Movers and shakers were moving and shaking at the 2025 Dancing With the South Florida Stars. The event went down Jan. 27 at The Manor.
Seven couples waltzed, pliéd, tangoed and jumped up and down all to win the coveted crown. The event’s purpose was threefold: raise money for Stonewall Pride, recognize LGBTQ trailblazers, and highlight community members. All three goals were accomplished.
The show kicked off with a number by Velvet Lenore (who also co-hosted with Eric Restivo) and the Aqua Marines from the Fort Lauderdale Aquaplex (aka Lips).
The first couple represented Scandals, with Frank Campisano and Roxie Stones doing a beautiful interpretation of Swan Lake. While low-key, it garnered the only 10 of the night, which was awarded by Gary Santis.
“Technically, they both matched each other’s technical capabilities. I think ballet has never been done [here]. They stayed true to the story.”
Chris McCoville and Orel Batt Halim brought the Latin flavor and represented Team Manor. The real-life couple had heat and passion and did a costume change mid-performance. They won over judges and the crowd and were declared the winners at the end of the night.
If there was a Contestant Having the Most Fun award, it would have gone to Harrison C. Davies. He was disco dancing for SunServe and was literally jumping for joy throughout the performance. He lost points on technical skills, but everyone should have been having as much fun as he had.
Perhaps the most memorable performance of the night came at the end. Miss Bouvèé and her partner Rick Leonard came out in classical 18th century French costumes and performed a fabulous waltz. Midway through the performance, Miss B pulled a bottle of Fireball from her bustier and took a swig. We’re pretty sure she lifted it from Jennifer McClain’s personal stash.
OutSFL’s own Queen of Queens, Melissa St. John, did a drop-dead performance and easily qualified for the top four.
Proceeds from ticket sales, along with a 50/50 raffle and the silent auction, will all go to help fund Stonewall Pride, which will take place this June on Wilton Drive.
Photo by JR Davis.
