Mayor Halfacre Dances for Education

Mayor Randy Halfacre did the Harlem Shake to promote Lexington’s businesses. Now he’s doing the foxtrot to raise money for Lexington’s public schools.

“This is my home, and I want to see our citizens enjoy a good life,” said Halfacre, who is also president and CEO of the Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center. “I really don’t have time to do all this practice dancing, but I feel compelled because of what public education means to our community.”

Halfacre’s public dance debut came March 8, when he performed in a “Harlem
Shake” video to promote the Chamber’s Oyster Roast fundraiser March 28.

But his real test of grace and good sportsmanship comes April 22, when he competes in a fundraiser for the Lexington County District One Educational Foundation. He is one of 12 celebrities dancing to help the foundation equip STEM Labs at Lexington One schools, redesign media centers to 21st Century Learning Commons and support professional development for teachers.

As the husband of a retired Lexington One teacher and the father of three public
school teachers — two of whom teach in Lexington One — Halfacre was happy to accept the foundation’s invitation.

“I thought I was going to do my version of the Carolina Shag, but they informed
me it would be a ballroom dance style — the foxtrot,” he said. “I now have a great appreciation for those dancing on the popular ABC show. Believe me, it’s not easy.”

A long-time shagger, Halfacre has been rehearsing the foxtrot with professional
dancers at Columbia Ballroom Company every week since Feb. 11.

“I do a couple of twirls and all that stuff.”

See a video of one of Halfacre's pratice sessions above or click here to view it on YouTube.

The event is schedule for 7 p.m. April 22. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the Koger Center Box Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; charged by phone by calling 803-251-2222 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; or online at www.capitoltickets.com.

In addition to competing for a Special Judges Award presented the night of the event, the dancers will compete for People’s Choice Awards. The People’s Choice Awards are determined by online voting, which takes place until April 22.

To support Randy Halfacre and Lexington One schools, visit www.dancingwiththestarslexington.com and click on “Vote.” Then click on “Pay Now” under Halfacre’s name, and follow instructions to pay $10 for your vote.

Submitted by Aida Rogers, visitors and information coordinator for the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce.