2008 Special Guests
Johnny Rowlands
Photo courtesy of KMBC-TV Channel 9
KMBC-TV NewsChopper 9 pilot Johnny Rowlands will be the emcee for August 12 finale. He will also be dancing that evening with Angela Engle, manager of the Louis and Company Dance Studio.
Johnny was a radio disc jockey in the mid-1970s, and started his television career on Channel 9 in the late '70s as a cohost of the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He was a member of the original "FirstNews" team in the late '80s as Kansas City's first television airborne traffic reporter, piloting his Cessna over the Kansas City morning rush hour. In 2003, he took over the controls of NewsChopper 9.
As one of the few television helicopter pilots who is also an on-camera reporter, Johnny brings a unique perspective to Channel 9's news coverage, and he's captured spectacular video of some of Kansas City's biggest stories.
As an avid weather enthusiast, Johnny has pioneered cutting edge tracking of supercells and tornadoes from NewsChopper 9. His award winning video and live "play by play" of the May 2003 tornadoes that ravaged the area gave Channel 9 viewers unprecedented advance warning, and he was credited by meteorologists and emergency personnel for saving countless lives.
Each spring Johnny takes the show on the road and lands NewsChopper 9 at dozens of elementary schools, showing hightlights of his tornado coverage and giving safety tips on how to survive a tornado.
Photo courtesy of Johnny Rowlands
Johnny has a degree in communications with a minor in journalism. He has a son, Blake, who is a recent graduate from the Central Missouri State University Aviation Department, and is a licensed pilot and flight instructor in pursuit of an airline career. Johnny's hobbies include scuba diving, cycling, and of course, flying. He has a partnership in a Beechcraft Bonanza that he uses for weekend trips to various Midwest getaways, and he has also twice flown his plane to the Bahamas for vacation.
The Swingsters
Photo courtesy of Louis & Co. Dance Studio
The Swingsters will be performing at the August 12 finale!
Formed in 1999, The Swingsters have delighted crowds from all over the country. They've shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, Little Richard, Walter Cronkite, Royal Crown Review and many more celebrities throughout the years. Also, they have charmed audiences such as Tom Brokaw, Jimmy Carter, Alicia Silverstone, Sissy Spacek and most importantly, the people of Kansas City. Consisting of all ages, this dynamic and multitalented team is committed to delivering excellence with each performance. They also serve as role models to the generations that look to them for guidance. In addition, their enthusiasm and hard work has enabled them to help local charities raise over $300,000. The Swingsters is a team devoted to Kansas City. Offering hope and joy, let them inspire you.
Louis & Laura
Photo courtesy of Louis & Co. Dance Studio
Award-winning dancers and choreographers Louis & Laura will be dancing at the August 12 finale!
Louis Bar and Laura Cantu began their partnership in 1999. Their passion and zest for dance quickly skyrocketed them to international recognition. Winning 6 French National Championships and placing 4th in the world at the World Championships of Argentine Tango, this dynamic duo commands distinction. Their innovative and unique style keeps them in high demand for entertaining and for coaching. With the knowledge of Louis Bar, a former French Olympic ice dancer, and the originality of Laura Cantu, Louis and Laura have coached and choreographed for ice skaters such as current Olympic silver medalists Ben Agosto and Tanith Belbin.
Founders of The Swingsters, Louis and Laura value the community and participate in activities that will support those in need. Along with The Swingsters, Louis and Laura have helped charities raise over $500,000. They continue to contribute their time and effort to encourage a vibrant community. More important than winning prestigious competitions, they've won the hearts of many in the nation and across the seas. With a goal of inspiring and bringing joyfulness to all around them, Louis and Laura share their dreams with you and invite you to join them in creating and experiencing magical moments. So get ready...it's time for "Dancing that Excites the Eyes and the Imagination!"
Visit the Louis & Company Dance Studio website!