VIDEO: Richmond stars ready for dancing spotlight

Actor, dentist and toy store owner among array of well known Richmondites competing for charity prize

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1 / 1 Professional dance instructor Andy Wong puts Jan Rosovich through her paces in preparation for this year’s Dancing with the Richmond Stars fundraiser for the Richmond Hospice Association. The event, March 7 at the Riverside Grand Ballroom, is the association’s major fundraising event.Philip Raphael/Richmond News

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The lure of the lights. The rhythm of the music. And the artistry of dance.

That, plus a healthy dose of community support will grace the Riverside Grand Ballroom as the Dancing With the Richmond Stars 2015 event gets underway March 7.

But long before that happens, a group of local celebrities, most with no prior ballroom dance experience, have been practising with their professional instructors for the past couple of months to help raise funds for the Richmond Hospice Association.

Taking part in the fourth annual edition that traditionally plays to a packed audience are: Colin Foo, actor, artist and philanthropist, Jan Rosovich, from Finning, Kelly Krull, of Splash Toys in Steveston, Michelle Nielsen, dentist from Steveston Smiles and Robert Madsen, president of U-Lock Mini Storage Group.

Also taking part, but sidelined by injury is Adrian Thomas, retired president of Great Canadian Casinos.

Thomas tore his calf muscle while practising, but will continue to collect pledges for the event, and has vowed to heal up and be in next year’s competition.

Pat Miller, executive director of the hospice, said the event is the association’s main fundraiser and hopes are it can surpass the $50,000 mark this year, with pledges supporting the dancers who have been paired with professional instructors.

On show during the event will be dances including the jive, rumba and cha cha.

Foo, who has some tap dance experience, said his number with instructor Laura Xie is expected to be part dance, part comedy routine.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Miller said. “These couples prepare with dance instructors for about 20 hours of practice, and compete for the judges’ choice trophy.”

Pledges can be made by visiting richmondhospiceassication.com and clicking on the Dancing with the Richmond Hospice page.

Miller said funds raised are used to support the association’s many support and educational programs.

Tickets for the semi-formal event are also available online and include champagne cocktails, dinner and dessert.

For a sneak peek at some of the dance routines that will be performed on the night, visit richmond-news.com.

VIDEO: Jan Rosovich and Any Wong