Dancing with the Star Valley Stars is presenting the third annual dance competition with a lineup of six Star Valley notable individuals who will partner with professionals and vie for your vote at the competition taking place Saturday, April 27 from 7-11 p.m. on the stage of the historic Ford Theatre in Afton.
“This is the third year we have done Dancing with Star Valley Stars,” said James Arbizu, representing the Salt River Arts Society that produces the competition, in a text with SVI Media. “Each year has been phenomenal! Justin and Jerave, our professional ballroom dancers, are incredible! They make our contestants look amazing though none of them has had any ballroom experience.”
This year’s contestants include Amanda Peterson, Rebecca Shanks, Stacey Titensor, Mike Merritt, Eric Green and Michael Butler. Each contestant will rehearse with their professional partner during the day on Saturday, and then perform that evening for the fan crowd at the Theatre.
Each contestant brings unique qualities and offers a valuable contribution in the Star Valley community.
Peterson, who grew up dancing in her mother’s studio, is a labor and delivery nurse at Star Valley Health, and a High Fitness instructor. “I love spending time with my husband, Blake, and our five kids.”
Titensor also serves the community from Star Valley Health as a registered nurse. She owns Hidden Oasis Spa and Ripp’d Nutrition in Thayne. “I grew up loving to dance and was on the drill team in high school for four years and in college for a year.”
Shanks won the 2023 title of Mrs. Wyoming America, and is preparing to pass that title to the next queen in June. She fills her life with caring for her husband and four children, serving the local and state-wide community helping to combat food insecurity. She is an “avid outdoorswoman, a personal trainer, a birth doula, and advocates for the rights of the unborn.” She is skilled in singing, baking, cooking, sewing, and loves spending time with her family, but has no dance experience.
Merritt was born and raised in Star Valley joined the Wyoming Highway Patrol as a Trooper in 2016. Merritt enjoys outdoor time with his family taking RZR rides, riding horses, camping, and golfing. “I’m not the dancing type, but I did learn one dance move from my father while growing up. He called it the Barn Yard Shuffle.”
Butler is the General Manager at Wild Wyoming Outfitters and serves as a Councilman with the Town of Afton. Though he doesn’t believe he can dance well, he is honored to be part of this event. “I love living in the most beautiful place in the country with the most beautiful community.”
Though he hails from Jackson, Green has called Alpine home since 2006. He is a business owner and has consistently served his community through various roles and responsibilities. He currently serves as Mayor to Alpine.
Dancing with the Star Valley Stars “is one of the highlights of our year,” Arbizu concluded. “Come out and support our local contestants and also see a professional ballroom show!”
Tickets are available at the door, or at SaltRiverArts.com.
