is a Northern KY native who began dancing over thirty years ago. His initial training and his first position as an instructor were with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Erlanger, where he taught full time for three years. A move to the West Coast followed, as did a teaching position in Santa Cruz, CA and later Seattle, WA. When an opportunity came to head East, he found his next instructorship at Step-N-Out Studio in Charlotte, NC. Moving ever closer to where it all began, Douglas headed for Columbus, OH and a teaching position at Dance Plus Studio. For the last twenty years, he has been back in his home of Northern KY where he has been teaching at several local studios as an independent instructor and participating in dance events. He specializes in American ballroom, Latin, and swing dances. Douglas is pleased to be making his seventh appearance as a Dancing for the Stars judge.
SEBASTIAN CASTILLO
General Manager, Prime Cincinnati
Winner of Dancing for the Stars 2022, Sebastian is the General Manager at Prime Cincinnati. He runs the restaurant and leads a group of fantastic individuals to make the memories that everyone is looking for when they step into Prime. It is Sebastian’s true passion to help create great experiences for his guests, which leads him to the work he does outside of the restaurant. When he is not at Prime, he loves to find ways to help and be involved in the community, which led him to this extremely exciting event.
BRET SCHNEIDER
CEO & President, WOW Windowboxes
Bret was born in Cincinnati and attended Three Rivers Local School District. After graduating from Taylor High School, Bret studied at Mount Saint Joseph, minoring in art and majoring in business with a concentration in international business and law. Bret went on to start a career in product management, developing products ranging from garden gnomes to pneumatic nail guns.
In 2008-09 during the height of the housing-market crash, Bret found himself at a crossroads – continue with his current career path or partner with his mother in a start-up he had been helping her market. She reluctantly agreed. Since then, his mother has retired and Sean, Bret’s husband, has joined him at the company. After a few years in business, WOW Windowboxes was asked to be the Cincinnati flower show sponsor providing and maintaining the event displays. Bret was then asked to join their board of directors. Since then, WOW has grown to be a recognizable brand and award-winning company, servicing the greater Cincinnati area and beyond.
Bret and his husband live in Newport, KY with their two pups, Mason and JJ.
BRITTON SPITLER AS BROCK LEAH SPEARS Project Manager – ADM
Winner of Dancing for the Stars 2023, Britton (aka Brock Leah Spears) was born with a love of glitter and an insatiable thirst for attention. He began his drag career performing on four continents with the all-famed Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo. After moving to Cincinnati, Brock Leah began performing just about everywhere you can imagine. After many years of contouring and captivating performances, she became the Saturday night emcee at a local bar with her own show featuring amazing local performers. Currently, you can see Brock Leah bringing down the house with flawless lip syncs, huge hair, and killer dance moves. Brock Leah is forever reminding her followers, her Florets, to get that daily dose of iron with her bulging biceps.
