Editor’s Note: Dancing with the Locals is a charity fundraising event for the Noon Rotary Club of Plant City. Each year, eight to 13 couples compete in the competition for two awards: best dancers and most money raised.
Plant City hairdresser and makeup artist Eric Randall is making his return to the dance floor on Nov. 13, as a competitor in the annual Dancing with the Locals competition.
Randall isn’t a stranger to the charity event. He competed with Karen Fuentes in 2012. That year, Randall and Fuentes were the only couple to earn a perfect score from the judges.
Randall is looking for his second win with his new partner, Tiffany Brock. The pair, who are both friends and co-workers, are looking to dazzle and delight the audience with a dance that takes influences from tango and hip-hop genres.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing how well we work together,” Randall said. “We’re so comfortable with each other. I’m excited to see how we do.”
Although this will be Randall’s second spin in front of the judges, the competition is a first for Brock. She and her boyfriend were asked to compete by Brock’s client and the DWTL chair, Jodi Stevens. Brock agreed but her boyfriend didn’t, giving Randall the perfect opportunity to dust off his dance shoes.
Brock is ready to step out of her comfort zone.
“I’ve been to the event and I see how fun it is,” Brock said. “It’s not like me, I’m very quiet. Everyone is going to see a different side of me.”
Both Randall and Brock are Plant City natives. Randall graduated from Durant High School, and Brock graduated from Plant City High School. While earning their diplomas, both were enrolled in courses and programs that led them to their current line of work in the beauty industry.
During their downtime at work, the dance partners watch YouTube videos of dances. They have created their own choreography, but need a few transitioning moves between steps.
“We have an idea of what we want,” Brock said. “We just need certain poses in between.”
Randall and Brock are taking dance lessons from Susan Staton. Staton was also Randall’s coach when he competed three years ago.
“She’s very open-minded like me,” he said.
The partners have a handful of sponsorships so far and are excited about helping the Plant City community.
“It’s a good cause,” Brock said. “With us being in the service industry, I think it’s good for us to give back.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com
Do you have previous dance experience?
“I danced in a hip-hop group at Durant High School,” Randall said. He also competed in DWTL in 2012.
“I started at CrossFit of Plant City about three months ago,” Brock said. She also does bodybuilding. “I love it. I think I could lift Eric.”
What dance style will you be doing?
A mix of tango and hip-hop.
What are you most looking forward to?
Dancing together.
IF YOU GO: DANCING WITH THE LOCALS
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens (813) 716-0908