The Desert Arts Council has announced the return of Dancing with Hermiston Stars with a full lineup of community stars ready to win the hearts of the judges and the audience alike.
This year’s performance will be Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at the Hermiston High School Fine Arts Auditorium. This year’s lineup of stars includes Ashley Seibel, Cameron Bendixsen, Erik Juarez, Josh Burns, Ericka Sandoval and Tricia Mooney.
Seibel has lived in Hermiston for 15 years, and a resident of Umatilla County her whole life. She currently owns her own photography business and works a dance instructor at Dance Unlimited. She has been the head coach of Hermiston High School dance team for the past eight years, so she will be stepping on the stage with confidence.
Seibel is dancing in support of the arts because “the arts have had such a profound impact on my life as a child and it has also allowed me to bring that positive and expressive environment to the wonderful and talented youth of our community.” Her career paths are art centered and she firmly believe that creativity not only builds confidence but also allows us the freedom to be who we were always meant to be.
Bendixsen’s family moved to Hermiston in 1987 as he started first grade at West Park Elementary School. The importance of a tight-knit community was a vital part of his youth. Now, 30 years later, his own growing family is finding their place in this exciting time of growth in his hometown.
“We find that living in Hermiston provides countless opportunities to serve and to get to know our neighbors,” he said. “I am proud to raise my kids here.” He is dancing in support of the arts because, “The arts contribute creativity, diversity, and unity to our growing community. Our youth can flourish as they showcase their talents. I am dancing for the arts in hopes that this significant aspect of our community can be preserved for our youth for generations to come.”
Juarez and wife Erica have two children, son Dallas and daughter Dez. Juarez is an analyst at Good Shepherd Medical Center and a commissioner for American Youth Soccer where he volunteers over 500 hours annually to put this program on for our youth. His family is always looking for opportunities in our community to help volunteer were needed.
“I love Hermiston because I was born in this city, I am a Hermistonian,” he said. “Now I feel blessed to be able to be in a position where I can help the youth in Hermiston.” He also loves to travel, but he always looks forward to coming home to Hermiston.
Juarez is dancing in support of the arts because he hopes that his participation will help Desert Arts bring in more shows to Hermiston, and showcase local artists from the community to possibly promote and help their future careers to flourish.
Burns is general manager of the Walmart DC. He supports their 900 associates and managers who service 103 stores in the Northwest through his management efforts. He attended the US Air Force Academy and then served as an air traffic control officer for the Air Force for four years. After the service he joined Walmart Logistics, and moved to Hermiston six years ago.
His wife, Kimber, is a physical therapist at Good Shepherd. Burns said he loves the inclusive mindset of Hermiston.
“It’s evident that civic leaders, both formal and informal, have been intentional about creating one community out of our multiple cultures,” he said. “I think other cities should take this as a model. I love the size and feel. I’ve lived in larger cities and feel claustrophobic. There’s a small-town feel but Hermiston has everything I need.
Burns is dancing to support the arts because he sees it as an important part of being an inclusive community.
“Through art we’re exposed to other perspectives, experiences, cultures and people we might not ever cross paths with otherwise,” he said. “Last year my kids got to experience the African Dancers the Desert Arts Council brought to town. I believe we’re better human beings when we’ve opened ourselves up to learn about others. Art allows us to do that in an enjoyable way, whatever the medium.”
Mooney, interim Hermiston School District superintendent, loves the Hermiston community because it welcomed her in 1995 when she started her teaching profession, and since then has become the place she calls home. She sees thriving community continuing to provide the perfect environment for her to grow as a professional and raise her children. She appreciates the “can do” attitude of the community and the support that is given to professionals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, our schools and most importantly, each other.
“I am willing to dance in support of the Desert Arts Council because the arts are very important to our community,” he said. “The dedicated members of the Desert Arts Council strive to find high caliber art and entertainment to expose community members to something that they would otherwise not have the opportunity to see or hear. I want to give back in support of all that is given for our community.”
Mooney started her education career in 1995 as a teacher in the Hermiston School District. She has serviced as a teacher, dean of students, and principle of Rocky Heights Elementary and Armand Larive Middle Schools. She worked in Pendleton schools administration from 2008-2016. In July 2016 Mooney returned to her roots in the Hermiston School District as the assistant superintendent of human resources. In July 2017, the Hermiston School Board selected her as the interim superintendent for the next 13-18 months. Mooney is married to Dan. She has two children – Kennidy (a sophomore at Hermiston High School) and Kambree (an 8th grader at Armand Larive Middle School), and a puppy named Kash. They will all be cheering her on as she dances for the arts.
Sandoval, patrol officer for the Hermiston Police Department, feels so fortunate to be dancing and supporting the arts again, she says. Growing up, Sandoval feels she was lucky enough to have dancing and singing to enhance her academic studies. She loves that Desert Arts offers the arts experience to so many (people) in Hermiston. She sees Hermiston as a community that has helped her, and others grow up and then give back.
“Arts are a necessity for our youth to participate in and use an outlet,” she said. “It is a privilege to be a part of giving back to this.”
Mary Corp, Desert Arts board member and event co-chair, said the dancers will be raising donations to support the Desert Arts Council.
“All the dancers will be helping to strength and deliver opportunities for children, students and all of the community to participate and experience the arts through theatre, dance, music and fine arts,” she said.
The winner of the 2018 Mirror Ball trophy will be crowned based on a combination of judges scores, audience votes, and dollars raised.
Tickets are on sale now at desertartscouncil.com, Hermiston Chamber and Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department. For more information call 541-667-5018. Prices are $20 for adults, and $10 for students.
