‘Dancing With The Ohio Valley Stars’ Set for Nov. 4 at Capitol Theatre

Emma Delk

WHEELING -- Local celebrities, including a firefighter, detective, news anchor and more, will get their dancing shoes on, with the Augusta Levy Learning Center announcing the lineup for their annual Dancing with the Ohio Valley Stars on Friday.

With 12 couples rounding out the competition, Augusta Levy Learning Center Executive Director Angie Wood said the number of dancers was one of the largest the competition has seen and an "ironic coincidence" because this year is the event's 12th rendition.

Participants will spend the next eight weeks polishing their routine before they compete for the mirrorball trophy at Wheeling's Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m. Nov. 4. The 2023 lineup includes:

– Wheeling Fire Department Capt. Tobias Bachman and Studio MC Performing Arts Centre owner Megan Campbell;

– Pine Room Studios co-founder and COO Brian Campbell and Turn It Out Dance Academy's Payton Nickerson

– Belmont Brewerks owner Rick Veon and Dynamic Dance Force owner Cassidy Sansone

– Financial Advisor with McKenzie Riedel Wealth Management Robert Felton and Rysing Star Dance Academy's Aivri Ruttencutter

– WTRF 7News Anchor Baylee Martin and Arthur Murray's Nathan Stark

– WesBanco's Corey Albers and Arthur Murray's Dance's Maddie Copeland

– Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration Disaster Preparedness Advisor Dana Roscoe and freelance dancer Patrick Viola

– Owner of BB Athletics Brad Becca and Turn It Out Dance Academy's Jayden Burge

– Tunnel Ridge Mine Vice President of Operations Eric Anderson and Take A Bow Dance Centre's Lynsey Yoho

– A Special Wish Ohio Valley Chapter's Executive Director Annmarie O'Grady and Studio MC's Caleb Cooper

– Wheeling Police Detective Sgt. Rob Safreed and Studio MC's Alexandra Mitchell

– Jayla Robinson, Realtor and co-host of the podcast "AskYourselfWhyNot" and freelance dancer Walker Holloway.

Bachman is excited for the competition, explaining that though he has "zero" dance experience, he would rate his abilities at "probably a seven." He added that his main strategy leading up to the competition is "whatever the coach" tells him.

On whether he thinks dancing is harder than firefighting, Bachman noted the similarities between the two, saying both require "a lot of discipline."

"I am really excited to just see how I can do," added Bachman. "I also love the event because we love Augusta (Levy) at the fire department.

We do a lot of work with them through our investigation and inspections department, so I'm happy to help."

All proceeds for the event go towards Augusta Levy Learning Center, which is the first intensive autism treatment program in West Virginia that serves the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Wood explained that Augusta Levy Learning Center is "so thankful" for the Wheeling community, who "always supports and gets excited" for the event.

"I am also so thankful for all the dancers who participate," said Wood. "The professional dancers take time out of their busy schedules to teach the celebrities, and we were so lucky this year to have such a large lineup."

Couples are allowed to practice as "often as they want," added Wood, who said that some participants "get really into it" and practice every day. After spending weeks polishing their routines, each couple will perform choreographed dance routines judged by a panel of judges, including Justin Mise, Jill Ruff and Dottie Henson, at the competition.

While the coveted mirrorball trophy is the main award the dancers will vie for, Wood added that there are other specialty awards, such as Best Costume, Best Choreography and the People's Choice Award.

"It's so great that this event continues and grows every year because it all goes back to our kids," said Wood. "It's also a fun night to dress up, come out with your friends or girlfriends and enjoy some great live entertainment."