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Laura Rush and Derek Swanson Win Dancing With Geneva Stars
Laura and Derek blaze new trails, but all six couples are winners. The community's big social event of the year is everything it's cracked up to be.
You think that little thing that's going on this afternoon called the Super Bowl is a big deal. But for Genevans, the big game was Saturday night.
With crowds cheering and raising signs—some brandishing the faces of the winning couple—Laura Rush and Derek Swanson broke new ground and won the 2012 Dancing With the Geneva Stars.
But all six couples were winners. Each were gamers, turning in their best performances of a long practice day—I know, because I watched them work on it from 4 o'clock that afternoon, until the very end, when Mayor Kevin Burns announced that Derek and Laura had pulled away from the pack.
Derek and Laura were the first non-married couple to enter the competition. They were the first to dance the challenging Jive. We're guessing here, but they probably were the first to get the Lion King opening into the act. (More on that later.)
I want to get this story up quickly so that we can get to church, so here are some photos and we'll add some video later—if anything turned out. We'll also add our super unofficial ameteur judges ratings and some commentary on a very exciting, satisfying and fun evening.
Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.
Mary Stith
11:40 am on Sunday, February 5, 2012
Congrats to Laura and Derek and all the dancers. Just a fun night in a room packed with people all supporting 2 great causes for our community! Doesn't get any better than that!
Mary Bencini
12:05 pm on Sunday, February 5, 2012
"Dancing With Geneva Stars" was a huge success. Thank you to all the dancers and congratulations to Derek and Laura. Thank you to everyone who came and sold out this event which benefits Geneva Cultural Arts and Geneva Academic Foundation. Thank you also to our sponsors and merchants who contribute to this event. I'm on the committee, and we're already looking for dancers for next year. If you'd like to dance, please let us know.
LoriLFairchild
8:28 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Great way to spend a Saturday night. It was clear that all the dancers really worked hard to perfect their routines! They all looked like "Stars" but a special congrats to Laura and Derek for their energetic Jive. It was fun that the entire floor was opened up to all of us amateurs to dance after the big event!
Jacquelyn Lobdell
8:57 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Congrats Laura and Derek!!
Justin Eggar
11:12 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Congrats to Laura and Derek for their win at GDWTS! Anyone who hasn't been to this event - you should seriously consider putting it on your list for next year. This was Katlyn and my first year there, and we are definitely going next year. This is one of the best events in town for the year.
Laura Rush
12:09 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
This was such a great night and great fun! Thank you to everyone who supported Derek and me and all of the dancers. Much money was raised for GAF and Geneva Cultural Arts. Love this community!
Connie Wagner
7:52 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
Art and I had such a wonderful time being one of the six couples who said yes to this danceing journey! Thank you Geneva for all your love and support. Thank you for the support for GAFand Geneva Cultural Arts. Connie Wagner