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.
Megan Mayo-Sewell has danced in front of crowds before but always with a competitive dance team by her side. The Sewell Farms CFO will compete in front of judges once again, this time with partner and brother-in-law, Marshal Sewell. The pair will grace the stage at the Dancing with the Locals competition Friday, Nov. 13.
The in-laws will be doing a snazzy swing combination number at the upcoming competition. The routine is choreographed by Charlyne Loveridge, who Mayo-Sewell used to dance with. Loveridge is the dance captain for the Tampa Bay Storm.
“I knew she did a different style of dance,” Mayo-Sewell said. “I already felt the vibe with her and knew.”
Mayo-Sewell danced on an all-star hip-hop team while attending Durant High School. Later, she opened her own cheerleading gym, in Brandon.
Unlike his sister-in-law, Sewell’s dance experience is limited to busting out his best moves at weddings. The Sewell Farms sales representative wasn’t sure if he wanted to compete in the annual charity event at first but decided to try it.
“I knew people who had done it, but I had never gone to watch it,” Sewell said.
So far, the pair’s weekly dance practices are going as planned.
In addition to their regularly scheduled practices, the partners have continued to hit the gym. Although they’re in it to win it, Sewell is most looking forward to supporting the community and the cause.
“They gave us a breakdown of what the money is for,” Sewell said. “The fundraising aspect for me … I think that alone makes it a really worthwhile cause.”
The Sewell family has owned Sewell Farms for five generations. Although Sewell was raised on the farm, Mayo-Sewell married into the agricultural family when she wed Sewell’s brother, Marc.
“I think it’s a lifestyle,” Mayo-Sewell said. “It’s not really a job.”
Marshal and Marc Sewell’s father has quasi-retired from the business, but the Sewells hope to pass the tradition down to their children.
“Our goal is to keep it in the family,” Sewell said.
The rest of the Sewell family is supportive of the pair’s upcoming dance endeavor. Sewell and Mayo-Sewell are still accepting sponsorships for the Dancing with the Locals competition.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com
What style of dance will you be doing?
Swing combination.
Do you have any prior dance experience?
Megan Mayo-Sewell competed on an all-star hip-hop team in high school and owned a cheerleading gym.
Marshal Sewell has no prior dance experience.
Who asked you to compete?
Doug Watson, of the Noon Rotary Club.
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