SANFORD — Lets Dance with the Stars, that glitzy, glorious dance extravaganza that benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, returns Nov. 4 with a dazzling line up of local dancers. The event will be held at Sanford Veterans Memorial Gymnasium on Main Street.

Sanford Elks, which hosts the event, say it is made up of pairs including a dance “pro” and a community “star.” The dance professional trains the community member and the duo will perform and compete at the event.

Winners will be decided by combining the judges’ scores and  audiences votes. 

This year’s teams are:

• Mario Barros, who is employed by Sysco of Northern New England and is a bouncer at Bentley’s Saloon. He is paired with  Kim LaChance an administration coordinator at Southern Maine Health Care.

• Lori Hegarty is recreation coordinator for the Sanford Parks and Recreation Department and Kevin Payeur attends Waban’s Lifeworks Program in Springvale.

• Erin Frasier is a choreographer for the Maine Attraction Water Ski Team and a program manager for Compass Behavioral Health. She is paired with  Zach Lemelin, a teacher at Sanford Junior High School.

• Kendra O’Connell is the owner of Jazz Tappin’ Dance Academy and is paired with Rossie Lontine-Kearson, a special education teacher at Sanford High School.

• Diane Higgins is the owner of Diane’s School of Dance and is paired with Lucas Lanigan, the executive director at Nasson Community Center and a  Sanford city councilor.

• Katie Brooks is the owner of Brooks Dance Center and is paired with Eddie Murphy, a police officer with the Sanford Police Department.

• Monique Martineau is the new owner of Northern Explosion Dance Studio now located in the Mid-Town Mall in Sanford and  is paired with Jon Champlin, a corrections officer at York County Jail.

A limited number of reserved table seats are available at $15. General admission bleacher seats are $10. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dancers begin kicking up their heels at 7 p.m. 

Organizers say this is an alcohol and tobacco free event.

 Tickets are available at Brooks Dance Center, Diane’s School of Dance, Jazz Tappin’ Dance Academy, Northern Explosion Dance Studio, Steppin’ Out Dance Centre, SIS Bank (Sanford, south Sanford, and Springvale locations), Kennebunk Savings Bank (Sanford and Springvale locations) or by contacting Sandy Stillwagon at 603-953-6705.

Event sponsors include Kennebunk Savings Bank and SIS Bank.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].