Baru · DelightMore · eat well celebrations and feasts · KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia
Moerlein Lager House · Prime Cincinnati · Sebastian Bakehouse · Skyline Chili
Street City Pub · Vintage on Race
Hosts: Chris O'Brien & Janeen Coyle
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 1, 2025. We apologize for any omissions.
CHRIS O'BRIEN & JANEEN COYLE
After all or part of four decades on 103.5 WGRR’s “Married with Microphones,” Chris & Janeen retired from their morning show at the beginning of 2024. 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, for which they have emceed the Overture Awards competition and been hosts of the annual Dancing for the Stars since its inception.
THE HOSTS THE STARS
RYAN ANDERSON
Assistant Vice President Human Resources, at The Cincinnati Insurance Company
As the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Ryan specializes in leading the talent management function at The Cincinnati Insurance Company. As a human resources professional, she has dedicated her career to driving organizational success by engaging and driving people results.
She received her B.A. in Psychology from The Ohio State University and resided in Columbus, Ohio, for over a decade prior to moving back to Cincinnati.
In addition to being passionate about her career, Ryan has a love and full appreciation for the arts and volunteerism. She has fond memories of growing up in Cincinnati, attending a variety of arts events at the Cincinnati Ballet, Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Arts Consortium, and more, as well as numerous activities around the Tri-state with her family. Ryan enjoys travelling, spending quality time with family and close friends, and training her mini poodle, Pharaoh!
KARLA BOLDERY
Business Advisor ‒ Ohio SBDC, Miami University Regionals; Founder, Latina Entrepreneur Academy Cincinnati; Local Sales Manager ‒ La Mega | Urban 1
Karla is a dedicated advocate for small businesses, women, and the Hispanic community. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, she works tirelessly to create opportunities that foster economic growth and sustainability.
Karla is committed to supporting women in business, helping them navigate challenges and maximize their potential. As a champion for the Hispanic community, she strives to create connections, resources, and visibility for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
A mother of three and grandmother of four, she balances her love for family with her dedication to making a lasting impact. Tonight, she’s taking on a new challenge by stepping onto the dance floor in support of arts education and the next generation of talent.
THE STARS
BILL CHAPPIE
Hair Designer and Owner, Studio 900
Bill is a proud native of Greater Cincinnati, born and raised in Covington, Kentucky. A graduate of Holmes High School, he served in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm). Upon returning home, Bill followed his passion for creativity and connection by enrolling in the Northern Kentucky Vocational School’s Cosmetology Program.
His natural talent and love for the industry quickly propelled him forward. After gaining experience behind the chair at various salons, Bill took a leap of faith and established his own business. Over the past thirty years, he has owned and operated more than five salons, collaborating with over fifty of the city's most talented hair and nail designers, as well as top aestheticians.
In 2019, alongside his partner and husband of twenty-three years, Scott Allgyer, Bill co-founded Studio 900 Salon in downtown Cincinnati. The salon has since become one of the city's premier destinations, consistently recognized for excellence and welcoming more than twenty-five new clients each week.
Beyond his work behind the chair, Bill has a deep commitment to mentorship, helping family, friends, and fellow stylists discover their own paths to success. His passion for hair artistry extends into the broader creative community, supporting the arts in Cincinnati.
Having come from humble beginnings, Bill believes wholeheartedly in hard work, generosity, and paying it forward—values that continue to shape both his life and career.
ERIN MIGNANO
Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction
Erin is the Vice President and General Manager for Turner’s local office, which covers the Greater Cincinnati region and Kentucky. After graduating from The George Washington University in 2005 with a major in Mechanical Engineering, she joined Turner Construction, where she has held a variety of assignments and positions. Most of her career was spent in the field on projects before she moved into leadership roles at Turner.
Under Erin’s leadership, Turner has expanded its resume with award-winning projects in Hospitality, Education, Healthcare, and Commercial Interiors. In 2023, Erin transferred from Turner’s Mid-Atlantic office to the Cincinnati office to take on her current role as the business leader for the Greater Cincinnati region and Kentucky.
As a result of Erin’s unique management style, over the years she was consistently nominated for projects that required highly technical insight and a collaborative approach to project execution. She is skilled in helping all team members understand the importance of working together and finding strategic ways to make projects successful.
Erin is actively involved in Turner’s community engagement and with local non-profit and industry organization boards in Cincinnati. She has been married for fourteen years and has a six-year-old son at home that keeps her on her toes.
DYLAN MORTON
Professional Roller Skater, D. Morton Skate Nation | Licensed Real Estate Agent
Dylan is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur, performer, and creative with a passion for movement, community, and transformation. As a professional roller skater with over fifteen years of experience, he has toured internationally and performed with stars like Usher, P!nk, and Mariah Carey, while collaborating with brands such as Disney, HBO, and Adidas.
He is the founder of D. Morton Skate Nation, a dynamic roller-skating brand offering workshops, performances, an expanding after-school program, and community events designed to inspire and connect through skating.
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THE STARS
In addition to his work on wheels, Dylan has been a licensed real estate agent since 2020, helping clients navigate the Cincinnati market with confidence. He also owns a handyman and project management business, providing high-end home maintenance and renovation services to homeowners across the city. Dylan is thrilled to be part of Dancing for the Stars, bringing his energy and passion to support the vibrant Cincinnati arts community—and maybe show off a few moves that don’t require skates.
STACY SIMS
Author, Playwright, and Founder of The Well
Stacy is the founder of The Well, a Cincinnati-based national nonprofit working at the intersection of arts and wellness, which includes Mindful Music Moments, an innovative school program combining mindfulness and music; Mindful Poetry Moments; and the True Body Project, an award-winning trauma-informed wellness program to help girls and women, men and boys connect to their best selves and each other.
Stacy is also a novelist, playwright, and author of children's books. She started dancing late in life and is grateful to DANCEFIX for bringing her so much joy.
THE PROS
JAMES BRANHAM
Arthur Murray Dance Studio – West Chester
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 began teaching ballroom dance, James grew up in and around the Dayton area and later moved to Illinois, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree 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 Independent Dance Instructor
Bonita is a Fellow National Championship Adjudicator and three-time United States finalist in multiple divisions, Vice Champion in American Ballroom. She has choreographed for PBS, Columbus Foundation, and American Express, and has performed with the Chicago Symphony and Joffrey Ballet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Spoleto Festival, and in the international tour of Dancing Nights. She is the former coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team and and served on the Arthur Murray International Dance Board as Region Four Dance Chair.
Her work with youth dancing includes coaching The Ohio State University Dancesport Team, teaching the Young Marines, and serving as the Ballroom Director for Columbus Youth Dancesport and as a teaching artist in Cincinnati Public Schools.
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
International Ballroom Academy – Independent Dance Instructor
Italian born, internationally trained, and globally fêted, Maura is a competitive, professional ballroom dancer and instructor. In 2012, she was awarded the prestigious title of Italian Champion in International Standard. Recently, she was awarded the Top Female Teacher in the Global Dancesport Series 2024.
With fifteen years of professional experience, Maura has studied and trained under seven world champions and brings an unwavering combination of technical expertise and modern methods to her dancing.
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THE PROS
Maura was born in Brindisi, Italy, and currently resides and teaches in Cincinnati. She routinely brings in world class instructors to help coach her competitive students who compete on a national scale. Not surprisingly, Maura’s students dominate the national dance competitions with an infusion of her grace, skill, and power. All are welcome – any gender, marital status, or experience level – to enjoy the confidence of beautiful dancing with Maura!
JOZSEF PARRAGH Independent Dance Instructor
Jozsef started dancing acrobatic rock ‘n' roll in Budapest, Hungary, at age seventeen. As he continued to dance, he discovered ballroom dancing and realized he had found his passion. Jozsef began training in his home country and then moved to Italy, where he trained for two years. His teachers include professionals from not only Hungary and Italy, but also from Russia, Germany, and North America.
Jozsef participated in numerous Hungarian Championships and won the Hungarian title thirteen times. He was also proud and honored to represent his home country by placing seventh in the World Amateur 10-Dance Championships.
Today, Jozsef enjoys teaching people of all ages to become better quality dancers by connecting with and expressing the best parts of themselves.
JOSH TILFORD
Dance Manor – Independent Dance Instructor
In 2006, Josh began his dance career as a student at a local area franchised dance studio in Columbus. After a few classes, he was hooked, and the owner invited him to train to become an instructor. A few months and countless hours of dance practice later, he earned that title and has never looked back.
Since then, Josh 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 ten consecutive years. Over the last nineteen 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, he strives to impart his knowledge and experience to those he teaches and to inspire joy, connection, and harmony.
Alyenendrov loves all styles of dance and actively trains in all styles of partnerbased dance. What many do not know about him is that he is more than just a dancer and a set of muscles. He loves to read. He writes poetry and music. He is a clothing designer as well as a seamster. More than likely, both his dance outfits and formal wear will have been designed and sewn by him!
Alyenendrov is the World Latin Dance Cup Stage Tango Champion, International Hustle Salsa Competition Cabaret Champion, two-time Ohio Star Ball Cabaret Champion, six- time US Open Swing Dance Cabaret Champion, six-time US Grand National Swing Dance Cabaret Champion, two-time World Exhibition Champion, 2022 British Open Professional Exhibition Champion, and The OPEN Worlds Exhibition Champion. In addition, he has appeared on World of Dance and America's Got Talent.
THE JUDGES
DOUGLAS BEAL
Independent Dance Instructor | Pro Dancer, Dancing for the Stars
Douglas is a Northern Kentucky 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, California and later Seattle, Washington.
When an opportunity came to head East, he found his next instructorship at StepN-Out Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Moving ever closer to where it all began, Douglas headed for Columbus, Ohio and a teaching position at Dance Plus Studio. For the last twenty years, he has been back in his home in Northern Kentucky, where he has been teaching 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 twelfth appearance as a Dancing for the Stars judge.
CARRI CHANDLER
Vice President, St. Elizabeth Foundation | Celebrity Dancer, Dancing for the Stars 2011
Carri is the Vice President of the St. Elizabeth Foundation, where she leads a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who inspire and connect our generous community with St. Elizabeth programs and projects which improve the health of our family, friends, and neighbors. She brought to this role more than eighteen years of external affairs experience from Toyota’s Engineering and Manufacturing headquarters responsible for regional and national initiatives in media, government, and community relations for Toyota’s fourteen North American manufacturing plants.
A member of the Business Courier’ s 2003 class of Forty Under 40, Carrie is a graduate of the Leadership Northern Kentucky Class of 2001, a past chair of the Class of 2006, and a Leadership Kentucky graduate of the Class of 2014.
She serves on several boards, including Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Kids Voting, Arts Wave, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Foundation, the Julie Learning Center, and Leadership Kentucky, and is the treasurer for the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Foundation.
A native of Elkhart, Indiana, Carri has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and studied Political Science in Vienna, Austria. She lives in Fort Mitchell with her two children, Darah (19) and Darren (16).
JOHNNY CHU
Owner, KungFood Chu’s AmerAsia | Winner, Dancing for the Stars 2015
Born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1979, Johnny immigrated to the United States at age eleven with his family in pursuit of education, freedom, and happy meals. He arrived in Covington as a resident and new business owner, opening KungFood AmerAsia in 2009.
AmerAsia is one of the region’s most popular dining destinations. Citybeat recognized this local gem as one of its top three best Chinese restaurants in the region, and it was nominated by bonappetit.com as one of “Six Asian Restaurants Across America That Serve Great Beer.”
Johnny is formally trained as a graphic designer and illustrator; he designed his own menu and murals located inside his restaurant. As the only son in a family with three older sisters, Johnny refuses to play with dolls, wigs, and high heels, but he does like Disney On Ice and Dragon Ball Z
DESIREÉ MAINOUS
Owner/Franchisee Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery | Pro Dancer, Dancing for the Stars
Desireé began her dancing career at the age of two years old at the Bonnie Williams Dance Studio. She started in the competition circuit when she was seven, and it was then that she realized she wanted dance to be a part of her life forever. At the age of fifteen, she won the title of Ms. Ohio Tap and started
(Desireé
touring the country as a tap dancer. In 2000, she danced professionally in Dayton, Ohio as a tap dancer with Rhythm in Shoes.
In 2004, she started taking lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Center in downtown Cincinnati, became a teacher in 2005, and opened her own Arthur Murray franchise in 2010 with her business partner, Jeremy. In 2015, she opened her nonprofit, Dance With Your Heart, whose mission is to empower people through the awesomeness of dance. Desireé is also the proud mother of her wonderful son, Jameson Styles, who is the love of her life!
OVERTURE AWARDS 2025 WINNERS
CREATIVE WRITING
Evelyn Jeong, grade 9, Talawanda High School
DANCE
Audrey Zuziak, grade 12, Dixie Heights High School / Strive Dance Collective INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Angela Tang, grade 10, William Mason High School / Studies with Joel Smirnoff
THEATER
Jai’Den Pritchett, grade 10, Sycamore High School / Musical Arts Center
VISUAL ART
Allison Droege, grade 12, William Mason High School
VOCAL MUSIC
Eden Bee, grade 12, Turpin High School
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
CAA's Education Department promotes life-long learning through its programs, which are diverse, multidisciplinary, and accessible to all ages and cultural groups. SchoolTime presents a series of programs that feature nationally-recognized artists at CAA's two venues (the Aronoff Center and Music Hall), and Artists On Tour brings the finest local artists in the region to Tri-state schools for interactive arts experiences aligned with the curriculum.
The Overture Awards Scholarship Competition is the largest locally run arts scholarship competition in the country. The program annually provides a $5,000 scholarship to six area high school students for education and training, with eighteen finalists each winning a $2,000 scholarship. Each year, nearly four-hundred students are nominated by their schools to compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, or Vocal Music. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Finals, and Final.
The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tristate students in grades 9-12. It also provides students an opportunity to share their talents and interests among their peers in a supportive environment outside of their individual schools. Now in its twenty-ninth year, the Overture Awards was launched by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber program).
Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of two of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves more than 600,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies, including Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony/Pops Orchestras, May Festival, and First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati, presented by TriHealth. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than 2.1 million students and adults.
For more information about CAA’s Education & Community Engagement programs, visit cincinnatiarts.org/education-community.
EXHIBITION DANCE
MAANASA YARLAGADDA
Grade 12, Sycamore High School
Maanasa is a Bharatanatyam dancer who has been training for ten years, earning several regional and national awards. She has performed at the 2024 Paralympics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and various community venues. She hopes to pursue medical sciences in the future. Outside of dance, Maanasa enjoys reading, crocheting, and volunteering as a tutor at a local nonprofit.
THANK YOU FOR 28 YEARS OF SUPPORT!
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$25
Donate Twenty-five Dollars to the OVERTURE AWARDS
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
As our thanks, pull a cork and take home a BOTTLE OF WINEup to a fifty dollar value!
