Dancing with Our Stars
When Carmel Dance Atelier owner Jennifer Fall talks about ballroom dancing, her whole face lights up — as if someone just flipped on the mirror ball. When she talks about Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County and the upcoming Dancing with Our Stars charity event, that glow only intensifies.
On Thursday, Sept. 3, Fall, along with her colleague, Adam Trogdlen, will participate as professional dancers in Meals on Wheels’ fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars. It’s a polished, high-production evening held at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville that pairs local “celebrities” with ballroom pros to raise money for food-insecure seniors. Guests enjoy dinner, wine and a front-row seat to eight couples performing fully choreographed routines.
Every dollar raised goes directly to Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. Supporters can purchase tickets, sponsor tables or donate directly through the dancers’ profiles. Last year’s event brought in more than $166,000, and this year, the bar is set even higher. Each couple is tasked with raising $10,000, and Fall — never one to shy away from a challenge — has declared, “Challenge accepted.”
Dancing with Our Stars is modeled after the hit TV show but with a mission that hits closer to home. Hamilton County faces real issues of food insecurity, especially among seniors — a demographic Fall feels fiercely protective of.
“My passion is working with seniors,” she says. “If a senior comes into the studio, they’re mine.”
Her first client, Jesse Mills Jr., danced with her for more than a decade. That special experience cemented her commitment to using dance as a tool for connection, confidence and community. Supporting Meals on Wheels feels like a natural extension of that calling.
Unlike typical ballroom students — who might spend six months to a year building technique — charity-event celebrities get just a dozen lessons.
“It’s a race to the finish line for sure,” Fall says. “We have to fit technique, patterns, musicality and confidence into 12 sessions. It’s such an exciting challenge.”
This year, Fall is paired with Mitch Waldroup, attorney and director of business development operations at Hensley Legal Group.
“Meals on Wheels is a great organization that does a lot of good in Hamilton County,” Waldroup says. “I think it’s wonderful that people are stepping outside of their comfort zones to learn something new to put on a great show for people.”
Waldroup, whose prior dancing experience consisted only of finding the courage to step onto a dance floor at weddings after downing a few cocktails, now has a whole new perspective on — and appreciation for — dance.
“Jen is a total pro and very patient with me,” he says. “It’s been great learning true dance techniques. The next wedding I attend, people won’t be ready for these new dance moves.”
Waldroup came excited and ready to learn — an instructor’s dream. Not every celebrity, however, arrives with that level of comfort. Many are a bundle of nerves.
“People tell me all the time that they called and hung up or drove by the studio several times before getting the courage to pursue lessons,” she says. “Once they have that first meeting, anxiety often melts away.”
It’s common, of course, for jitters to return as the show nears. Therefore, Fall’s job is part coach, part choreographer and part therapist.
“It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake,” she tells her partners. “The most important thing is that we’re raising money for charity.”
Unlike the television show, where producers assign dances and music, pros involved in Dancing with Our Stars get to choose their own choreography and songs. Fall considers personality, physicality and comfort level when designing a routine. When Fall first met her partner, she knew instantly that the foxtrot would suit him. Trogdlen’s partner, Susan, on the other hand, is very Broadway.
“You’ll see that in their routine,” Fall says. “Everyone has a different personality.”
At 43, Fall now avoids lifts.
“I value my arms and legs!” she says with a chuckle.
Nevertheless, her choreography blends ballroom fundamentals with just enough flair to thrill an audience. Plus, she loves incorporating tricks, props and other fun moves into each routine.
Ballroom dancing offers more than sparkle and sequins. Fall has watched it transform lives by improving posture, fitness, confidence, connection and community. She’s seen empty nesters rediscover each other. She’s seen shy students stand taller. She’s seen 80-year-olds dance alongside 25-year-olds, all laughing together. One student once told her his favorite part of lessons was getting to look into his wife’s eyes.
“Couples are so busy these days,” Fall says. “This might be their only chance to put everything else aside and focus on something just for the two of them.”
That’s why this charity event resonates so deeply. It’s not just about dancing. It’s about dignity, nourishment and human connection — on and off the dance floor.
Dancing with Our Stars takes place Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. For more information, visit mealsonwheelshc.org. Tables for Carmel Dance Atelier supporters range from $1,000 to $1,500. Individual tickets are also available. For more information about Carmel Dance Atelier, visit carmeldanceatelier.com.
