By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
An unusual dance routine, coupled with impressive fundraising skills, earned Dr. Marc Rucquoi and Kiki Hampton first place during the second-annual Dancing With OUR Stars gala.
The event, held Saturday in the Washington High School Performing Arts Center, raised money for Eagle’s Wings, a United Way agency that addresses immediate hunger needs of the impoverished and homeless in Beaufort County.
The show was presented by Eagle’s Wings and Le Moulin Rouge de Danse.
Rucquoi and Hampton performed a self-choreographed number titled “Paso Aggressive,” which incorporated the beauty of a traditional Spanish dance with the thrilling sport of fencing. Rucquoi is a physician with Chocowinity Family Care and Beaufort County Medical Center. Hampton, a jewelry designer by day, is an accomplished dancer who is half of last year’s winning team.
While all of the acts taking to the stage were top-notch, the winner was determined by the amount of money each team raised on behalf of Eagle’s Wings. A total was not immediately available and will be announced later.
Second place in the dance competition was awarded to Russell Smith, who performed “Man of Constant Sorrow” with dance partner Janet Cox.
Third place went to the troupe representing the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Alan Jordan and with dancers Tim McLawhorn, Donna McLawhorn, Russell Davenport, Misty McRoy, Josh Shiflett, Angie Dieterich, David Richards, Sara Richards, Jim Vanlandingham, Barbra Vanlandingham, Crystal Marriner, Robert Gaskins, Sean Williams, Charnita Rick, Laura Lee, Paige Hill, Danielle Shorey, Erin Bonney and choreographer Tabitha Oliver.
The results were tabulated by Gary Wilson of Wilson &Jones Accounting and announced by Debbie Adams, executive director of Eagle’s Wings.
“There is no way I can begin to thank you for everything you have done for the Eagle’s Wings ministry,” Adams said to the cast. “Not only did you do it willingly, but you did it with such grace and courage!”
Adams said the audience response to the show was “absolutely fabulous,” adding that it was evident that those taking part in the event are loved by the community.
For those who missed the Dancing With OUR Stars live performance, a DVD of the program is being compiled and will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Eagle’s Wings. A DVD release party hosted by the Turnage Theater is in the works.
In addition to the first-, second- and third-place acts, the Dancing With OUR Stars line up included:
“Stepping Out with My Baby” — Neva Cashion and Shelley Gentner, with vocalist Jim Dadosky; “Dancing in the Rain” — Gennia Wetherington and Will Reising; “Me and My Baby” — David McLawhorn and Megan McLawhorn; “Mambo #5” — Pam Nuckols and Jeff Jakub; “Ain’t It a Grove” — Catherine Glover and Jeremy Watson;
“Hey Mickey!” — Marcus Jones and Caroline Phillips; “Sunnyside of the Street” — Ray Moore and Gayle Watson-Roper; “Save the Last Dance for Me” — Debbie Ainsworth and Will Mayo; “Tunak-Tunak-Tun” — Reggie Baker and Shannon Reising;
“Nowhere to Run” — Washington Police Department, including Mick Reed, Isaac Barrett, Angela Flowers, Lisa Harkley, Dean Watson, Thomas Everett, Bianca Gentile, Cliff Hales, Kiki Hampton and Melissa Smith; “Little Red Hat” — Sean Nathan and Galina Panova; “Mambo Italian” — Vinnie Cilluffo and Susan Sizemore;
“Shake, Rattle and Roll” — Ed Moultrie and Laurie Weston; “Boogie Nights Medley” — Daniel Bergevin and Staci Hardison; “Vida Boom Ga Ga” — Michael Bilbro and Melissa Smith; and “Michael Jackson Tribute” — Billy Weaver and McKenna Cox, with Anne-Marie Bullock, Jim Dadosky, Chuckie Dixon, Grayson Sandford and Zak Schwartz.
Serving as master of ceremonies was Ray McKeithan, associate publisher and general manager of the Washington Daily News. Special entertainment was provided by Tyler Griffin, and a slide show highlighting the work of the Eagle’s Wings ministry was presented by Marshall Hall.
Janet Cox was director, Travis Carter was technical director and Patch Clark served as stage manager. Members of the technical crew were Charles Cox, Billy Swain and David Clark.
Serving on the comments panel were Judy Jennette, mayor of Washington and director of public relations at Beaufort County Community College; Joey Toler, executive director of the Beaufort County Arts Council; and Tom Anglim, assistant district attorney and winner of last year’s Dancing With OUR Stars.
“This was a major production. I was so impressed by all of it,” Toler told the Daily News after the show. “It’s wonderful to have them come together to help Eagle’s Wings and have such a quality show.”