Dancing with the UConn Stars Plays 10/23 at Jorgensen on the UConn Campus in Storrs

The show may not have former exterminator and congressman Tom "The Hammer" DeLay dancing with Cheryl Burke in faux leopard, but on Friday, October 23, at 7:30 pm, "Dancing with the UConn Stars" will have its own unique brand of talent. As part of the new Husky Headliners series, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts and the University of Connecticut Ballroom Dance Club will showcase some fancy footwork - from the graceful to the gauche.

Students from the UConn Ballroom Dance Club will be joined by UConn celebrities in a fabulous evening of high-stepping fun. The Dance Club's own Libby Lombard, Kailee Donovan, George Cometta and Adam M. Peacock will be partnered with UConn Dean RoBert McCarthy, Dr. Arlene Albert, Joanne Sousa and George James to "trip the light fantastic" - without actually tripping.

Accomplished dancer, UConn Ballroom Dance Club advisor and professor of physics (including "The Physics of Music"), Dr. George Gibson will make a special appearance with his talented wife, Zoe Strickler. Even President Michael Hogan will take an introductory turn around the floor.

Senior Lauren DellaFera, vice-president of the UConn Ballroom Dance Club, and Mick Malek, instructor for both the club and Ballroom Fever in Enfield, CT, will emcee the evening. Mr. Malek has been a consistent "rising star" finalist/semi-finalist in regional competitions and is a leader in initiating competitive dancesport in Connecticut high schools.

There are sure to be glides and goofs, moves that are fantastic and some that are forgettable, and dancers who seem to be lost in each other's eyes, while others are just plain lost. The couples have been practicing to maintain their focus, grace and composure while learning precise moves and maneuvering through the foxtrot, cha-cha-cha, tango, waltz and two-step.

Don't miss this chance to separate the real dancers from the D-listers (the ones you can almost hear counting out the rhythm with grim determination) at Jorgensen on the UConn campus in Storrs. Tickets for UConn students $3; all others $5. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 11 am-5 pm, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.