Pictured: (l to r):
Back: Grace Parker, Terri Cicorelli, Lauren St. John; Middle: Alicia Pell, Lori Baum, Jillian Yeates; and
Front: Jessica Davidson, Kassondra Campbell, Sharla Piepkow, Holly Baum, Denise Dahlgren. Photo by Gleason Portrait Gallery
The Campbell Dance Studio is back again, celebrating their 36th year of participation, with the popular “Dancing Deputies” dance group. Wilma Campbell, former local Dance Studio owner, and our Grand Marshall for the 2010 Festival dreamed up the idea for an entertaining addition back in the early years of the town’s celebration. These exceptional ladies have dubbed themselves “step-sisters” and have shared wonderful friendships over the years. Often a commitment of this type is far too great for most people, but because the “Deputies” perform for just limited engagements, it is tailor made for their lives. The 2010 “Dancing Deputies” are:
Terri Cicorelli is Vice President of family owned "Frank's Food Mart", and also a self-employed bookkeeper. She claims her love for dance, and the relationships it has built over much of her adult life... is "priceless"!
Denise Dahlgren, mother of two daughters, started with the group in 1997. She is employed by the State of Michigan, and is also a medical transcriptionist for Dr. Thiel. Denise is an extremely dedicated dancer, and prides herself on always coming through!
Sharla Piepkow, has a daughter and son who are both dancers, and is employed by Jackson National Life. Sharla lends her organizing skills as well as her high energy to the festival, helping with the Parade and the Queen Pageant.
Alicia Pell, mother of 2 little girls, started with the group in 2003. She is a Senior Laboratory Scientist with the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and since she began dancing for Lori at age 3 she has wanted to be a Deputy. She is excited to be back from Maternity leave and can't wait to get out there and perform!
Lexie Balch is dancing for her fourth year as Deputy, and proving once again that all those lessons and paying attention in class, really paid off. She earned a Certificate of Achievement at Lansing Community College in Administrative Office Technology and is looking for a full-time job. She is currently employed at Tropical Tanning.
Jillian Yeates is a 2nd year Law student at Cooley Law School. She lives in Charlotte, and wishes everyone a safe and fun Frontier Days, and can’t wait to see y’all at the Saloon!
Holly Baum is dancing for her third year with the Deputies. She is currently attending Grand Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Business. She is employed by Great Clips in Charlotte and also Avon as a Sales Representative.
Lauren St. John is dancing for her second year as a Deputy, and is sister to Grace. She is employed at MSU's Center for Integrative Toxicology as an Editor. She also does freelance invitation design work.
Lauren and Grace are fulfilling a life-long dream of becoming Deputies, and we are so fortunate to have a pair that fit in so well.
Grace Parker is Lauren’s little sister and a student at MSU, graduating in December, majoring in Communications with an Environmental and Natural Resource specialty. Grace is employed at Eaton County Farm Bureau Insurance and Membership Services; she also works for Eaton County Resource Recovery.
Kassondra Campbell has a son and daughter, and is employed by Auto-Owners Insurance Company.
This is her first year performing with the group, and she is really looking forward to the excitement of it!
Jessica Davidson has been a student at the Campbell Dance Studio since her Middle School years, and is just beginning her college experience at Grand Valley State University. She has had her sights set on the Dancing Deputy goal for several years, and is very proud to have been invited into the group.
Lori Baum is mother of two sons, and one daughter, the Campbell Dance Studio owner, choreographer, and instructor of the “Dancing Deputies". She is extremely proud of her dancing “step-sisters”, and loves being able to contribute to the hometown festival!
The “Deputies” are so thankful for their wonderful sponsors who have been a huge part of their success! (The number in parentheses refers to the number of years as Sponsors.) Eaton Federal Banks (34), Franks Food Mart (21), The Ski Loft (18), Flamingo Tanning & Nails (17), Charlotte Lithograph (17), Silk Screen Stuff (14), The Gavel (6), Keehne’s Collision (5), Dr. Heidi Hanson(2), Cottage Inn Pizza (2), Charlotte Jaycees (2), and Great Clips of Charlotte (1). Also, to Yutzy’s for the use of their hay wagon for the float!
The “Deputies” will be performing nightly at the Frontier Day Saloon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as the Family Entertainment at the Fairground on Saturday afternoon! The 2010 Celebration marks the Campbell Dance Studio’s 36th year of participating in the Charlotte Frontier Days and Lori takes great pride in carrying on the “Dancing Deputies” tradition that her mother started. |
