Published: January 02, 2009 11:28 pm         

Competitive Patton eyeing Dancing for the Stars trophy

Vanessa Patton is prepared to go to extreme measures to win the Dancing for the Stars Gala.

“I’m a naturally competitive person, so if I have to sway votes or pick pockets at night and donate money to myself.....I have been known to lick stars and stick them up next to my name so I can win contests,” she joked.

Patton, owner of Gym One Fitness, will perform a Latin-style dance with Matt Coulter, owner of The Grand Ballroom Dance Studio in Bartlesville, during the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children’s annual gala.

Patton was captain of her pom team at Eisenhower High School in Lawton, and as a girl she wanted to be a go-go dancer, but she said she has never danced like this before.

“It’s a lot harder than it looks,” Patton said.

She added that it’s more difficult dancing with a partner who is depending on you, and the workouts are strenuous.

Coulter has been dancing for 14 years, and was trained by two national champions, a world champion and a quick-step coach from Germany, so the competition is nothing new for him.

He and Patton take turns making the hour-and-45-minute trek between Bartlesville and Stillwater twice a week to practice.

Coulter said Patton learns quickly, which has made his job easier. They will perform to Una Musica Brutale by Gotan Project, and chose a Latin-style dance — in which Coulter specializes — because of its energy and because Patton picked up on that style the best during their try-out.

Patton said the dancing competition would provide fun entertainment for audiences, and Coulter added they are happy to support a good cause.

Editor’s note: CASA asked each dancer to fill out a biography in which they responded in writing to a series of questions. Here is what they wrote:



How bad do you want to win the Dancing for the Stars trophy?

Patton: “I want to be the Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!! Really bad!!”

Coulter: “My partner wants to win. I want to help her achieve that.”

What are your accomplishments?

Patton: “A lot of the things I take for granted every day are my accomplishments. My marriage, children, family, friends, health and the ability to maintain an active lifestyle are what I enjoy the most, and therefore, what I consider my accomplishments.”

Coulter: “I own a ballroom dance studio, I’ve judged competitions, and I’ve competed in countless competitions.”

     

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