Teams dance to raise money for rehab center

Pablo Rivas didn't know much about the paso doble four months ago. Salsa was more his style.

Rivas was eager to learn new moves and for a great cause.

"I was very interested, so I signed up right away," he said.

Rivas' moves are as smooth as a Spanish matador in a bullfight.

Rivas' partner, Cheryl McCollough, was also new to the European-style dance. She described the moves as intense.

"It's been a real challenge to learn, but I've enjoyed it," she said.

Rivas has engaged in a friendly contest with fellow dancers for the second annual Dancing with the Stars-Victoria Style. The competition is modeled after the hit reality TV show. Thursday evening, five couples will fox trot and swing on the Leo J. Welder Center dance floor.

The fundraiser will benefit Billy T. Cattan Recovery Outreach, Inc., a center that focuses on outpatient drug and alcohol treatment.

Teams can boost their chances to win the mirror ball trophy with online votes; each one costs $10.

Cattan's widow, Susan Cattan Rybak, said the goal is to raise enough money to meet the center's growing needs.

"We have a need for more counselors to take care of our clients."

Rivas, a controller for Alcoa, said he's glad to help a great cause. His partner, McCollough, teaches zumba classes at Trinity Lutheran Church and Yoga Chicks. Other contestants are veterans, entrepreneurs, teachers, and physicians who have all volunteered their time to participate. They have been in rehearsal since May.

Rivas said he was glad to contribute to the cause.

Thomas Yantis, executive director of Keep Victoria Beautiful, said he shined his dancing shoes for the charity.

"I love to dance and to contribute to a nonprofit," he said. "It's the best of both worlds."

Those brave enough to hit the ballroom dance floor received no mercy from instructor Sharon Petty.

She wanted her students to get out of their comfort zones and even chose their routines.

The choreographer said she's so proud of their progress. And the dancers seem to enjoy practice a little more, too.

"Now I see them smiling," Petty said.

The dancers' competitive streak increased with their confidence.

Larry W. Robinson pointed to Rivas and said, "This is my No. 1 competition right here."

And Rivas responded with a smile, "I think we've got a real good chance to win."

Source CAMILLE M. DOTY

Posted in Larry W. Robinson , Pablo Rivas , raise fund salsa dance , rehab center , salsa dance , salsa dance steps