Dancing with the Starz 2013 | Kathleen Treanor

Kathleen Treanor, MD
McFarland Center Physician 

Sponsor: Illinois Gastroenterology Institute










Sponsor Website



When did you start dancing? Although I danced briefly as a preschooler to the "Good Ship Lollipop", I didn't fall in love with dancing until my college years. I took a ballroom dance class at the University of Illinois and was forever hooked.
I love dancing because... it allows me to use all of my senses to fully experience and more deeply enjoy the music that I love so much. 
What kind of music do you like best? I like it all, but I especially like Latin and the blues!
What's your favorite crayon color? Hot Pink
Who's your favorite artist? So hard to choose - Janis Joplin is one.
Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they allow us to gain greater understanding of each other and release our collective stress during each enjoyable event.

Vote for Kathleen!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

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Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz 2013 | Jodi Cole

Jodi Cole
Owner of Flea Market to Fabulous

Sponsor: Flea Market to Fabulous







Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? As a toddler when we all do!
I love dancing because... it makes me happy, it's fun and great exercise.

What kind of music do you like best? Pop and Rock
What's your favorite crayon color? Turquoise
Who's your favorite artist? Justin Timberlake, Pink, Eminen, Maroon 5
Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they encourage creativity and inspire people to explore things not part of their daily routine.  The arts bond communities and strengthen understanding and independent thought.

Vote for Jodi!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

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Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz 2013 | John Milhiser

John Milhiser
Sangamon County State's Attorney
Sponsor: Clinical Radiologists, S.C.

Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? August 13, 2013
I love dancing because... it lets me express my inner Grace (Nanavati).
What kind of music do you like best? Country
What's your favorite color? Orange and Blue
Who's your favorite artist? LeRoy Neiman
Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they complement horseshoes and Mel-O-Cream donuts.

Vote for John!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

Back to Dancing with the Starz Homepage

Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz | Cassandra Pence Ostermeier

Cassandra Pence Ostermeier

Artist/Owner of Urban Sassafras
Sponsor: Again

Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? I've danced on and off my entire life.

I love dancing because... it was one of the first things that I was better at than my brother!

What kind of music do you like best? acoustic

What's your favorite color? turquoise

Who's your favorite artist? mc escher

Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... our youth learn from such cultural expressions. These forums provide communication, exploration, imagination and historical understanding.

Vote for Cassandra!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

Back to Dancing with the Starz Homepage

Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz | Steve Myers

Steve Myers

President of Myers Commerical Real Estate, Inc.
Sponsor: Myers Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? Junior High

I love dancing because... it allows everyone to express themselves.

What kind of music do you like best? Rock

What's your favorite crayon color? Red

Who's your favorite artist? Norman Rockwell

Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they inspire everyone.

Vote for Steve!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

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Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz 2013 | Shannon Mathis & Donnie Bassford

Shannon Mathis

Division Director for March of Dimes

Donnie BassfordOwner of Donnie B's Comedy Club

Sponsor: A New You Salon and Spa

Sponsor Website

 When did you start dancing? (Shannon) I have no prior professional experience.

(Donnie) No prior dance experience.

 I love dancing because... (Shannon) it brings out another side of me. (Donnie) the energy it gives.

 What kind of music do you like best? (Shannon) I like all types of music. (Donnie) 60s.

 What's your favorite crayon color? (Shannon) Cinnamon Satin (Donnie) Blue

 Who's your favorite artist? (Shannon) ... (Donnie) Elvis

Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... (Shannon) Art expresses languages that all people speak, which cuts across social, racial and cultural barriers, while enhancing appreciation and awareness. (Donnie) It gives a broad base of showmanship and talent.

Vote for Shannon & Donnie!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

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Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz | Denise Hlad

Denise Hlad

Manager of CherryBerry
Sponsor: CherryBerry - Springfield



Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? 4 years ago

I love dancing because... it makes me smile.

What kind of music do you like best? Jazz and blues

What's your favorite crayon color? blue

Who's your favorite artist? too many to list
Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they provide us with an opportunity to connect with each other.

Vote for Denise!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

Back to Dancing with the Starz Homepage

Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz 2013 | Nan Bulli

Nan Bulli

Classified Account Executive at Illinois Times

Sponsor: Illinois Times

Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? August 13, 2013, 5:30 p.m. (CST)

I love dancing because... it makes flailing your arms and legs about wildly a socially acceptable activity.

What kind of music do you like best? Punk rock

What's your favorite crayon color? Gray

Who's your favorite artist? Alexander Calder

Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... they keep us connected to and engaged with our community.

Vote for Nan!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

Back to Dancing with the Starz Homepage

Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Starz 2013 | Wes Barr

Wes Barr

Retired Lieutenant from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office
Sponsor: Walton and Associates Architects, PC

Sponsor Website

When did you start dancing? Not much of a dancer.

I love dancing because... it's fun, but I would rather watch other people dance.

What's your favorite crayon color? Blue

Who's your favorite artist? Don't have a favorite artist.

Performing and visual arts are important to Springfield because... Art expresses languages that all people speak, which cuts across social, racial and cultural barriers, while enhancing appreciation and awareness.

Vote for Wes!  $1=1 vote

(Online votes must start at a minimum of $5)

Back to Dancing with the Starz Homepage

Artist Support. Art Awareness. Art Outreach.

Prairie Art Alliance is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.  Its mission is to develop member artists and to serve the public through exhibits, classes and community outreach programming. 

Dancing with the Stars 2012 - Recap

This past October 13^th, Prairie Art Alliance held its seventh annual premier fundraising event, Dancing with the Starz.  This year’s event was held at the Downtown Springfield Hilton, and was chaired by Teresa Bierman and Barb Granger.  With their endless amount of energy and dedication, along with the efforts of many volunteers, comprised of PAA members and nonmembers, this was one of the most successful events to date.

 

Prior to the event, beginning in August, thirteen dance couples practiced and perfected their dance routines every two weeks at the Ansar Shrine auditorium with the help of the talented dance instructor, Pat Lyttkar, as well as, met individually on their own time to practice.  

The night of the main event, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, a wonderful live and silent auction, wine wall, dancing and of course dance entertainment by our competing dance couples.  Master of Ceremonies Gus Gordon led the evening seamlessly, along with our three judges Cara Ann (Dr. Mary Ann Rackauskas), Len (Bruce Beeman) and Bruno (Chuck Granger) provided funny and entertaining critiques of all the dancers that participated that evening. 

After three rounds of dancing, the following four Starz; Erica Beeman with dance partner Gene Weiser, Drew Davis with dance partner Jan Smith, Dr. Geoff Bland with dance partner Teresa Becker, and Drs. Tim VanFleet and Korine Vlahos advanced to the final round.  In the end, Drew Davis and his dance partner Jan Smith, walked away with the honor of most votes for the event

Thank you to all the Starz and their dance partners, Teresa Bierman, Barb Granger and the many volunteers that put so much time and energy into the evening, and a big thank you to everyone that made reservations, voted, contributed and supported the event.  Each and every one of you helped make Dancing with Starz a huge success!!!

- by Erica Beeman

To view all photos from the event visit our events page.

Dancing with the Starz 2012!

Check out our video on the Prairie Art Alliance's largest and most exciting fundraiser - Dancing with the Starz!  This year it will be held at the Hilton Springfield on October 13 and Gus Gordon with be our Master of Ceremonies!  Visit www.prairieart.org today to reserve your seats and vote for your favorite Starz!