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NMSU Wants "Look Who's Dancing" Nominations

  The search for the “Look Who’s Dancing” Season 8 celebrity contestants has begun. All are invited to nominate themselves or someone they know.

“Do you love to dance or have you ever wanted to learn? Maybe you know someone? ‘Look Who’s Dancing’ is the perfect opportunity to strut your stuff on behalf of NMSU DanceSport,” said Hannah Cole, director of the New Mexico State University’s DanceSport program and “Look Who’s Dancing.” Similar to the popular TV show, “Dancing with the Stars,” “Look Who’s Dancing” pairs local “celebrities” with NMSU DanceSport Company members to compete in a professionally judged dance competition held at the Pan American Center in November.

“Look Who’s Dancing” is the principle fundraiser for the NMSU DanceSport Company – a creative, athletic and competitive performance dance team in the Department of Kinesiology and Dance in NMSU’s College of Education. 

“This event affords the team the opportunity to represent NMSU at three regional and national dance competitions each academic year – bringing national acclaim to the great city of Las Cruces,” Cole said. All profits from “Look Who’s Dancing” go to benefit these students for competition travel and expenses, show production and the creation of scholarships.

The NMSU DanceSport students are not the only ones who benefit from “Look Who’s Dancing.” Celebrity contestants are given hours of free private dance instruction with their trained student partner. There are added health benefits, too. Many celebrities report benefits such as weight loss, increased confidence and “just enjoying life in greater ways.” 

But the perks don’t stop there, Cole said. There also is a tremendous opportunity for business and self-promotion through the extensive advertising done on behalf of “Look Who’s Dancing” via print and radio. Contestants will meet new people and have opportunities to build a network with fellow contestants. 

“By participating in ‘Look Who’s Dancing,’ I was able to expose my business to a huge audience and definitely got recognized out in the community from all of the publicity,” said Kelli Burchell, co-owner of The Emerald Isle Boutique and Season 6 People’s Choice winner. “It truly was a life-changing experience.”

“So, here are the criteria: willingness to learn to dance, raise funds through sponsorships and advertising – a $2,000 goal – it’s easy and we help you,” Cole said. “Also, to promote the mission of NMSU DanceSport – ‘Inviting the World to Dance’ – and have fun.”

The “Look Who’s Dancing” Selection Committee will accept nominations by email through April 6, 2015. Send a photo, brief bio and the reason you want to be a part of this great event to dancesport@nmsu.edu.

“Anyone in Las Cruces could be our next celebrity,” Cole said. “We consider a celebrity to be someone who has the courage and generosity enough to want to make a difference for NMSU DanceSport. You can do it.” 

NMSU DanceSport Company is an athletic and performance competitive ballroom, Latin and swing dance company in the NMSU Department of Kinesiology and Dance in the College of Education. The company’s mission is to develop highly trained collegiate DanceSport athletes and globally competitive DanceSport alumni; to foster a thriving local and regional dance community, and to build and maintain a worldwide center of excellence in partner dance training and teacher education. 

The ensemble group of dance majors and minors exists to promote DanceSport as a healthy lifestyle alternative in the community and the world through performance, competition and community service. 

For more information on the NMSU DanceSport Company’s biggest annual performance and fundraiser, “Look Who’s Dancing,” visit:www.lookwhosdancing.com; call 575-646-5704; or visit the Facebook page at /NMSUDanceSport or /LookWhosDancing.

Information from NMSU