Walt Pearce – Behind the Scenes
Sat, Mar 8, 7pm
Dancing with Your Stars Contestant Highlight
Show your support for WALT PEARCE when he competes for the prize on Sat, March 8th, 7pm at the Winthrop Barn and cast your vote! One of six local stars, WALT will be paired with a professional ballroom dancer from Utah Ballroom Dance Co. After only one week of practice he will compete in Dancing with your Stars – Methow Valley style. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch him and all couples compete for 1st place, receive commentary from local judges and dance their hearts out in full costume! Make up and hair will be coordinated locally by Nectar Skin Bar. The second half of the show showcases 22 professional ballroom dancers in a variety of styles and beaming costume. EVENT DETAILS – CLICK HERE
WALT PEARCE grew up in Southern California during the hay day of hot rods and drag racing which continues to be a hobby of Walt’s to this day. In California Walt spent his free time at his parent’s cabin in the San Bernardino mountains Mountains at the Country Club located on Lake Gregory. There he chased girls on the beach and danced the evening away in the club house (known as the jukebox room for kids). He has fond memories of the live bands who played there in the main hall on weekend nights.
After getting out of the Navy in 1958 Walt built his first hot rod and raced it until his wife and family took precedent. After marrying his second wife Dee Dee, they moved to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands and after two years of being together learned that they were both fans of ballroom dancing. “She was a great partner,” says Walt. “We were together for 35 years before she passed away in 2011. I’m still looking for a mate who likes to dance.”
Walt Pearce with his hot rod
QUICK FACTS ABOUT WALT PEARCE
I WAS BORN IN: Walnut Park, California
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON THE WEEKEND/SPARE TIME: Drag racing my 1932 Chevy hot rod.
FAVORITE FOOD: I like almost any spicy food that fits into my diabetic parameters.
BIG CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT YEAR: Finding my dance partner that will put up with my other hobby.
MY MOST EXCITING PLACE I’VE EVER BEEN: In 1962 I left for Europe and spent the next 15 months hitch hiking throughout Europe, northern Africa and the near east before returning home.
Event Details
Join Methow Arts on Saturday, March 8th for a spectacular evening showcasing 22 different styles of Ballroom Dance. Ballroom dance is taking our nation by storm and re-igniting a passion for this electrifying style of dance.
The evening starts with a Dancing with your Stars locals competition. What do you get when you take six local stars, pair them with six professional ballroom dancers, and give them one week to practice? A Dancing with your Stars – Methow Valley style. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch these couples compete for 1st place, receive commentary from local judges and dance their hearts out in full costume! Make up and hair will be coordinated locally by Nectar Skin Bar.
Our local stars: Brooke Bourn, Rayma Hayes, Jenn Tate, Sam Naney, Walt Pearce, and Tori Karpenko! And our local judges: Deirdre Luvon, Danbert Nobacon and Carolanne Steinebach. The winner is selected by a combination of judge and audience votes. Play your part and come out to support your favorite. We encourage you to book a PARTY TABLE for optimal viewing ASAP as we expect to sell out! TICKETS HERE.
A big THANK YOU to our local lodging sponsors The Bournhouse and River Run Inn for providing hospitality and comfy beds for Utah Ballroom Dancers all week!
DATE: SAT, MAR 8, 7pm LOCATION: The Winthrop Barn. TICKETS: PARTY Tables/$100 (4 reserved seats)/Reserved Seat/$25 – you will be placed with others at table if you book partial table (We expect to sell out!); Students/$5. Twisp Daily Business, Riverside Printing in Winthrop, Methow Arts and online at brownpapertickets.com. CONTACT: Methow Arts (.org), 509.997.4004, info@methowartsalliance.org