Kaitlyn and Seanne accept their Audience’s Choice award

Photos by Stephanie Blakeman

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t quite get the story. When judge Amanda Tannous (or maybe it was Terra) complimented them on retelling the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial, I was like, “Oh, okay…”, but it was one of those dances where I didn’t need to understand the story to appreciate the performance.

I was mesmerized by the dancing of Kaitlynn and Seanne, and then Kaitlynn and Alex. The three of them were so in sync! You could see she was torn with who to dance with, who to stay with. The conflicting emotions were evident in her face and body language, and it brought the audience into the difficulty of the decision she was making.

Prairie Burt and Nicomi Reed were next in the lineup and my favorite performance of theirs was a snippet from Grease. They really brought the characters of Sandy and Danny to life, yet it was very out-of-character for the performers.

Like Prairie and Nicomi couldn’t be more different than who they were portraying, but they made us believe them. Nicomi’s body language was totally changer, she didn’t walk but strolled across stage all loose-limbed and flowy. And Prairie was just bad ass as Sandy; with her signature cigarette and leather leggings she owned Danny.

Ivanna Rose and Quinn McGinnis opened the show with a fun island number, “Hello”. Their production was the total package: with beautiful costuming, authentic moves, and music that put you in a good mood. It really set the good vibes for the first part of the show.

Quinn might have been outside of his comfort zone, but Ivanna had done everything she could to make him successful. Their moves were perfectly coordinated, and she was always right there if he needed help with the choreo.

Matt Lively and Celeste Blakeman are another couple who continued to amaze dance after dance. My favorite was their interpretation of the iconic dance movie Step Up. It was almost like real life comes to the stage when former ballerina Celeste meets street-smart jock Matt.

Celeste’s choreography played to Matt’s upper body strength and they both demonstrated hard-hitting hip hop moves, without sacrificing the grace and fluidity of dance. They had some cool tricks, like a kip up, fish flops (kind of like a backwards somersault), and several creative lifts. This couple had complete trust in each other, which enhanced their performances.

Unpopular opinion: I hate country music. Like really hate it. I would rather poke my eyes out than listen to it in the car.

Dalton and Jillaine accept the Judges’ Award

Seanne McElrath and Kaitlyn Downing were the top fund raisers and won the People’s Choice on Saturday.

Our local dance studios also presented amazing group performances. House of Dance was represented by a beautiful lyrical number choreographed by Nicole McCoy and a high energy mix of hip hop, lyrical, and jazz done by Seanne McElrath and crew.

Gabrielle Singleton’s group from Joan’s Studio of Dance raised the energy with an island-inspired jazz. J&J Performing Arts closed the evening with a touching lyrical tribute choreographed by Jessica Wade.

There were so many people who put their time and energy into making this event a success. I want to personally thank the judges: Terra Avilla, Amanda Tannous, Seth Anderson, Doria Dalu, and Tara Bias.

All involved in the show at one time, they were on the other side of the table this weekend and were witty, encouraging, and at times gushing about how much they loved a performance.

Jeremy Couso, as always, is the consummate host and showman. For their first outing as organizers, Kassie Satica and Karen McDaniel, were extremely successful in raising almost $30,000 for Lassen Family Services.

Lesandra Rodriguez was articulate and poised as she related her story as a survivor of domestic violence. The hall was absolutely silent as she spoke.

The décor was colorful, creative, and made you believe that a tropical breeze was wafting through the Vets Hall, so a big thank you to Jennie Hoffman for her creativity. Adam Danes and Kayla Pacheco made sure the sound and lights were on point. Kendra Zaengle was also behind the scenes ensuring a smooth production.

There were also snacks and props and backstage issues to attend you, not to mention the months of preparation, the generous sponsors, and several others I am sure I am missing. Please forgive me. If you were part of the show, I appreciate you.

Next year, if someone asks you to be a part of the show, as a star dancer, choreographer, donor, or audience member, just say YES. You won’t regret it. You’ll help other people, but you’ll gain something for yourself as well.

Celeste and Mat get low in their hip hop routine

Seanne and Kaitlyn start the show

with an innovative use of light

Ivanna and Quinn share the

easy-going island life

Nicomi and Prairie sent a message ofhope and survival during Dancer’s Choice

Jillaine and Dalton share a moment of enjoyment during their country dance

Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”

Teen drivers are still gaining experience behind the wheel and are more likely to take risks and pick up unhealthy driving habits. Therefore it’s important for parents and caregivers to play an active role in talking to their teens about risky driving behaviors that can lead to deadly and tragic consequences.

The SPD offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.
• Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show your teen how to drive safely.
• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, being distracted by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up.
• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has been drinking.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

You will also learn how to fit your assistive device correctly and Roberts will be available to adjust the device if necessary.

The class will be held from 10:30 until 11:30a.m., at Lassen Senior Services, 1700 Sunkist Drive.

If you have questions please contact Amy Roberts at Banner Lassen Physical Therapy, 1.530.252.2662 or email amy.roberts2@bannerhealth.com.

The Mt. Lassen Hotel burns, from an Eastman Studios photograph

Hotel Mt Lassen Will be Rebuilt

October 18, 1947

First steps towards rebuilding Hotel Mt. Lassen, destroyed by fire July 24th, started this week.

Fred Abbay, the owner, announced he plans to rebuild the wing along Main St. this fall, and weather permitting, to continue with the remainder of the building during the winter. He expects to have the Main St. wing completed by Christmas.

Five store spaces will be built along Main St., followed by construction of hotel rooms above. The building will have steel under framing with a main floor deck of concrete, making it fire-proof. Steel work fabrication is under way by Martin Iron Works, Reno. An automatic sprinkler system will be installed as an additional fire safeguard.

Construction is under the direction of Hageman and Son, local contracting firm.