CAMDEN — The fifth annual Dancing With Local Stars, a benefit for the Community School is coming up on Friday, April 26, in the Strom Auditorium, in Rockport at Camden Hills Regional High School. We paid a visit to the Swing and Sway Studios at 143 Maverick St. in Rockland for a sneak peek at the All-Star review being planned.

The idea was to take a star from the past performances and put them all together for a group number, according to Jessica Libby, who is from St. George and an instructor and office manager at Swing and Sway.

“The group chose “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” as their song to dance to,” said Jessica. “We were looking for a good song. Our group of stars are all female and one male, so we thought it would be fun.”

The all-star cast includes Julia Libby, Karen Grove, Charlie Jordon, Nancy Schultz, Brook Hartshorn, Marianne Forti, Jane Dagley and Susan Thiem.

Bonne Branch of Swing and Sway is the choreographer for the group’s number. From Roanoke, Va., Branch is certified by the Ballroom Dance Teachers' College of San Francisco.

“I’ve been dancing since I was kid,” said Bonnie. “I’ve been an instructor since 2009. I was in California and came here to Swing and Sway and Rockland in 2011.”

Bonnie teaches Ballroom and is also an experienced Yoga instructor and is offering yoga classes in addition to her dance instruction. We asked her to comment on her group of All-Stars.

“They’re all from past shows and a great bunch of people. They all volunteered, so I find them a pleasure to work with.”

The Community School, at 79 Washington st. in Camden, offers relational learning programs that transform the nature of a high school education by providing students with the skills and experience necessary to discover their strengths, connect with their families, practice personal responsibility, and contribute to their communities, which culminates in a high school diploma from the State of Maine.

The Community Schools at Opportunity Farm and Camden will hold an Spring Open House on Thursday, March 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 79 Washington Street, Camden.

The schools invite the public to meet staff and students and tour the school. It gives the public an opportunity to learn more about the school's programs for teens. Artwork will be on display, plus refreshments and a chance to win two free tickets to Dancing with Local Stars.

Other local celebrities participating in Dancing With Local Stars are Lynda Clancy, Will Clayton, Norm Dalholt, Jess Day, Amy Hand, Charlie Jordan, Piet Lammert and Anneli Skaar!