Video: See Gwen and other celebs getting ready

Ready, set, TWIRL! It’s time to don your dance shoes and raise your glasses for a good cause at Reach for the Stars at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The event pairs local celebrities with professional dance instructors in competition for ballroom glory and that all-important mirror ball trophy.

And just in case you thought we only talked the talk, I’ll be opening this year’s competition with Caruso Dancesport’s Armando Vega Perez, dancing a mean samba that’s sure to get everyone shaking in their seats.

There’s also a “media vs. the mayor” showdown between 2009 winner, Mayor Lois Frankel and 2008 winner, CBS 12 NEWS and WFLX Fox 29’s Suzanne Boyd. Watch the sparkles fly as these two tango and foxtrot for total ballroom domination.

The annual fundraiser, now in its 17th year, benefits the Kravis Center’s S*T*A*R* (Students and Teachers Arts Resource) Series and education programs.

Following the competition, guests can enjoy a two-hour tasting of gourmet food and wine and a chance to show off their own moves on the dance floor. Food, wine and dancing? Sounds like a recipe for a great night!

Reach for the Stars 2010
Presented by the Young Friends of the Kravis Center
April 24, 2010
6 – 10 pm
Ticket prices: $75 Young Friends members, $100 General Admission, $175 Premium (includes assigned floor seating and valet parking)
Call Kravis Center Box Office 832-7469 or 1-800 573-8471 or kravis.org/reachforthestars

This year’s participants:
Suzanne Boyd from CBS 12 NEWS and WFLX Fox 29
J. Gwendolynne Berry, one of the Swirl Girls from The Palm Beach Post
Josh Cohen from WZZR Real Radio
Mayor Lois Frankel
Marci Gonzalez from WPTV News Channel 5
Liz Quirantes from CBS 12 News
Rochelle Ritchie from WPTV News Channel 5
Corey Saban from THELAW.TV
Steve Walsh, former NFL Quarterback and Head Football Coach at Cardinal Newman High School

This year’s professional dancers:
Angelo Caruso, Brian Baker, Livia Maciel, Joe Murillo and Armando Vega-Perez from Caruso Dancesport
Claude Crevier and Kyoung-im Kang from Park Avenue Dance
Lesley Elsbury from Arthur Murray
Herb Vazquez from The Palms West Ballroom

This year’s judges:
Frank Cerabino and Leslie Gray Streeter from The Palm Beach Post
Former NYC Ballet dancer and dance photographer Steve Caras from Palm Beach Dramaworks

Participating restaurants:
Blue Martini West Palm Beach
City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill
Echo
Executive Coffee Services Inc.
Grease Burger Bar
Havana
Ironwood Grille
Kona Grill
Leila Restaurant
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
Michelle Bernstein Restaurant at the Omphoy
Morton’s the Steakhouse
Palermo Bakery
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Temple Orange at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
Whole Foods Market
Zuccarelli’s Restaurant

Wine List:
Nobilis Vinho Verde
Albino Armani Pinot Grigio
La Delizia Pinot Grigio & Pinot Blanc
Edgewood Chardonnay Monterrey County
Sterling Vintner’s Collection Chardonnay
Angeline Pinot Noir
Angeline Merlot
Line Shack Cabernet Sauvignon
Sterling Vintner’s Collection Cabernet
Casella Mallee Point Shiraz

~ Dry (J. Gwen)