WILKES-BARRE — Anthony and Danielle Bruno have always wanted to learn to dance with each other. When their good friend Gina Malsky approached them with the opportunity to do so for a good cause, the couple jumped at the opportunity.

The West Pittston residents are one of nine couples in Luzerne County who will dance at the F.M. Kirby Center for Performing Arts April 6 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre which is operated by Malsky.

“We had known Gina for a while and talked about taking ballroom dance lessons, but she said she was going to be doing something” Danielle said. “She came to us and said ‘Guess what, you’re going to get the chance. We’re going to do this anniversary and you’ll get to work with a choreographer and learn a dance of your choice.’”

The Brunos will dance to a short rendition of “Cell Block Tango” from the Broadway show “Chicago.”

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According to Malsky, also of West Pittston, this event is more than just celebrating the anniversary of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre — it’s about supporting local charities.

Each dancing couple is choosing a charity to donate to as proceeds from the event will be distributed to each one. The audience will determine which charity gets the most money.

“The audience votes, $1 per vote, for their favorite couple or charity and there is no limit on voting,” Malsky said. “The couple that has the most votes, their charity gets half of the money raised. The other couples and their charities get a portion of their money raised through votes. Each organization will get some type of donation.”

Malsky also noted that charities can raise money through information tables setup prior to the show, and they keep 100 percent of those earnings.

Ticket money from the event goes back to the dance theatre to help offset costs for the show.

Malsky is dancing with her husband, Leo, and they are donating to Kevin’s Kause while the Brunos are donating to Little Eric’s Foundation.

Kevin’s Kause is a fund for West Pittston resident Kevin Hiedacavage who has a virulent form of multiple sclerosis, while Little Eric’s Foundation was started in memory of Eric Speicher, a Wyoming Area student who died of brain cancer in 2013.

“We’re friends with the (Speicher) family ” Anthony said of donating to Little Eric’s Foundation. “We’ve been supporting their foundation since it started and we thought that was a good cause. We thought it’d be a nice thing to donate to.”

Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran, director of the Governor’s Northeast Regional Office, will dance with her husband, Jim, to a medley of Gloria Estefan songs.

They’re donating to Paint Pittston Pink as Cassandra said breast cancer hits close to home for her.

“My grandmother is a two-time breast cancer survivor,” she said. “She’ll also be in the audience the night of the event, so I’m excited for that.”

Malsky works with each couple individually on their routines, but it’s been hard to get everyone together for bigger rehearsals.

“We’ve probably gotten together four or five times,” she said. “Group rehearsals are harder, but individually we’ve been working for about 10 to 11 weeks. We don’t get the opportunity to all be together at the same time.”

Jim Corcoran said he is looking forward to the gratitude the audience will, hopefully, show everyone for their hard work.

“I’m looking forward to the crowd cheering for everyone,” he said.

West Pittston residents Leo, left, and Gina Malsky practice their dance routine for the 10th Anniversary of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre event on April 6 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617Dance-2.jpg.optimal.jpgWest Pittston residents Leo, left, and Gina Malsky practice their dance routine for the 10th Anniversary of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre event on April 6 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Jimmy Fisher | Sunday Dispatch

Cassandra Coleman-Corcorna, left, and her husband Jim, of Exeter, practice their dance routine.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617Dance2-2.jpg.optimal.jpgCassandra Coleman-Corcorna, left, and her husband Jim, of Exeter, practice their dance routine. Jimmy Fisher | Sunday Dispatch

Harvey Resier, left, and his wife, Kathy, both of Dallas, practice their dance routine.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617Dance4-2.jpg.optimal.jpgHarvey Resier, left, and his wife, Kathy, both of Dallas, practice their dance routine. Jimmy Fisher | Sunday Dispatch

Michele Casey, left, and her husband Dr. Shawn, of Pittston, practice their dance routine.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_PSD032617Dance3-2.jpg.optimal.jpgMichele Casey, left, and her husband Dr. Shawn, of Pittston, practice their dance routine. Jimmy Fisher | Sunday Dispatch
Proceeds from event will benefit several charities

By Jimmy Fisher

jfisher@timesleader.com

IF YOU GO…

What: 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6

Where: F.M. Kirby Center, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre

How much: Advanced ticket purchases are $20 per person and same day purchase is $25 per person