Page 26 January 2015 By Michelle Donati-Grayman There’s a dancer in all of us. Some reserve their talents for weddings and bat mitzvahs, while others, like Paradise Valley resident Linda Pope, turn their passion for it into a TV show. conceptualized a docuseries about the highly competitive world of amateur ballroom dancing. She shared her idea with Simon Fuller of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance after being introduced to the television producer by a friend. Together, the pair successfully pitched Ballroom Blitz to the TLC network. “The American public has proved they love ballroom dance shows like Dancing With The Stars,” Pope said. “Ballroom Blitz has glitz, glamour and drama and we know people are just going to love it.” Each episode of the six-part series features three passionate dancers paired with a professional dancer to compete in national competitions held across the country. Scottsdale resident Jan Montague was featured in the fourth episode of the series. Montague grew up watching Come Dancing, a British ballroom dancing television show, which was introduced as Dancing with the Stars in the United States in 2005. “I watched it, but I never thought I’d do it,” Montague said. That changed nearly a decade ago when a friend told Montague she was taking ballroom lessons. Montague decided to join her. She danced for several years until a foot injury required surgery. Pope approached her to compete on the show while Montague was recovering. “I was hoping I could get my foot well enough to perform,” Montague said. “It was a personal challenge.” It took Montague six weeks to prepare for the competition. She and her dance partner, Igor from Imperial Dance Studio in Scottsdale, competed against 30 couples. taking the top prize at their competition. “It was the most elating thing to win,” Montague said. “The judge said he’s never seen anyone more happy.” In addition to bragging rights, Montague said would cover a couple of dance lessons. Montague was one of several local residents who appeared on the show. Others included Carrie Schnepf, Rose Dimov, Jim Garnick and Olivia Pena Anderson. Ballroom Blitz aired in late November on TLC. Visit facebook.com/ BallroomBlitzFans to learn more about the series. Paradise Valley resident Linda Pope with her dance partner Igor. Waltz, tango, foxtrot? TLC to air local docuseries One appointment. Expert doctors. Convenient services. 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 t FPSAZ.com Because caring for your health has always been our passion, we’ve made the following services conveniently available in our office. t&YDFMMFOUDBSFGPSBMMBHFT t4BNFEBZBQQPJOUNFOUT t0OTJUFDMJOJDBMMBCPSBUPSZBOE9SBZT t%FSNBUPMPHZBOE0QUPNFUSZTFSWJDFT t#PUPYBOE0CBHJTLJODBSFOPXBWBJMBCMF Celebrating 45 years of family care .'BNUPQN and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. .BSL"8ZTF .% Kate Montgomery, FNP "MMBO(PMENBO %0 %BWJE"OEFSTPO 0% Optometrist %BWJE'SBODZL %0 5&.D$BVMFZ .% 5ZMFS4PVUIXFMM .% "OESFX3BDFUUF %0 $FSUJĕFE%FSNBUPMPHJTU +BNFT-FBQ 1"$ Physician Assistant "MJTIB"SDIJCFDL %0 +FOOJGFS'SBODZL 1"$ Victoria Rhodes, P.A. 8BMUFS,PQQFOCSJOL .% $IBSMFT-FWJTPO .% PARADISE VALLEY CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY Preparing exemplary Christian citizens and servant leaders. Grades preschool through high school ACSI, NCA accredited Low teacher to student ratios Students score well-above grade level on standardized tests Extended day care and after school enrichment programs 15 minutes from the Arcadia neighborhood Our mission is to provide a scholarly, Christ-centered community instilling Biblical values by nurturing spiritual growth. www.pvcp.org Join us for our Open House on Jan. 28 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Call for more information, 602-992-8140 ext. 223
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