What a difference a year makes for Alex Rae Rhoades, who went from judging the Dancing with the Locals event last year to taking the stage this year with her dance partner Phil Davis and winning the first place trophy.
They also raised a lot of money, more than $39,000, to help the Plant City Rotary Club achieve its mission of providing service to others.
Rhoades and Davis impressed the crowd at the sold-out event by performing a routine that started to “Wine, Beer, Whisky” by Little Big Town before switching to Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It On The Alcohol.”
“It was our instructor’s idea, Kevin with Just Dance in Lakeland, he really thought it would be great,” said Rhoades, who said the song was a nod to Davis’ “roots” as General Manager and bartender at Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar.
Rhoades and Davis met twice a week to learn the routine, for a total of 10 lessons. “Kevin was really creative and helped choreograph our dance, with Phil being a bartender and me asking him to dance,” said Rhoades.
The experience was one she’ll cherish forever. “Just to participate in the event, check off one thing on my bucket list, get to know Phil better and raise money to give back to our community was an honor,” she said.
While the net total hasn’t been calculated, Rotary member and event co-chairperson Jodi Stevens estimates the event netted approximately $137,000. Five hundred and thirty people attended the event. “It seems like each year the props get a little bit bigger and better,” she said. “This event continues to grow and is doing good in the community.”
The money raised stays in the community, much of it used to fund its scholarship program for local high school seniors.
“It’s just a fun night, it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year,” she said.
Jason Johns and Courtney Spears placed second.
Trent Lott and Caroline Sessa placed third.
Caitlyn Kent and Franz Lesing won the Judges Choice Award for their performance of a song from “The Greatest Showman” that included aerial feats.
The fun wasn’t over after the winners were announced. There was a dance floor set up so event attendees got to dance the night away.
The next Dancing with the Locals event will be held Oct. 25, 2024.