Editor’s note: Dancing with the Locals is a charity fundraising event for the Noon Rotary Club of Plant City. Each year, eight to 13 couples compete in the competition for two awards: best dancers and most money raised. Audience members enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while voting for their favorite couple with their dollars.
Many of the couples have no prior dance experience and take classes for six weeks before the big night. Guest judges critique routines, which range from sexy salsa numbers to classic waltzes.
Dr. Helen Hoveida bounced around the Just Dance studio Friday, Oct. 2, laughing about her prior collisions with the floor and insisting that her tennis shoes not be photographed. Her partner Branden Osborne is an experienced dance instructor, however.
Together they are learning a routine for the annual Dancing with the Locals charity event, to take place Nov. 13.
Hoveida is a Plant City dentist who is originally from Shiraz, Iran. Osborne was born in Bartow.
They were paired together after Hoveida’s close friend and original dance partner was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly before they could begin practices. But Hoveida has not let the diagnosis affect her performance.
“My favorite moments would have to be when I flip and end up falling on the floor,” Hoveida said.
In 2001, Hoveida moved from Iran to Palm Harbor, Florida to pursue a better life. She obtained her dental degree from the University of Florida and has been working at the Dental Associates at Walden Woods in Plant City ever since.
“I love the community of Plant City,” Hoveida said. “I’m grateful to be a part of such an amazing town.”
Hoveida is a member of the American Dental Association and volunteers at Lions Club events.
Osborne had an interest in dance during his teenage years, and after several visits to Just Dance, in Lakeland, he asked studio owner Kevin Rios what it would take to become an instructor. Two years later, the 20-year-old is teaching at the studio.
“I like having this crazy flip and being like, ‘We’ll have it down in no time,’” Osborne said. “I want to be able to get someone to say they can do something they normally couldn’t.”
Osborne also volunteers at Just Moving, a program that teaches special needs children and adults how to dance. He is directing a group of dancers at the Lakeland Fall Festival and said that working with children is his passion.
Osborne is teaching Hoveida a Bachata-style dance “I want to be more involved with the community,” Hoveida said. “I feel honored to be participating in this fundraiser, and I’m excited to be dancing and competing this year.”
What was your reaction when asked to compete?
“I’d heard of it before, but I really never thought I’d get to do it,” Osborne said.
“I was excited and ready to face the challenge,” Hoveida said.
What is your favorite song to dance to?
“I have no idea, it’d be between like 20 different songs,” Osborne said.
“I can’t tell you because it is the one I’m dancing to,” Hoveida said.
What are you most looking forward to?
“I’m happy it’s a charity, and I am excited to meet more Plant City people,” Osborne said.
“Having fun and doing my best on the dance floor,” Hoveida said.
DANCING WITH THE LOCALS
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens (813) 716-0908