the Alzheimer's Association presents

"DANCING STARS Memory Ball 2011" Saturday April 16th

...an evening of DANCE to raise money and awareness for care & support of all those affected by Alzheimer's

Heidi Slacum and John were introduced on January 15th of 2011 to pair up for this fundraising event. The two hit it off very nicely as they are both filled with energy and passion and also have a personal involvement with the disease. Heidi's grandmother has been living with the disease and John has two very special "mothers" in his life that have been living with and recently diagnosed.

Heidi Slacum is the proprietor of FRESH! boutique, a deliciously awesome fashion store at the Gatehouse Shoppes at Greenspring Station. Her shop provides a diverse clientele with the hottest trends straight from some of the most legendary New York retailers and designers. Empowering women from the inside out since its inception in 2005. www.FreshBaltimore.com

John & Heidi got to dancing right away as time was ticking. Heidi had no Ballroom or Latin dance lesson experience besides the occasional salsa dancing she had when going out. Since she possessed such drive and energy, John wanted to show off her abilities by using multiple Latin dances grouped and combined in one format. Together the couple chose the song "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars and John highlighted Rumba, Salsa, Hustle, and Cha Cha.

This is the 2nd year that John & StudioDNA has been involved with this special event. Last year John choreographed a dance for an amateur couple, Ray Mitchener and Chi Chi Bosworth. This year, John choreographed and performed. The Memory Ball, held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel, was an evening filled with happiness, beauty, and a celebration of DANCE to commemorate and balance off the pain and frustration unfortunately brought on to those who are affected by this disease.

A special THANK YOU goes to Beth McHugh, a professional esthetician, who volunteered her time and energy to come and do Heidi's make-up. Beth's skills and colorations are phenomenal which is why John asked her to take care of Heidi. She works at Spa in the Valley in the Hunt Valley Towne Center. Go visit her and let her pamper you too.... beth@spainthevalley.com

This year's event raised almost $150,000 With the help and support of our friends, family, and clients, Heidi and John have raised $4,170.00 Thank you so much to everyone who gave support, whether monetarily and/or emotionally. John and Heidi feel blessed and enriched by this experience.