Your Next Move Dance Studio in Eastlake recently hosted Lake County Dance for Life, an inaugural event in celebration of Sweetest Day. The event took place on Oct. 17 and Lisa DiNardo, owner of the dance studio, expressed that she was honored to host the inaugural event and that it was an evening of uplifting entertainment that brought joy to both audience members, as well as those who participated in the competition. “After all the expenses, we were still able to raise $800 for Lake County Friends of Recovery and a local pregnancy center,” she said. “Our annual events will benefit local recovery homes, homeless shelters, safe homes and similar organizations, reflecting that you are loved and valuable. Also, special thanks to Brandon Stray and all those at All About You Entertainment who provided services for this event.” When DiNardo and her husband set out to create Your Next Move Dance Studio, it was with the following in mind: to help lift spirits, build relationships and embrace, not run, from life’s changes together one step at a time. Your Next Move Dance Studio Owner Lisa DiNardo, right, hosted the Lake County Dance for Life competition. Elizabeth Maurer, left, was among the instructors who participated in the event. (Lisa DiNardo) “Our Dance for Life event did just that,” DiNardo said. “We wanted to bring people together through the art of dance all while honoring those who do amazing things for our communities. We enjoy hearing, ‘This is so much fun and not what I expected,’ ‘I wish I would have done this sooner’ and ‘Why would I want to be anywhere else?’ ” Thomas Moscovic and Lynn Sawyer were among the participants in the Lake County Dance for Life event. (Lisa DiNardo)The Deepwood Dancers from Lake County Special Olympics Team opened up the Lake County Dance for Life event. (Lisa DiNardo)Show Caption1 of 2Thomas Moscovic and Lynn Sawyer were among the participants in the Lake County Dance for Life event. (Lisa DiNardo)Expand The event was hosted in the main ballroom at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. Award plaques were given for multiple categories including novice, intermediate and advanced levels, DiNardo said. Those who were either self-taught or professional were able to participate and dance skits were limited to two minutes. Residents outside of Lake County were also welcomed to participate. For those without experience or in need of choreography assistance, Your Next Move offered special lessons at an introductory rate in light of the event, catering to those from novice to advanced levels, DiNardo said. The Deepwood Dancers from Lake County Special Olympics Team opened up the competition. DiNardo, as well as Thomas Moscovic, Elizabeth Maurer and Holly Legacé were among the instructors and choreographers for the competition. The event saw 11 competitors, including Austin and Gianna Minnick, Lynn Sawyer, Don Battista, Kurt Updergraffe, Vicki Frabotta, Frank Peto, Greg Kosmorsky, Adrianne Rhone, Michael Connelly and Katie Shuerger. The first place novice award went to Rhone, whose choreographer and instructor was Moscovic. Connelly and Schuerger received the first place intermediate award, both of which had DiNardo as their choreographer and instructor. DiNardo also was the choreographer and instructor for Kosmorsky, who was awarded first place in the advanced category. The best performance award went to the Minnicks, who were instructed by Legacé. Austin and Gianna Minnick received the best performance award at the Lake County Dance for Life event. (Lisa DiNardo) Elected officials and business owners were among those invited to participate in the event or be judges for the competition. Among the judges for the inaugural event included Lake County Chief Deputy Treasurer Sherri Falkenberg, Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren, Willowick Councilman Charlie Malta, Tammy Dethomas, Elena Frangioudakis Martinez and Gabby Childers. “We graciously thank all those who donated, but would like to recognize Mario Usic with Secure Recycling in Solon, the Minnick Family with Ian’s Legacy Foundation, the Mysyk Family with Geauga Faith Rescue Mission and the Cleveland Junior Tamburizza.” Among the businesses who made up the dessert bar at the event included Gourmel’s out of Perry, Nothing Bundt Cake out of Mentor and I Love You to the Moon and Back out of Eastlake. DiNardo expressed she is looking forward to the event next year. She hopes to see dance offs between police and fire departments, kids versus parents, employers versus employees, as well as dance offs between hospital employees, such as doctors versus nurses. “A wonderful time was had by all,” DiNardo said. “We will be raising money for Lake County Project Hope and the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission.” Those interested in participating may book lessons now for next year’s competition. DiNardo may be contacted via email at [email protected] or at 440-799-5196.