Lee, Cox shine at Dancing with the Stars event
R.J. Lee and Taylor June Cox won the dancing title and the People’s Choice Award Jan. 31 at the 2019 edition of Darlington County’s Dancing with the Stars, an annual event that benefits the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault.
The event was at Center Theater in Hartsville.
Over 600 people attended. Dr. Orville Dyce with Black Creek Medical Consultants was the presenting sponsor.
Theresa Lacey with Hopeful Horizons in Beaufort was guest speaker and told moving stories of her survival of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Eleven couples, including a local celebrity and local dancer, competed for the mirror ball trophy to be named the winner of the 2019 Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County. This year’s theme was “Dancing Through the Decades.” Each couple was designated a decade and dance style to incorporate into their routine.
Three qualified judges determined the 2019 dance performance winners. Cox and Lee performed the swing from the 2000s. Brenda Cranford from Brenda Cranford School of Dance was the choreographer.
First runner-up for their dance performance were Michael Milbee and Heather Norment.
They performed a tango routine to “Time of My Life” to incorporate into their assigned 1980s decade. Meredith Sims with Coker College was the choreographer. Matt Nelson and Tracee Auman were second runner-up. They performed a hip hop dance to 1990s favorites.
In addition to sponsorship, ad and ticket sales, money is raised for the Coalition by votes being sold for $10 each to select the People’s Choice Award, which went to Lee and Cox.
Team 4, consisting of Lauren Wint and Greg McDonald, and Team 11, consisting of Michael Milbee and Heather Norment, were in the top three for People’s Choice with Lee and Cox.
This year’s event raised over $100,000 for the second year in a row.
