The Civilized Life in Sarasota: CANDance

Scott George, Community AIDS Network's Director of Development, was cool under the chaos of an over-sold ballroom, making sure everyone had a seat. Always delightfully fun, this year's CANDance was no exception. How fabulous is it to see our local celebrities dressed in all manner of un-dress, swinging in the air and shaking a little booty?

As you know, the CANDance is our local Dancing with the Stars competition. This year's celebrity dancers were Jamie Ebling, Bambi Famous Kaine, Phil King, Dr. Kristen Paulus, Lauren McComb, George Quarterman, and Anne Weintraub. There were two winners - one for the popular vote, which was Bambi Famous Kaine, and one for the most dollars raised, which was Anne Weintraub. From all the Facebook postings leading up to the big event, I mean she was working it, I was pretty sure that Anne was going to wind up raising the most money and she did.

The videos that were played before each of the dancers performed were quite insightful! Lauren McComb's pro, Tibor Varga, said the hardest thing for Lauren to learn was to keep quiet. George Quarterman's pro, Tayna Vi, said George likes to stick his butt out and she had to work on that, while George said that all the rehearsals required a lot of Bengay and Advil. Bambi Kaine said she was dancing for her best friend and sister-in-law who had died from AIDS. Jamie Ebling's pro, Ivana Varga, said Jamie was a very go for it type of guy. You would have been surprised to see Kristen Paulus come out in her long black leather coat and sunglasses - very Matrix-like. Phil King said that on the TV version of DWTS, there always has to be on old person, and he was it for the Sarasota version, though he looked quite hip in his rhinestone cowboy costume. And finally, Anne Weintraub said it was hard for her NOT to be in control, but with 30 lessons, she got over it. I won't tell you about some of the other things she said, as these is a G-rated blog, but suffice it to say, Miss Anne has quite the longshoreman's vocabulary!

I was seated next to an old friend of mine of 20 years, Heather Clark, and we ended up having just the best time. I so wish I could share with you all of our witty and pithy remarks about the evening and the people we observed, but alas I cannot. Not because they weren't G-rated because they were, with us being Junior League gals and all, but because well, you know. But believe me, they were funny. We were laughing our heads off all night! You would have enjoyed sitting with us!

Michael's On East took on a luscious red glow with lots of red paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling, red tablecloths and red chairs. Of course, what would a dancing competition be without the mirrored disco balls? Not to worry, there were a cluster of the glittering orbs hanging over the middle of the black and white checked dance floor.

As always, Stephen Sieg was the producer of the show and the Bobs, Trisolini and Nosal, were the Masters of Ceremonies. Brent Greeno did the lighting and Chris Kanozsay Dance Connection did the music.

Also seen in the crowd and not photographed below were Carolyn and Dr. Bob Johnson, Bev and Dr. Jim Marsh, Dr. Anne Chauvet, Eric Cross, Molly Schechter, Elle and Dr. Bill McComb, Roger Capote, Rochelle Nigri, Greg and Sanda Band, Ron Carter, Jim Neal, and Susan Jones. I didn't Susan until I was walking out the door to leave, so I am sure there were many others I missed!