Our 2012 Benefit

The Seventh Annual Ballroom Spectacular is March 9th, 2012.

Our event is in its seventh year and promises to be the best one yet. Our celebrities are lining up, our alumni are wishing they could do it again (many of them will be a special part of the evening), and we're polishing the dance floor so we can all dance a few steps for the cure.

The centerpiece of this evening of dance is a celebrity dance-off featuring Chicago television, business and sports personalities. Each celebrity will be paired with a professional instructor and receive personalized choreography and coaching, all, donated by Arthur Murray Dance Centers in Chicago. In addition to the celebrity dance-off, the evening is filled with professional shows, a live auction and the chance to dance the night away, all to help beneifty the Chicagoland affiliate of Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

The competition will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges, led by US Smooth champion and ABC "Dancing with the Stars" alum, Nick Kosovich. He will be joined by Snow Urbin, a fan favorite from "So You Think You Can Dance," and performer with ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" tour, and Chicago's own celebrity chef Rick Bayless, our 2006 inaugural year grand champion.

“Dancing with Chicago Celebrities” is the brainchild of a team of instructors at the Arthur Murray Dance studios in Chicago. Jill DeMarlo, professional dance instructor and Arthur Murray franchisee in Chicago said, “Five years ago, we were inspired by the phenomenal resurgence of ballroom dancing across the country. This community has been incredibly supportive of this event every year - we know that ballroom is hot in Chicago!”

“The inaugural event was absolutely terrific – it was one of the most unique and fun charity events I’ve ever attended, let alone been a part of,” said Rick Bayless, reknowned chef and 2006 winner. “I can’t think of anything of I’ve ever done that’s been more fun.”

2007 grand champion Dan Ponce from ABC 7 Chicago said, “I had a blast at this event. My teacher/coach/partner from Arthur Murray, Amy, was fantastic and we couldn’t be happier to have contributed to a great cause.”

Kendall Gill, NBA superstar and professional boxer said, “Being part of this event was fantastic. It’s a great cause and it was a lot of fun. Not only was it a great outlet for my competitive spirit but I’ve found a new hobby.”