Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars 2013 hasn’t hit the floor yet, but the moves will get pretty tricky when patrons scramble for their tickets as the GEM Theatre box office opens at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 3. With a sellout anticipated, no advance sales will be allowed for the Saturday finale and sales will be restricted to four per person for the $50 tickets.

Tickets for the Friday performance and the Velo Vineyard performance will be sold in unlimited quantities for $25 per ticket via the internet as well as the GEM Box Office on January 3. Tickets for the finale will only be available at the box office on January 3 and January 4, with any remaining tickets released for phone or internet sales on January 5. The Friday performance and the Velo Vineyard show will not include judges or winning announcements.

“We just cannot believe how quickly we sold the sponsorship packages and are thrilled that we already have exceeded last year’s corporate figure by $11, 000,” said Sarah Husser, Marketing Director for the GEM Theatre. “Last year was a great success and we were nervous that we might not be able to repeat it, but all indications are that we can look forward to another blockbuster. We are so thankful that we were able to continue our partnership with United Way of Gordon County.”

Sixteen dancers are participating in the second annual event, forming eight teams competing against one another both on and off the dance floor. Each team is challenged to raise money for the joint fundraiser, with proceeds divided equally between the GEM and United Way. This year’s dancers are Matt Barton, Liza Bohannan Allen, Dr. Cindy Brown, Michael Clark, Ryan Duke, Tracy Farriba, David Hawkins, Clint Hayes, Jenny Hayes, T.J. Hettmansperger, Dr. Kirby Peden, Dr. Ted Pennel, Trey Pierson, Fran Smith Brown, Meagan Walraven and Lynn Whittenburg.

Sam Edwards and Joni Harbin will emcee the show, which is produced by Wanda Whitten. Jon Gaines, owner of Hi-Gain Audio, will provide all light and sound. Sonoraville High School video instructor Bill Long and his students will provide video service. Melbin de la Cruz, Joey Parrott, Linda Suesserman and Kay Ann Wetherington will serve as the four judges. Last year’s attendees may recall that Melbin de la Cruz appeared as a guest dancer. The 2012 contestants are expected to return for one last spin around the dance floor during the show.

Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars is a joint fundraiser presented for the mutual and equal benefit of United Way of Gordon County and GEM Theatre. The shows will be on March 15 and March 16 at 7:30 p.m.