Chuck Aman is representing at least two key groups in Dancing with the SMM Stars – past fundraiser chairpersons and “all the overweight, out-of-shape fathers out there.” With little dance experience besides stepping on his wife’s toes and following her lead, Chuck hopes to lend some comic relief to SMM’s dance competition. He plans to amuse, entertain, and embarrass, all for a good cause. He can probably count on at least six votes: one from his wife, Jacque, and five from their large brood—as long as good ole dad isn’t too embarrassing.

Chuck will dance with SMM parishioner Kim Forlini. A professional dancer with 20 years of training in ballet, jazz, and Latin dancing, Kim is the owner and artistic director of Springton Dance Academy in Newtown Square (www.springtondanceacademy.com). She has had a multi-faceted career, training and dancing throughout Europe and the U.S., and is currently the choreographer for the Phillie Phanatic.

        (10% of money raised will go to SMM’s Stewardship Program)

The competitor most feared by his fellow dancers because “he has God on his side,” Father Bill Chiriaco is representing the rectory in SMM’s dance competition. Fr. Bill has been at St. Mary Magdalen for three years and teaches theology full-time at Cardinal O’Hara. He has more entertainment experience than most of his competitors, having performed in a variety of shows in high school—from West Side Story to Anything Goes and The Sound of Music. His motivation for competing? “To see, at 56 years old, if I can still try to dance!”

Father Bill will dance with Carmela Mayo. A dance instructor with more than 40 years of training and experience, Carmela is the owner of Carmela’s Dance Studio in Springfield (www.carmelasdance.com). Carmela was honored as Best Director/Choreographer of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Her goal is to infuse each dance class with equal measures of “discipline, fun, and love.”

     (10% of money raised will go to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary)

“Don’t be fussy, vote for Hussey!” This is the slogan that helped Mike Hussey claim victory as a people’s choice entrant in Dancing with the SMM Stars. Now the real work begins— leaning to dance and making some money.
On the dance front, Mike boasts years of party dancing experience. On the fundraising front, Team Hussey is assembled and ready to go. “I am up for the challenge and will involve supporters from all over the U.S.A.,” says this father of three. And if you’ve ever seen Mike and his wife, Margaret, work a room, you believe him!

Mike will dance with Lori Coyle. Lori is a skilled teacher with over 20 years of dance experience. She owns Sangha Space (www.sanghaspace.com), which she created to bring the “joyful, fascinating experience” of Argentine Tango dancing to Media.  Lori has been dancing Argentine Tango for over seven years and brings the love of movement and connection to every dance.

                 (10% of money raised will go to SMM School)

Dubbed the “Silver Fox” by his growing fan base, Rudy Chillemi will represent SMM lectors in Dancing with the SMM Stars. However, as a parishioner for more than 40 years, Rudy could represent many groups. He is an usher, Eucharistic minister, part-time acolyte, and active senior. Tall and debonair, Rudy says he has no real dance experience, though his three daughters “have kept me on my toes all of my adult life.” An attorney by trade, Rudy promises free legal advice for your votes—plus a great seat at Christmas Eve mass!

Rudy will dance with Susanna Cointot. Susanna has over 40 years of experience in tap, ballet, jazz, and authentic Hawaiian dance. She discovered ballroom dancing more recently, and soon won the Top Student Newcomer Award in her first ballroom dancing competition. Her success streak continued when she brought home the Top Full Bronze award in her third competition.

       (10% of money raised will go to St. Vincent DePaul Society)

One of the first to step forward and sign up to dance, Stephen DiPietro may be the most unsuspecting dancer among the cast of SMM stars. Representing the Capital Campaign and a host of other SMM segments, Stephen comes off as more “college professor” than “disco king” (which, incidentally, he says, is his favorite type of dance). In his spare time, this married father of two is currently helping compile a 50-year history of St. Mary Magdalen’s parish...will Stephen make his own history on March 24th? Stay tuned.

Stephen will dance with Julie Berger. She is a highly educated dancer with experience in many types of dance and a specialty in salsa. Julie is the founder and artistic director of the Salsa in the Suburbs Dance Studio (www.salsainthesuburbs.com). After years of studying dance in both the Philadelphia area and Europe, Julie developed into a master dance instructor.

           (10% of money raised will go to Catholic Schools in need)

Dan Morrow was selected for Dancing with the SMM Stars as a people’s choice winner. He represents SMM dads, as well as the CYO Executive Board. Perhaps Dan received so many people’s choice votes because of the promise of seeing his much-talked-about “pop-and-lock” and “sprinkler” dance moves in action. Dan and his wife, Bonnie, have five children and have been in St. Mary Magdalen’s parish for two years. Asked what he is most looking forward to about the dance competition, Dan replied, “The end of the night!”

Dan will dance with SMM parishioner Carol Elia. Carol is a passionate teacher with over 20 years’ experience in group fitness instruction, personal training, and yoga. She began competitive dance as a cheerleader and then became group fitness instructor, teaching hip-hop and Zumba classes. Carol has received dance training throughout the area, including at Springton Dance Academy.

                    (10% of money raised will go to SMM CYO)