VSA arts winning Dancin’ Duo of Max Dingeman and Jennifer Howard will perform at the closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics Michigan Winter Games. The pair will once again be in the spotlight following their recent winning performances during the fall 2011 Swingshift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity in Traverse City, where they captured first place honors.
Representing VSA arts, Max and Jenn will perform a ballroom dance routine at the Grand Traverse Resort Thursday evening, February 9.
“It was a unanimous decision,” said Kimberly Purdy, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for SOMI. “As one of our former athletes, we want Max to perform at this important event for Special Olympics.” This year’s Winter Games theme is ‘Everyday Heroes.’
The State Winter Games will take place February 7-10 at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort and Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse Civic Center. Approximately 1,700 athletes, coaches, chaperones, area management team members and volunteers will attend the 2012 State Winter Games. During competition athletes showcase the skills they’ve learned from months of intense training.
It’s a Wrap! And it’s the best Christmas present ever with the announcement that VSA’s Dancin’ Duo – Max Dingeman and Jennifer Howard – are the winners of the 2011 Swingshift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity!
Max and Jenn captured the hearts of the judges and the audience, scoring perfect 10’s from all four judges, not once, but TWICE! VSA arts/ Grand Traverse Area friends and supporters showed their enthusiasm at the ballot box, and helped our nonprofit organization surpass our fundraising goal by raising over $29,500.
Among the most important benefits to VSA is the public awareness of our mission and local programming for children and adults with special needs.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Max and Jenn for their hard work and hours of practice, to our sponsors and army of donors and volunteers and to our wonderful community.
VSA art’s message of inclusivity for all ages and all abilities rang loud and clear!
In the spirit of the season, we are grateful and give thanks….
Check out more photos on the VSA Facebook page and the Swingshift Facebook page.
Think you’ve got what it takes to win the PERFECT Push Up Contest?
Download a pdf version of the event flyer here.
Yes, excitement is still in the air following the first ever Swingshift and the Stars perfect scoring dance by Max and Jennifer. We wanted to share some of our favorite photos from their dance.
Join us as we explore an evening of clay, art, and movement for ALL!
Presented in collaboration with VSA arts and Disability Network
Cost: $10 per family or $5 individual
Please pre-register as space is limited.
Email melissa@blackbirdartstc.com or call (231) 421-8085
The excitement is still in the air following the third competition night of Swingshift and the Stars. Max and Jennifer performed the waltz before a sold-out crowd.
It was absolutely breath-taking and after the tears were wiped and the crowd sat down the judges flashed all 10′s - the first ever perfect scoring dance at Swing shift!!!! Now they are on top of the leader board so we are even more determined to support them all the way to the Finals!!
It is only because of folks like you and everyone joining Max and Jenn’s fan club that our small nonprofit group is doing so well. So please join us as we prepare for the final push to the final dance-off on December 16th.
Time is Running Out — Here’s how to get involved:
- Attend the Holiday Decorating Party at Left FootCharley on Friday, December 2
- Be part of the Push-Up Contest at Premier Fitness in Traverse City
- Bid on Holiday centerpieces to help raise funds for VSA arts at Chairitable Resale
- Make an online donation and Give Max and Jennifer a Hand! www.swingshiftandthestars.com
For information, contact Dayna Ryan 231 947-1278, dayna@vsaarts-gt.org
You can help by attending the final event on Friday, December 16 or by making a donation today! We still have a few tickets available but the event will soon be sold out.
Give Max a Hand – a Turkey Hand - make a donation and support VSA arts and our Dancin’ Max and help disable disabilities through art. Look for Turkey Hands at:
- Left Foot Charley
- Premier Fitness
- and other Traverse City location
A very special thank you to our friends at the Special Olympics Michigan for the wonderful write-up on our very own Dancin’ Max (click the link below to read the story).
Your dollars and votes directly support VSA arts programs for children and adults in our community with special needs.
Max Dingeman, Swingshift amateur dancer, and his partner, Jennifer Howard, are raising awareness and money for VSA arts – Grand Traverse Area.
Give Max a Hand at Swingshift and the Stars:
Friday November 18 and Friday December 16 / Final Competition
Traverse City Opera House – 6:30 pm
For Swingshift tickets contact : Dayna Ryan, 883-5747 or email VSAarts@sbcglobal.net
Hurry! Tickets are selling fast!
Celebrate their Success at Left Foot Charley:
Friday November 11 – 6 to 8 pm Thank our Friends Night
Friday December 2 – 6 to 8 pm – Holiday Decorating Party
Donate to Max and Jennifer online.
The most recent performance at Swing Shift and the Stars was an amazing experience and together we raised over $8000.00! Now… time to get ready for November’s show on 11-18. See you there let’s keep the mojo going.
