Local Family Stars in Disney Channel’s Fam Jam Italian family who enjoy spending time together, often resulting in entertaining themselves by dancing. John and Tara Santoro of Linwood and two of their four children, Grace (age 14) and John John (age 12) represented Team Santoro. They were also joined by John’s brother, Michael, and one of his two children, Ava (age 9). By Tammy Thornton One of the children, John John, is no stranger to public dancing and has been ooking for a positive diversion performing as a Knicks City Kids dancer from all the crazy going on for the past year. Knick City Kids is the around you? Check out Disney junior squad of dancers for the New York Channel’s new show Fam Jam Knicks NBA team. The Knicks City Kids on Sunday, March 22, and cheer on a perform during games at Madison South Jersey family as they bust Square Garden. Between ata move. The Santoros, of Lintending games and rehearsals, wood, will compete against John John makes about two the Dixon family from Calitrips a week to New York City. fornia in an East Coast meets Of course, all that is on hold West Coast dance battle. Fam right now. Originally, John Jam features two families John wanted to audition as a per episode who compete backup dancer for Fam Jam, against each other in three but, due to his busy practice Michael, Ava, and John rounds of competitive danc- Santoro, with Tara Santoro schedule, he could not make ing. The Santoro family has it to tryouts. A fellow dance in back, during the show. been tight-lipped about the parent suggested the entire results of the show, but are excited to have talented family audition as a Fam Jam famit air, and hoping South Jersey will tune in ily. After a long series of video interviews on Sunday evening. and auditions, the Santoros were overjoyed Each family on the show draws from to be selected. In January, the Santoros their personal back story to inspire them. boarded a plane for Los Angeles, California, For the Santoros, it’s the love of their large to dance their way to the Disney Channel.
L
Over 50Years of Goodness
John John and his sister Grace have both been students at ProDance Academy in Northfield, but Grace has gone on to use her dance skills for competitive cheer. Their cousin Ava, also a ProDance student, has branched out to modeling. The show was dedicated to their beloved matriarch, Grandma Wislocki (Gram), who, sadly, passed away last summer at the age of 96. She was their biggest cheerleader and supporter, and a unifying force in their close-knit family. The name and face of the show is famed choreographer Phil Wright, who lends his talent behind the scenes to help each family prepare for the show. The show was created after the success of Wright’s popular class Parent Jam. Over the years, Grace, John John, and Ava have all taken Wright’s classes. In addition to Wright, Fam Jam is also co-hosted by Ariel
Team Santoro: Michael, John John, Ava, Grace, John, and Tara, plus Disney staffer, Ricardo (far right).
Martin and Trevor Tordjman, stars of the Zombies 2 movie. Tara Santoro said the whole experience was, “...absolutely amazing! We would all do it again in a heartbeat.” The Santoro family is hopeful that South Jersey will watch on Sunday evening to support them. Find out who wins by tuning into the Disney Channel on Sunday, March 22, at 8:24 p.m. EST. Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
Are you READY TO BUY or SELL YOUR HOME NOW?
B.F.Mazzeo
Voted “Best Produce Store” by The Press of Atlantic City
Largest Selection of Organic Produce • Carrots • Canned Tomatoes • Red & Green Peppers • Cucumbers • Lettuce • Squash • Beets • Kale • Leeks • Beets • Celery • Apples • Bananas • Cranberries • Grapes • Strawberries • Pears
Highest Quality Products Prepared Foods, Fresh Baked Goods, Pasta, Cheeses and Groceries
Gift Baskets on For Every Occasi
B.F. Mazzeo 601 New Rd. Northfield | 609-641-6608 | www.bfmazzeo.com Open: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm | Sun 9am-4pm
6
The “Fam Jam Hype Squad”
COMMISSIONS
AS LOW AS
ROBERT SHAMBERG
2%
Owner, VP of Sales
Top 1% Producer = Excellent Full Time Service Continuous Multimillion Dollar Winner in Sales Selling at Top Dollar at Lowest Commission, Saving you Thousands of Dollars
609-335-5711 Cell RobShamberg@comcast.net The Courtyard at Galloway 28 S. New York Rd (Route 9) Galloway NJ 08205
MARCH 20, 2020