So You Think You Can Dance Waterford! Teams begin to train.

This year, Waterford Youth Services' W.A.D.E. Coalition and the Waterford Police Department's community event, which replaces Dancing with the Stars, is sure to dazzle and overly impress.

So You Think You Can Dance Waterford will bring together 10 dance teams to prove they CAN DEFINITELY DANCE! From a group of Waterford elementary school teachers to a team of students, the dancers will spend the next few months in rehearsals and training at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Niantic to prepare for the big event on Friday, April 26th at WHS.

This past Friday evening, teams came together to discuss their music selections and dance styles. The judges were announced and event organizers, under the direction of Youth Services' staff and Officer Marc Balestracci, began to plan for the production which attracts over 1,100 people every year.

Here's a sneak preview of the teams (each team has a great team name, but we're keeping that a secret):

W.A.D.E.'s Youth Action Council - a great team of students who have age and energy on their side. They have student star power!

The Bartelli Family - One of Waterford's friendliest and nicest families, the Bartelli's can electrify and truly impress.

Team Patch - Paul Petrone, who was a Dancing with the Stars champion at the Mohegan Sun, is joined by his talented partner from last year, Beth Sheridan, and a few Patch staffers.

Waterford PD - a team of police officers that has last year's Dancing with the Stars champion, Steve Whitehead, in the mix. They will rock!

Waterford PD Wives and Girlfriends - the group is made up of a team of ladies that we're sure will amaze!

Clark Lane Middle School - a team of teachers that are all Dancing with the Stars alums. They definitely have the awe-factor on their side plus 2 DWTS champions (Mark Higgins and Kelly Barnes) on the team.

Elementary School Team - Under the direction of Youth Services' Advisory Committee member Ellen Bellos, this team seems to generate the most attention - hundreds of elementary school children wanting to see their favorite teachers dance. Do not under-estimate them, they're in it to win it!

Fire Services - This group of exciting and very creative dancers is under the leadership of Bruce Miller who will turn up the heat on the rest of the competition.

Camp D.A.S.H. - Representing the Youth Services / Recreation and Parks partnership, this team of camp staffers is young, fun, exciting, and thrilling. They have a few surprises up their camp t-shirt sleeves!

Town Team - a mystery group of dancers that will have a nice mix in it with the element of surprise. Pizzazz and power!

Judges this year will be:

Pat Fedor - One of our FAVORITE Dancing with the Stars alum and the spectacular principal at Great Neck Elementary School.

State Rep. Betsy Ritter - A wonderful supporter of Waterford and our state!

Joyce Sauchuk - Our new and fantastic Human Resources director for the Town of Waterford.

Jessica Freitas - owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

Firefighter Erik Pawlak - Another DWTS alum. He and his wife really impressed us when they danced a couple of years ago.

Chief Murray Pendleton - One of Youth Services' biggest supporters! One of Youth Services' favorite people!

Angela Pezzello - Captain of the Waterford High School Cheer Team. She knows how to dance!

Waterford's First Selectman Dan Steward will be the Master of Ceremonies and emcee again this year. He will lead Kym Apicelli, Andre Parker, and Kerry Sullivan who will also serve as emcees. We're sure they will make the night fun for everyone.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-February. For more information about this show which supports W.A.D.E.'s efforts to combat underage drinking and substance abuse, please contact Youth Services at (860)444-5848.