SOCORRO, N.M. – Eight saucy dancers and three irreverent judges take the spotlight for the show of the year at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, when the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series (PAS) is bringing to Macey Center an encore performance of “Shall We Dance Socorro – Music Legends Night.”

The show promises to be a winner, with eight local men and women dancing to songs by iconic musical legends.

This year’s dancers are Sheri Armijo, Catherine (Chavez) Barela, Floyd Bell, Francie Deters, Chelsey Hargather, Cindy Lam, Tony Ortiz and J.C. Trujillo. These wholesome and otherwise humble hoofers will be paired with professionals from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company.

For the singular thrill of seeing people they know from everyday life in Socorro shake a leg, hopefully, two, you’ll be treated to a judging panel made up of Bob “Buckhorn” Olguin, Melissa Begay of N.M. Tech’s Physical Recreation Department, and teacher and thespian Theresa Apodaca.

A ballroom professional with the dance troupe will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Incredible costumes and video highlights from rehearsals make for a complete entertainment package.

But wait, there’s more.

“People had so much fun at the first Shall We Dance Socorro event, we’re bringing it back for a second season,” PAS Director and event organizer Ronna Kalish said. “This light-hearted competition is also a fundraiser for PAS to support programs such as youth concerts in the schools, the Community Arts Party, NDI program, Fourth of July, and other activities and events the community looks forward to each year.”

Under a slightly modified voting process, each member of the audience can vote for the dancer of his or her choice, as well as make a donation in the name of a favorite dancer for extra points toward the final tally, which includes votes from the judging panel.

“Several local charitable organizations will benefit as well,” Kalish said. “People can donate to their favorites, and give dancers extra points at the same time. Everyone’s a winner.” Participating groups will be released soon.  

Only one dancer can become the next Shall We Dance Socorro Champion and take home the coveted mirror-ball trophy. (Seriously, who doesn’t want one of these in their living room?) Michael Hargather, associate professor of mechanical engineering at N.M. Tech, leapt – literally – to top honors in 2017.

“The audience will be amazed watching the professionals perform some incredible moves, such as lifts and other acrobatics,” Kalish said. “The costumes are amazing, and the show includes theatrical story lines in showcasing a variety of ballroom dances.”

The show has been described as dance theatre: it’s at once comical and dramatic, sensual and lyrical, acrobatic and romantic; and, here’s the deal – it’s a whole lot of fun. Ask anyone.

But first, let’s ask the dancers what they think. And so, in no particular order except alphabetical, here they are.

Sheri Armijo.  Armijo describes herself as a lifelong dancer and dance class dropout. Her dance experience, she says, is similar to on-the-job training, hope that someone will guide you through the process.

“My husband and I dance at all weddings and fiestas,” she said, adding that the polka is their specialty. Previous stage experience includes participation through the NDI program, a role in the Socorro Community Theater production of Oliver! and drama classes in middle and high school.

She has never watched Dancing with the Stars, but did see the tango scene in “Scent of a Woman.” Armijo laughs. She is in no hurry to learn the tango, even with Al Pacino (“it looks so difficult”). Instead, she will dance a salsa to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira.

“Well, I am a little nervous about this,” she said. “I listen to music, feel it, and then the body moves through it, but it's a challenge for me to learn difficult steps. I'm hoping my partner goes very slowly and is patient with me while I am learning the Salsa dance.”

Armijo, who has taught elementary Spanish K-5 for a dozen years at Cottonwood School, is committed to keeping alive traditions unique to New Mexico culture; and notes that dances to rancheras and cumbias incorporate side-to-side movements, unlike the more intricate salsa.

“Something inside you just has to click, and then you take off from it,” she said. “I love to dance, and my husband is loco for dancing; he’s always the first one on the dance floor at any wedding or fiesta.”

When asked to describe her dance style in three words, Armijo hedges. “My dance style is somewhere between goofy ‘I Love Lucy’ and Alexandra in ‘Flash Dance.’”  Well, that’s more than three words, but we’re not counting.

Catherine (Chavez) Barela.  “I started taking dance lessons when I was two, and danced faithfully from that time, all throughout college,” Barela said. “We competed at local and national competitions, and won several medals. I’m also a singer, so I have that stage experience as well, and still perform from time to time, when my schedule allows.”

She has a degree in Musical Theater, and performed her first lead in a musical at 16. Her elementary school students perform musicals every year for their holiday program.

“I wouldn’t say I’m the first one dying to dance at a celebration, but I wouldn’t hesitate to join,” she said.

As a longtime fan of Dancing with the Stars, Barela’s favorite ballroom dance is the waltz, for its beauty and graceful flow. She found the tango scene in the movie “Scent of a Woman” inspiring, but was never really successful learning the iconic Latin dance. Most of her training is in the classical styles of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, etc.

“I am beyond nervous,” Barela said with a laugh. “I’m definitely out of shape and out of practice, but I am going to try my hardest to just have a great time.” It was Kalish who, Barela said, tracked her down through every form of communication available.

“Ronna did everything but come knocking on my door, and I’ll do my best to make her proud.”

Barela continued, “My dance style in three words should be ‘out of practice,’ but I’m going to be positive and say it’s ‘ready for anything.’”

She will dance a disco/rockin’ style to Cher’s “Believe.”

Floyd Bell. “I have no previous dance/stage experience, but I once played college football and I know that the footwork can be similar, so I think it will be enough,” said Bell, a student at New Mexico Tech.

In a weak moment, Bell confessed that it was Melissa Begay who encouraged him to enter the competition. Okay, Begay is a judge, but everyone in Socorro is related some way or another, so chillax, people.

He’s seen some segments of the televised Dancing with the Stars, and enjoys watching the tango.  “I'm a big Dallas Cowboys fan, so I was all for Emmitt Smith when he was the star on the show.”

Bell will perform a ballroom/hip hop dance to MC Hammer’s “You Can’t Touch This.”

His grandfather, a volunteer dance teacher at an adult center back home, has shown his grandson some basic elements of the tango and other dances.  “I did learn a bit, but it has been so long ago since I've learned the steps, that I may be a little rusty.”

“Yes I am nervous,” Bell said. “It has been a while since I've gotten up in front of a crowd to perform. Melissa Begay had asked me one day while I was at yoga, and I couldn't say no, it sounded like too much fun.”

He describes his dance style as swift, joyful, and passionate.

Bell came in as a transfer student from New Mexico Military Institute, where he played two years of college football.  He worked as a lifeguard at the NMT campus pool for two years, and hopes to graduate in May 2020.

Francie Deters. “Dancing in Socorro is the way to make new friends, both sober and not so much,” said Deters with her signature smile. Known as an unabashed community and NMT supporter, she has met many alumni during‘49ers events over the years.  “I don’t necessarily remember all their names, but I do recall whether or not they were good dancers,” she said.

Deters has been involved in local productions, some more memorable than others. “I did help teach some local people to dance, and I enjoy dragging them onto the dance floor when I see them,” she said. “Not sure how they feel about, it but a dance partner is a dance partner.”

This culturally aware but unplugged parent has seen snippets of DWTS, but watching daughter Mariah tango hit home. “I decided there are people who should, and people who shouldn’t (be on that show), and that I fall into the second category.”

For whatever reason, performing seems to fall into her lap. Deters concedes to not being any more nervous for the dancing competition than for any other. “Anyone who knows me knows that arm twisting is not necessary,” she said.  “I’m the one usually doing the twisting ...come on, let’s do the twist).”

Three words to describe her dance style? gregarious, passionate and indulgent. Her most memorable dance experience is “dancing amongst the sage brush at the Wild Rivers Festival to the Michael Martin Murphy band with my husband back in ’88.”

Deters will perform the country two-step to “Mississippi Man, Louisiana Woman” by Loretta Lynn.

Chelsey Hargather. This married mom of two pre-school-age children, and an active faculty member at New Mexico Tech, is one busy woman. But when asked to compete in this season’s Shall We Dance Socorro event, Hargather didn’t hesitate.

“I’m excited to dance and participate,” she said. “The only part I am nervous about is feeling the pressure to carry on the Hargather Dancing Dynasty!  Ronna didn't have to twist my arm at all - I am happy to support her and PAS.”

Hargather is married to the 2017 inaugural dance champion. While Mike may have won the trophy in 2017, their four-year old son David is old enough now to watch his mama on stage.  So she will always be the famous one in his eyes - with or without the trophy.

Chelsey Hargather took tap dancing from elementary school through eighth grade. As a college student during a summer internship, her roommate introduced her to Latin ballroom dancing.

“I love all kinds of dancing, especially at weddings and clubs,” said Hargather, reiterating her love for, and enjoyment of performing, Latin dances.

“With a strong partner, I am a decent salsa or merengue dancer,” said Hargather, who described her dance style as feisty, big (“I always take too- big of steps”) and fun.

She will dance the waltz to Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.”

Cindy Lam.  Cindy is that cool and clever girl we always wanted to be, but were afraid to ask. She comes by her humor naturally.  

“I am 53 years old, and that doesn’t bother me one bit,” Lam said.  “I love life and enjoy learning as I go…even at this age! My kids participated in NDI for many years, so we are big fans of the program.  I continue to be impressed with how they turn a group of rowdy kids, of all different ages, and in just a few short weeks, into dancers.  I remember telling the kids that this was a great opportunity to try something new and be a part of something awesome, even if they weren’t the best at it.  I guess it’s time to practice what I preach.”

Lam is the female face of First State Bank, a woman who, in her own words, says she “loves adventure and trying new things, even if it hurts and makes me look foolish, which explains why I agreed to give this dancing thing a shot (disclaimer…this white girl cannot dance).

“So please be kind when you see me flopping around like a fish out of water and remember…it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s all about the adventure…stepping out of the box, having fun, living life to the fullest and enjoying the people around you.”

Nervous? A little. “My kids were super excited when I told them and gave me all the pep talks I gave them when they were growing up.  I said, ‘but what if I suck and people laugh at me?’ to which my daughter replied, ‘what if you’re great and they bring you flowers!’”

Her three descriptive words are awkward, uncoordinated and liberating.

She will perform a quick step to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”

Tony Ortiz. The director for Recruitment and Admission at NMT was a judge at the 2017 Shall We Dance Competition, and just because his boss is a vice president at the University is no reason he would agree to be a dancer this time around.

Or not.

“I have zero dance experience,” he said, “unless you count the dancing that happens after a couple of adult beverages.”

Ortiz said his family has watched DWTS since its beginning; so, yes, he is a fan of the show.  But what is his favorite dance?

 “That would be anything Cheryl Burke is dancing,” he said. “I'm hoping she will see me dancing here and immediately contact me to be on the show.” Bookies, take note.

Is he nervous?

“Yes, I am nervous,” he admitted. Now back to those adult beverages?

 What describes his style in three words?  “Just do it!”

Ortiz will dance the cha-cha to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and it’s sure to be just that.

JC Trujillo.  “My kids, Angel and Isaiah, think I’m crazy for doing this. I’m usually all business,” said Trujillo. “I have always encouraged others, and left the performing up to them. So, to say the least, this should be interesting.”

Trujillo has stage experience, from behind the scenes. “I’ve been around the dance world for over 20 years. If you’ve met my sister, Johnnie Taylor, you would know she took all the talent,” he said with a laugh. Through his sister’s competitions, he found his niche on the production and backstage end of dance and theater.

Trujillo is a fan of DWTS, and his favorite is a toss-up between the salsa and the waltz. He has never tried ballroom dancing himself, but is game.  “We will see how this goes,” he said, days before his first rehearsal.

Like the others, he admits to some nervousness, adding, “But that’s what makes it fun.” He does, however, “blame” a few people for getting him into this – Tara Jaramillo, Paula Torres and Johnnie Taylor Trujillo.

“I have always been the serious, down-to-business guy,” he said. “When it was suggested that I be a performer for Shall We Dance, I laughed and said, ‘no way!’ With some persuasion and some good laughs, I decided, ‘why not?’”

His dance style in three words?  “Just for fun!”

Trujillo will perform the fox trot to Frankie Valli’s iconic “Walk Like a Man.”

The Utah Ballroom Dance Company, the United States National Formation Champions in Latin American and Standard Ballroom dancing, has toured throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Latin America, to numerous accolades.

The company maintains a touring program that typically reaches more than 75 cities globally. With more than 100 performances annually, this professional-level ensemble delights, entertains and uplifts audiences worldwide.

“We also want to gratefully acknowledge our sponsors, Chartwells food services, State Farm Insurance, the Student Government Association at Tech and El Defensor Chieftain,” Kalish said.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for youth 17 and under. Admission for New Mexico Tech students will be $5 with their student ID at the door, from the NM Tech Cashier, or from Bell.

Every dancer has tickets to sell, and sales add points to their final tally.

Tickets also can be purchased online at nmtpas.org, or at the following locations: New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center), Sofia’s Kitchen or the PAS office. Call 835-5688 for further information.

-- NMT --