LIGHT ON THEIR FEET— NPHS basketball player Devin Fountain practices with Jessica Steinkamp in preparation for the Dancing with the Star Panthers fundraiser tomorrow night. Teachers, administrators, football players and band members, surrounded by bright lights and cheering crowds, will compete for the top trophy at Newbury Park High School’s first “Dancing with the Star Panthers” fundraiser on Fri., Oct. 7.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Newbury Park varsity, junior varsity and male dance teams.

Twenty- one couples have been practicing during their lunch breaks and after school to learn and perfect 90-second dance routines ranging in style from hip-hop to contemporary.

Principal Athol Wong and assistant principal Josh Eby will be among the competitors.

“Some have a lot of rhythm,” said competitive dance team director Cameo Carolan. “(But) the kids who are athletes get frustrated if it doesn’t come easily.”

IN SYNC—Newbury Park High School basketball standout Trevor Lecka practices with his dance partner, Anna Torraca, in preparation for Dancing with the Star Panthers, a fundraiser presented by the NPHS Dance Boosters at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 7, in the NPHS gym. Photos by RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers “Every kid I asked wanted to participate,” she added.

NPHS teacher Kathy Ngo said she jumped at the chance to perform a hip-hop dance routine with senior Sam Kim.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my experience,” Ngo said. “I haven’t danced in several years, which is probably one of the reasons I was so excited.

“Sam’s a senior, so I’m excited to spend more time with him and be part of the dance world for a few weeks,” she said.

Freshman Shelby Rini, 14, choreographed a jazz funk routine that she’ll perform with fellow student Sean Richardson.

“This is lots of fun. We wanted a creative way to do a fundraiser,” said the varsity team member, who’s been dancing since she was 2.

“I hope the fundraiser will get new choreographers in (to guest teach). I’m looking forward to it,” Shelby said.

The judging panel includes actor and comedian Casey Sander of Newbury Park, who’s appeared on television shows “The Mentalist,” “Mad Men” and “Grace Under Fire.” Also judging is Robert Roldan of Thousand Oaks, who placed in the top three on season 10 of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

The event will also feature performances by dance professionals and coaches, including Dana Fukagawa, who teaches at Thousand Oaks High School and has done choreography for television and awards shows.

“She’s an icon to our dance students,” Carolan said.

Kathleen Fischer, whose daughter is on the NPHS girls’ dance team, said she hopes funds from the event will fill a hole in the dance program’s budget.

“If we could raise $10,000, that would be amazing. We have a $6,000 shortfall this year,” Fischer said.

The money raised will be used for competition registration fees and costumes, among other expenses. It costs $100,000 to operate the dance program, Carolan said.

“We get no funding from the state at all,” she said.

A tight budget may force the program to forgo hotel rooms during the national competition this year and cut its annual contribution to the costume fund.

“If we get (enough money), the kids will have clothing to perform in,” Carolan said.

“The dance world is exploding and is being seen in a positive light,” the director said. “We’re looking forward to a supportive crowd and to seeing people who would not normally be interested in dance.”

The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Newbury Park High School gymnasium and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased for $10 online at www.nphsdance.com or at the door.