The request from my friend was simple: Should we get together with other friends and get a reserved table for the Feb. 5 “Dancing with the Geneva Stars” event?

Well, sure. But a few days later came the word: All the preferential seating, at $500 for 10 people, was sold out.

To be fair, say two of the organizers, Tim Vetang and Carolyn Hill, only a limited number of those tables, totaling 190 seats, are sold in advance. That assures there is adequate seating for the general public. Still, within eight days of ticket sales opening, nearly 280 people had purchased tickets to the popular event, at which six Geneva couples will strut their dancing stuff for charity.

Numerous tweaks have been made to this year’s edition, the third annual. The biggest change is a reconfiguration of the space within Eagle Brook Country Club, to permit many more people to have a seat. (Last year, 340 tickets were sold, with actual table seating for less than 300. You do the math!) Geneva businessman Joe Stanton drew up a new seating diagram, using  rectangular tables instead of the traditional and previously used round. 

The result: This year there will be 30 tables that seat 10 people and 11 that seat eight people. Three “high tops” will hold an additional two people each, for nearly 400 spots at a table. 

Now, what if you’re not one of the lucky few that has reserved seating? Well, don’t show up at 5:30 p.m.

“We will not open the ballroom doors until 7 p.m.,” Hill firmly said. That’s to discourage eager hopefuls showing up at 5 or 5:30 and standing in front of the doors until they open. The bar will open at 6 p.m., with the appetizer buffets beginning serving at 6:30 p.m.

Other changes include the addition of the use of the members’ dining room at the country club, which will have a separate bar and buffet setup, 50 percent more bartenders, and even valet parking (at $5 each). “Eagle Brook has just been wonderful,” Hill said. 

It’s all part of responding to feedback from past years, and making “Dancing” a better experience for all. And from all indications, it’s a great night of fun. (This will be my husband’s and my first time attending, and we’re really looking forward to it.) 

Did Tim Vetang ever conceive the response to “Dancing” would be as positive as it’s been? “No, never,” he said.

The first year, all those working on it hoped to sell 150 tickets. The event sold out.

“From there, it’s just kind of snowballed. It’s one of the social events of the year in Geneva—and it’s so much fun,” he said. “The audience gets into it and some of the dancers even have supporters with signs.” After the “pro's” dance, Linda Cunningham of State Street Dance Studio (where the dancers all learn their moves) will give a short dancing lesson to the rest of the crowd. 

“People enjoy that it’s such a good mix of people,” added Hill. “It’s a wonderful event—people are there to just have fun.” 

“Dancing with the Geneva Stars” features six Geneva couples each performing a particular dance at the event, which is Feb. 5. Supporters, even those not in attendance, can vote for their favorites. Proceeds benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and the Geneva Academic Foundation. Tickets are $35 each and may be purchased (along with votes!—and those are extra, by the way) by visiting the city website. That site also contains information on the dancing couples. Information also is available at www.genevarts.org.