Video: Ripley Resident Ready To Rip Up Dance Floor For A Great Cause

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Throughout the summer, the Dance Studio of Tupelo has become a second home for Shad Spight.

“It’s been stressful,” Spight said.

The Ripley resident is one of the celebrity contestants for “Dance Like the Stars.”

Each contestant is paired with a professional instructor and learns a dance routine.  The dancer must commit to 25 one hour lessons and they also raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi.

Although he was a cheerleader in college, Shad says the dance lessons were demanding, but he enjoys the exercise.

“I never danced like this before, but then learning all the moves. I practice when I am at home, even while I am at work. It’s very good exercise, legs are hurting, knees hurting, arms , shoulder, hip bone,” Spight said.

For this routine, Shad picked the music, while Instructor Tammy Wilson choreographed the dance.

“I always try to find what the star brings to the table before we start and try to utilize that, whether it’s an acting background, or something physical so we definitely tried to play into what he naturally does well , so we have a couple of moves I think were helped by his cheerleading background,” Wilson said.

Despite the hard work, Shad’s motivation is simple; to help the Boys and Girls Club continue its life changing mission.

“It’s helping the young kids for the future,” Spight said.

Although he is not dancing, Allie is co hosting the event.  For ticket information, go to bgcnms.org/news-events/dance-like-the-stars.aspx or call 841 6504.