When Foundation board member Jennifer Green agreed to dance in Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala in support of our Library Foundation, she was a nervous wreck. “I must be crazy, I’ve never danced in my life!”  She told us she’s always been a klutz.

Dancing with the Stars matches six civic leaders with company dancers, and each Star Pair dances on behalf of both the Charlotte Ballet and the organization of their choice. Jennifer dazzled before a sold-out audience of nearly 1200 people at the Knight Theatre. She and partner Drew Grant performed to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” in a routine that featured storytelling, sass, and synchronicity. The crowd swooned, and the celebrity judges – Hope Muir, artistic director of Charlotte Ballet; Braxton Winston, Charlotte City Council; and Patricia Ward Kelly, widow and biographer of legendary dancer, director, and choreographer Gene Kelly – dubbed their performance “SEXY!” and commended Jennifer for “owning the stage.”

Jennifer DID own the stage, and she did it for our Library. She and Drew rehearsed in every spare moment for over two months, and she overcame stage fright, bruises, blisters, and her imaginary two left feet because she believes in the Library’s mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. “As a kid growing up outside Columbus, Ohio, I remember my nearest library was in a trailer. I visited that trailer all the time, and borrowed all the books and records I could carry. That little library got me into college, and it got me where I am today. And it was free. That’s so important, and why I agreed to dance. This was an opportunity to do something significant for the community that has welcomed me, and I’m so glad I did it.”

Jennifer and Drew raised $20,000 for the Library Foundation. We couldn’t be more grateful for Jennifer’s courage, generosity, friendship and commitment. And for being the most graceful klutz we know.

Thank you.