Local dancers perform at Dr. Oz event

VW independent/submitted information

Dancers Alanna Knebel, Larissa Laudick, Katelyn Welch, Kylie Hohman, and Kaden Hohman from Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks were selected to perform the opening number at Dr. Mehmet and Lisa Oz’s HealthCorps Gala.

The dancers attended Dynamite National Talent Dance Competition, auditioned at the competition, and were selected from an intense audition directed by Stepp Stewart, owner and director of Dynamite Talent as well as choreographer for the Dr. Oz show.

This year’s event, the 10th annual HealthCorps gala, honored American television personality Rachael Ray.

The HealthCorps’ mission is to raise funds to fight child obesity and expand school health education programming. Dr. Oz and his wife founded HealthCorps and were co-hosts of the gala. This was a black tie event — a magical evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment by Ben Vereen.

The dancers, along with their parents and studio owner-instructor Kim Hohman, traveled to New York City for this amazing opportunity and experience. The dancers attended rehearsals to learn choreography for a jazz number to be performed at the event.

Hohman and parents Kimberly Laudick, Jacque Welch, and Tera Knebel volunteered for the event.

“This was such an amazing experience for all of us,” said Hohman.

Kim Hohman’s DanceWorks’ 20th annual recital will be held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 21. Call the studio at 419.232.6505 for ticket information.