Stars from AMERICAN IDOL, SYTYCD & DWTS Set for Tonight's BALLROOM WITH A TWIST at Bucks County Playhouse

Bucks County Playhouse opens up its stage to the star power talent with the National Tour of BALLROOM WITH A TWIST tonight, November 4th. Audiences are invited to experience the unique and live thrill of witnessing pros from Dancing with the Stars, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance move together now all on one stage at the Playhouse.

Featured will be Anna Trebunskaya and Dmitry Chaplin as they perform the cha-cha rattle close and live beneath the fringe, with sequins, and booming sounds of the Rumba bass. This show brings a frenzy of sizzling dance moves by professional international dancers spanning the hot moves of Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Jive. It is an evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances that pushes the boundaries of ballroom dance, all infused with dynamic energy and intensity of the latest contemporary and "hip-hop" styles.

Other performers include: Val Chmerkovskiy, Peta Murgatroyd, Tony Dovolani and Emma Slater of ABC-TV's Dancing with the Stars headline in a fun, breathtaking afternoon of ballroom, rhumba, foxtrot, cha-cha, quickstep, hip-hop, contemporary, and more of your favorite dances. Adding to the excitement are Serge Onik from the current season of the FOX competition series So You Think You Can Dance, and also past finalists Jonathan Platero, Randi Lynn Strong and Legacy. American Idol finalists Gina Glocksen and Von Smith provides the sizzling soundtrack.

To purchase tickets and for more information on the Playhouse visit bcptheater.org, call 215-862-2121 or visit the box office at 70 South Main Street New Hope, PA (Tuesdays through Sunday noon -5pm)

BIOS:

DMITRY CHAPLIN is recognized as one of the most distinguished Ballroom Dancers and Choreographers in The United States and around the World. A Star Professional on "Dancing With The Stars," an EMMY Nominated Choreographer for his work on "So YouThink You Can Dance," and is one of America's favorite dancers. Dmitry's Ballroom dancing career began at the age of 12 in his hometown of Rostov-on-Don in Russia. He moved to the United States in 1999 and after studying both in America and the United Kingdom, he began representing the United States at many world famous ballroom competitions. Dmitry won many of titles, becoming a National Finalist in 2006, and ultimately a semi-finalist and finalist in prestigious International global competitions. In 2006, Dmitry's dance career took a different course - he won a place on the FOX hit TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" and became one of America's Top 10 dancers. He soon established himself as a favorite America and all around the World. This led to offers and invitations to choreograph and perform not only in the USA but many in Countries generating even more critical acclaim. After a series of guest performances on "American Idol," Dmitry was invited as a 'special guest' to dance with Gloria Estefan on the phenomenal and EMMY winning episode "Idol Gives Back." Numerous TV offers followed, leading to special guest appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show , Jimmy Kimmel Live , Good Morning America , Live with Regis and Kelly , Larry King Live , KTLA news , The View and many more. 2009 was a milestone year for Dmitry when he choreographed an Argentinean Tango on "So You Think You Can Dance" . This earned him an EMMY Nomination for best choreography. That same year, Dmitry also became Runner Up Champion in "Dancing With The Stars" with his partner Mya, receiving a record breaking number of votes making him one of the most popular dancers on the show. Dmitry headlined the Vegas spectacular show "Dancing with The Stars - Live!" and during this time made frequent guest appearances on TV and choreographing on SYTYCD and Dancing With The Stars. He was invited to perform and guest teach at many prestigious conventions and industrials, which he still does today when he has time. He was invited to headline the new live tour of "Ballroom With A Twist" and makes frequent appearances with them all over the United States. Last year, 2013, proved to be the next exciting stage in Dmitry's career. He was not only Invited to choreograph an entire episode of the FOX hit show "BONES" but seeing him work the Producers offered him the Guest Star roll of Kendrick Mantorov , the suspect, in the premier episode of the Season. It was the highest rating show of "Bones" that year. Dmitry has been invited back to choreograph for the forthcoming seasons of "Dancing With The Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance". At the start 2014 Dmitry Guest Starred on the hit ABC Family show "Baby Daddy" where he played the role of Vladimir the Ballroom expert and once again choreographed the entire episode, to be aired later this year. Balancing a career that combines acting, dancing, choreographing, teaching, personal appearances on TV, at events and conventions across America, Dmitry is in constant demand all around the world. His high profile TV appearances have made him a highly sought after personality and has become an inspiration and motivator to many young people and future stars who, through his example, are given hope that their dreams can become real.

ANNA TREBUNSKAYA With her breathtaking red hair and sexy moves, Anna Trebunskaya is one of the fan favorites on the ABC hit competition show Dancing With The Stars. Over 10 seasons on the top rated program, Anna has waltzed, fox trotted, tangoed and cha-cha'ed with celebrities and athletes such as NFL greats Jerry Rice and Kurt Warner, Olympian Evan Lysacek, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, UFC fighter Chuck Lidell, actor Steve Guttenberg, fashion guru Carson Cressley and soap opera legend Jack Wagner and during the All-Star season she was partnered with 98 Degrees heartthrob and Broadway actor Drew Lachey. Anna has been twinkling her toes since the age of six - winning her first competition at the veteran age of seven. She moved to the United States at 17 years old with her parents who are former pro ballroom dancers and studio owners. With grace, a stellar personality and the humor of a standup comedian, Anna is the perfect mix of vixen and girl next-door. The Russia beauty has been featured in various media outlets including Shape Magazine, Life & Style, Sports illustrated Swimsuit Issue, TV Guide, Runway, InTouch, People, US Weekly and others. A wonderful pitch woman, Anna has been on ABC's Shark Tank as an endorsee of PostureNow and has appeared in the infomercial for Total Gym. Giving birth to her daughter Amalya in January 2014, Anna is a spokesperson for various baby and mommy brands. Anna is one of the hosts of the recap show of Dancing With The Stars on AfterBuzzTV.com and she blogs for Good Morning America in the off-season of DWTS. You can see on the light up the dance floor as part of the Ballroom With A Twist tour. The 2013 and 2014 seasons have allowed Anna to take the stage as the live host of the show as well. With a passion for acting, Anna has been training with acting coaches Joanne Barren and D.W. Brown for several years. An entrepreneur, Anna owns the You Can Dance ballroom studio in Hermosa Beach CA. Website www.annatrebunskaya.com Twitter: @atrebunskaya

GINA GLOCKSEN-RUZICKA gained international fame as the 9th place finalist of the 6th season of American Idol. Although Gina was pegged as the 'rocker chick' for her season, her musical style stretches far beyond the realm of rock. Since her time on Idol Gina continues to sing throughout North America and beyond. From intimate clubs to major arenas, Gina has performed for audiences on all scales. Some of Gina's most memorable experiences include performing with Marvin Hamlisch and the San Diego Symphony in the summer of 2012 and her band opening for legendary rock band Heart. Gina has been one of the featured vocalists for Ballroom With A Twist since 2009 and considers the BWAT cast her second family. "I love being part of such an amazing ensemble cast!" When Gina is not touring with BWAT, she performs with her band in Chicago and continues to write and record her original music.

VON SMITH was most recently seen on Nigel Lythgoe's new TV show Opening Act on the E! network, where he was chosen by Lady Gaga herself to be her opening act on her tour in Australia. First introduced to the world when his version of "And I Am Telling You (I'm Not

Going)" from Dreamgirls became a sensation on youtube, Von Smith has garnered a legion of fans and has performed on some of the most celebrated stages in the U.S. including ABC's The View (by personal invitation of Rosie O'Donnell), BET's 106th and Park, MTV News, VH1's Best Week Ever, E Entertainment Television's The Soup, TV Azteca's La Academia and perhaps the biggest stage: American Idol Season 8 as one of the top 17 finalists. When he's not rocking out on national stages across the country with fellow idol buddies, or performing in front of symphonies conducted by the likes of the late Marvin Hamlisch, Von has been seen around the Los Angeles area in several Upright Cabaret productions, as well as leading roles in an LA based series of shows called For The Record, tributing the soundtrack songs and iconic moments from films by noted directors such as Quentin Tarantino, John Hughes, Baz Luhrman, Paul Thomas Anderson, and most recently, Martin Scorsese. He is currently working on his first EP.

C.J. BAIR began dancing professionally in various theater productions such as Rick Robinson's Evolutions of Dance, Return to Christmas and Latin Fusion. Shortly after he joined Louis Van Amstel's touring production of Invitation to Dance. Since 2009 he has been touring with Ballroom with a Twist. C.J. began dancing at age 16 at Center Stage Performing Arts Studios in Orem, UT. He specializes in Latin Ballroom and has competed in numerous competitions all over the world and has been trained by some of Dancesports top coaches.

BRENT BORBON Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Brent Borbon is a featured professional in "Ballroom With A Twist." Formerly being a featured professional on the hit television series, "Dancing With the Stars," he has choreographed/danced for Dancing With the Stars India (known as, "Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa") as well as Argentina's version of of the show ("Bailando Por Un Sueño") coaching the former boxing's world heavy weight champion, Mike Tyson. He has performed over a thousand shows in the water spectacular "Le Rêve" at Wynn Las Vegas as dance captain. Dancing for N.B.A. halftime shows and the N.F.L. Superbowl xxVIII halftime show, Brent was also a semi-finalist on CBS's "Star Search." Originally trained under Corky & Shirley Ballas as well as Donnie Burns, he has taught a range of venues from dance intensives and master classes for West Coast Dance Explosion, to DVD's and multiple casts of Cirque Du Soleil.

OKSANA DMYTRENKO has been a force in the world of competitive dance since the age of 6. Oksana was a juvenile and junior finalist in multiple competitions in her native Ukraine, before becoming the National Youth Champion. She held this high honor in her country for 3 consecutive years. When Oksana took her skills to the international realm, she truly began to flourish by earning First place in the International Dance Union World Cup 2005 and 2006. She earned 1st place in the Dutch Open 2005 & 2006, and First place in the 2010 World Masters amongst many other accolades. At the age of 18, she took her pursuits to the United States where she repeatedly took Second place in the National Amateur Championships which led to the honor of representing the U.S. in Who's Who In The Company for the World Championships in Australia. After turning professional in 2011, Dmytrenko took First place in the Professional Rising Star Latin category, making her the national champion. She also became the USDC Open to the World professional Rising Star champion. Oksana now graces television screens worldwide as a pro on ABC's Dancing With the Stars, recently performing on her 3rd season as a member of the troupe.

MAGDA FIALEK Magda was born in Poland and moved to Canada at the age of 4. She started dancing at 4 and later found ballroom dancing at 7 years old. She became Canadian Champion in the Junior level and as a Youth dancer she moved to the United States to further pursue her dancing. Now she competes within the USA and abroad, and is currently ranked as one of the top dancers in the United States.

FLEXX Wilmer Fernandez better known as Flexx was born in the Dominican Republic to a musically inclined family. He naturally had the same passions passed down through the generations. At the age of 12 he walked into a skating rink in which he saw some kids "break dancing". That was the year he got introduced to this new life, art, and culture. He had a love and passion for performance, with charisma and energy to his movement. He is one of the very few B-Boys to also perform different styles of choreography. This attracted the attention of choreographers and artists in his city which led him to to perform with some of the countries greatest entertainers, artists, choreographers, and productions. He has traveled around the country teaching workshops and competing while also motivating and inspiring the youth. A motivational speaker at heart and inspiring role model, Flexx is always looking for a way in which he can help or uplift another individual. Has also worked Stunts and doubled for other actors. Now as a resident of Los Angeles, he is a rising working Actor, Film Maker, Dancer and Producer.

ALLEN GENKIN is thrilled to be performing with the cast of Ballroom With A Twist having just won this past season's Ballroom Battle on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. He will again be dancing with his partner from DWTS, Alla Kocherga! Allen was the Youth National finalist in 2008 and ranked top 10 in Youth and Amateur division in USA for many years. He has been a professional competitive dancer since the age of 11 . Allen would like to dedicate his performance to his mother.

PATRICIA KANIOWSKI joined the cast of Burn The Floor after moving from Australia to the United States at the age of 19. She began her dancing life at the age of eight. The next year, Patricia entered her first dance competition, which she won, and she has been winning titles (both amateur and professional) ever since. Now, she is focused on latin ballroom and is currently ranked 10th in the United States. Patricia and her former partner, were also ranked 24th at the International Championships and placed 8th in Rising Star Professional Latin division. She has established an internationally successful reputation for teaching and lecturing and continues to train, compete and perform worldwide.

ALLA KOCHERGA has been seen in a wide range of entertainment industry shows from ABC's Dancing With the Stars, to national commercials, and recently a principal on the classy but sensational touring show titled Ballroom With A Twist directed and choreographed by DWTS's own Louie van Amstel. Originally from Ukraine, Alla moved to Los Angeles at the age of five where she began passionately pursuing the art of dance. With ballet as her foundation she later developed a love for ballroom, and from 11 years of age has managed to earn the title of California State Champion, National finalist, top 24 in the IDSF World Open Ballroom Competition, and recently won the first segment of Ballroom Battle on the hit show Dancing with the Stars! Her unique facility mixed with her hard work ethic and professionalism has steered her from the competition world to the performance aspect of her artistry. Alla strives to make an impact on every audience she encounters and lives each day seeking to learn and improve her performance and believes that being a student and growth are the key to success.

KIKI NYEMCHEK made his tv debut as a member of the dance troupe on the Emmy nominated TV show Dancing with the Stars and continued to be featured as a troupe member for seasons 12, 13 and 14. Throughout his competitive career he has won numerous titles within the United States, and has gone on to represent the United States at the World championships in Finland, France and Spain. Along with his current partner Magda Fialek he continues to compete internationally as well as in the USA and together they have most recently become regional champions as well as national finalists. He is also currently a featured dancer with "Dancing With The Stars At Sea".

JONATHAN PLATERO gained national attention with his athletic dance ability as a So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 Finalist. Before SYTYCD, Jonathan had already won titles including World Undisputed Salsa Champion and was the head choreographer for Salsa Heats Pro-Team, making his team one of the top team finalists in the world. Being trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-hop, Ballroom & Salsa, Jonathan had always dreamed of being a professional dancer. Shortly after the SYTYCD, Jonathan moved to Los Angeles and landed his first major spot on the hit television show, Glee, alongside Olivia Newton-John. Immediately following, he appeared on Disney channel's Shake It Up, Fran Drescher's hit show, Happily Divorced, and the Wendy Williams Show dancing for the international Superstar, Agnes. In addition to all his accomplishments, Jonathan has showcased his talents in music video's for artist such as Jennifer Lopez, John Mayer, & Cody Simpson. Most recently Jonathan was featured on Dancing with the Stars Season 16, gaining international exposure. Currently, Jonathan is one of the head choreographers/dancers for Estrella TV's, Mi Sueno Es Bailar, the Spanish TV version of Dancing With The Stars.

TONY PUTUTAU has performed in many dance productions including Odyssey Dance Theater, Louis Van Amstel's Latin Revolution, and the 2007-08 North American tour of Dancing With the Stars. Tony is from Provo, Utah where he began ballroom dancing at age twelve. He has been a competitor since 1994 and a teacher and choreographer since 1998. He has won many Latin and standard competitions in the United States and Europe including the Irish International Open Latin Championships in 2000. You can currently see Tony partnered with ABC's Dancing With The Stars' Pro Cheryl Burke in her new TV commercial campaign for Depends.

AMY BENNETT was Ballroom Dance Captain for the London West End Musical Dirty Dancing. She has performed on P&O cruise ships and starred in the Polish edition of Dancing with the Stars. Born in Great Yarmouth, England, Amy started dancing at the age of 8 and put all her focus into becoming a competitive dancer. Winning titles at all local competitions she then began to compete nationally and Internationally. Amy is now a Professional Latin dancer currently ranked 3rd World Championships as well as being part of England's National Team. Amy is also positioned in the top 24 couples of the World has been European semi finalist. Amy has lectured and given workshops for famous Dance Organizations and is a qualified Dance Teacher with the ISTD faculty.

RANDI LYNN STRONG is best known for being a Top 5 Female Dancer on Season 5 of the FOX Hit TV Show So You Think You Can Dance and the accompanying 40 city national arena tour. On the show, Randi and her partner turned in one of the more memorable performances in the shows history; the infamous "Butt Dance" choreographed by Emmy award winning Choreographer Mia Michaels. The dance that was inspired by Randi's backside, has lived on in SYTYCD history and was recently re-created on Season 9. It inspired Judge Nigel Lythgoe to claim that he still thinks about Randi's rear. Although this is certainly an honor, Randi is much more than her bottom and is a multidisciplinary dancer and a top, in-demand Choreographer. Dancing since the age of 3, Randi trained for over 15 years at Utah's famed 'Dance Club' of Orem. In her many years of competing, she earned numerous titles including National Outstanding Dancer for the New York City Dance Alliance. Randi has performed as a member of the ensemble in the highly acclaimed Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the 2002 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies with 'Earth Wind and Fire', choreographed by the famed Kenny Ortega and featured on X Factor choreographed by Brian Friedman. While best known as a Contemporary Dancer and Choreographer, Randi is quite accomplished in many forms of dance and more recently is being known as a professional Ballroom Dancer. She is currently featured as a ballroom, latin, and contemporary dancer on tour with other stars of SYTYCD, Dancing With the Stars and American Idol in Louis Van Amstel's Ballroom with a Twist. Randi also just recently completed an international run with Royal Caribbean's 'Navigator of the Seas' as a Guest Ballroom and Adagio Couple.

MICHAEL WHITE (Production Manager) began a lifelong love affair with the American Theatre while still in High School. As a young actor, director, designer and technician, he won numerous awards in statewide theatre competitions and earned a scholarship to the prestigious University of Texas Department of Drama. In addition to his work onstage, he designed scenery, lighting, sound and special effects, and wrote and directed his first original play while still in High School. By the time he graduated, he was already a veteran of nine Equity productions on the professional stage. After a distinguished collegiate career, Michael returned to the professional theatre wherein he served as an Actor, Director, Designer and Stage Manager in professional theatres from coast to coast. His numerous technical credits include Stage Managing Bermuda Avenue Triangle starring Renee Taylor, Joseph Bologna and Lainie Kazan, and the extended National Tour of The Odd Couple (Female Version) starring Barbara Eden, a show in which he also served as Assistant Director and Lighting Supervisor. As a director, he most recently helmed the National Touring Production of Say Goodnight, Gracie, and the World Premiere Production of playwright Lizzie Maxwell's Confessions of a Nice Jewish Girl. As an actor, Michael's credits range from Shakespeare, Williams and Albee to light comedies, including the box office record-setting tour of Hanky Panky. His performances have also been seen in numerous films and television shows. Of all the roles, all the assignments and all the hats he has worn in all the many shows, his all-time favorite remains the role of husband to his beloved wife, Jennifer and father to his cherished daughter, Michelle. And today, more than thirty-five years after it all began, that love affair with the American Theatre is still going strong.

CHRISTOPHER POWICH (Associate Producer) conceived and directed both the Off-Broadway production of Ethel Merman's Broadway (next at the El Portal) as well as the productions at the John Houseman Theater and the Pasadena Playhouse. Powich also wrote and directed Ms. McKenzie's nationally acclaimed Symphony Pops tribute to Ethel Merman. He directed McKenzie and Carole Shelley in the reenactment of Ethel Merman and Mary Martin's famous1955 television medley at Rainbow and Stars Nightclub in New York. Powich directed the world premiere of the comedy Snap Shots by Ralph Frederick at the O'Neill Theater in Waterford, CT, as well as the Boston Company. He recently was Tour Director for the American Idol show American Stars in Concert. He created, directed and performed in Class Act, a nightclub revue that toured on the East Coast. In that show, Powich continued his association with McKenzie, which started with their featured roles in The Most Happy Fella and Showboat. He also directed McKenzie's nightclub act at Palsson's in New York. He has directed Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman, Hal Linden, George Chakiris, Dick Van Patten and Steve Allen in A.R Gurney's hit play Love Letters. He performed regionally in lead roles in The Music Man, Oklahoma!, The Most Happy Fella, Man of La Mancha, Oh, What a Lovely War, Hello, Dolly!, Guys and Dolls, Forty Carats, Jazz Babies, A Face Worth Saving, and Oliver!. In 2014, watch for Powich/McKenzie's Little Ziggy's Pop Up Polka Party.

ABOUT BUCKS COUNTY PLAYHOUSE - Bucks County Playhouse, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, provides the finest theatrical entertainment for visitors and residents of New Hope, Doylestown, Lambertville and the Delaware Valley. Under the direction of Robyn Goodman and Alexander Fraser, its mission is to present first class professional entertainment and regain the Playhouse's historic place in the national theatrical landscape; and to stimulate, support, inspire and celebrate the performing arts via community programs, partnerships and arts education.

Located between Philadelphia and New York, Bucks County Playhouse opened in 1939 in a converted 1790 gristmill after a group of community activists, led by Broadway orchestrator Don Walker and playwright Moss Hart, rallied to save the building. The Playhouse quickly became one of the country's most famous regional theaters, featuring a roster of American theatrical royalty including Helen Hayes, Kitty Carlisle, Colleen Dewhurst, Shirley Booth, Lillian Gish, Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Bert Lahr, Walter Matthau, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, Alan Alda, Tyne Daly, Liza Minnelli and Audra McDonald and remained in continuous operation until December 2010. In 2012, the Playhouse re-opened thanks to the efforts of the Bridge Street Foundation, the nonprofit family foundation of Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, and Broadway producer Jed Bernstein. Terrence McNally's Mothers and Sons, starring Tyne Daly, received its world premiere at the Playhouse in 2013 and opened on Broadway in February 2014, where it was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play. This returned the Playhouse to its roots as an incubator for Broadway, which included 1951′s The Fourposter starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, Neil Simon's first play Come Blow Your Horn, and Barefoot in the Park starring Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley. Bucks County Playhouse is located at 70 South Main Street in New Hope, PA.

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