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Presenting our 2012 dance lineup...

Councilwoman Marian Tasco

“Many years ago, I belonged to a social club in which two members had sickle cell anemia. Their mother, Mrs. Julia Davis, was an advocate for finding a cure. My commitment to the cause began in the mid 1960's when our Club sponsored fundraisers for people with sickle cell, in hopes of finding a cure.”

The Honorable Marian B. Tasco is widely recognized as one of Philadelphia's most influential, politically savvy and proactive public officials. Elected to serve her seventh term as City Council representative for the Ninth Council District in November 2011, Councilwoman Tasco represents more than 150,000 residents in Philadelphia's Northeast and Northwest sections.

Historically, Councilwoman Tasco stands out as the first African-American elected Philadelphia City Commissioner (1983-1987). In addition to serving as Council person, she is the current Ward Leader for the renowned 50th Ward. For her tireless efforts, Councilwoman Tasco has received countless awards and honors from numerous community, civic and religious organizations. Her most recent recognition including the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund and the 2002 Good Housekeeping Magazine Award for Women in Government.

Kevin Gatto

"I'm so thrilled to be a part of Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars! What a fantastic way to get my groove back and also get in shape at the same time. I also hope my dance moves will fund further programs to help those who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease!"

After more than a decade in the hair and beauty industry, Kevin Gatto opened posh Verde Salon in chic Collingswood in 2007. One of the most sought-after stylists for color and cuts, Gatto is regularly featured as an expert on local news programs such as Fox’s Good Day Philadelphia and CBS-3's Talk Philly where he is a regular contributor. Gatto also serves as a beauty guru on the national morning lifestyle program "The Eye Opener". Regularly called upon to style top models for New York City’s acclaimed Fashion Week, he's also served as Lead Stylist for Philadelphia Fashion Week 2009 and 2010 designing looks for 18 runway shows. As a color and cut educator for Kaaral USA hair care, Gatto is always on the cutting-edge of all new coloring techniques and treatments. He lives in the Rittenhouse section of Philadelphia with his devoted pup Oliver.

Julie Dorenbos

“I am thankful to be able to participate in “Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars,” in order to raise funds for vital programs and care to benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter. I became a fan of the TV show as I attended and supported my good friend, Kendra Baskett, as she danced on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." I believe this event is an exciting way for the community to join together and bring awareness to such a great cause.”

Julie Dorenbos is the Co-Founder of Skin Palette Contempo Spa. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and received a business degree at Gettysburg College. Last year Julie teamed up with one of her best friends, Susie Celek and co-founded "Skin Palette," a contempo Spa located at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Skin Palette offers a state of the art airbrush tanning system, a hydration station and photo rejuvenation. Julie’s husband, Jon Dorenbos, Pro-Bowl Long Snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles, was recently diagnosed with skin cancer this past year. To continue the mission and raise awareness of the risks of basking in the sun, Julie hopes to show tanning enthusiasts that even without the UV rays there is a way to look and feel great with a glow!

Eric Cortes

“When I first heard of Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars and found out who was behind the event, I knew it was going to be a success and grow throughout the years. When Megan Smith approached me to participate I immediately said, “When do we begin!?” It’s very exciting to support this exceptional cause and bring more awareness to sickle cell disease.”

Eric Cortes is the Marketing & Promotions Coordinator at WWSI Telemundo Philadelphia. Cortes oversees all aspects of the station’s marketing and promotions activities, as well as directs efforts to enhance the station’s public image and outreach to the community. In 2010, Cortes was named one of the “Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos,” an event produced by the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress and Impacto Latin Newspaper, and in 2011, he took home the Hispanic Professional of the Year Award, one of three Excelencia Hispanic Business Awards distributed annually by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

He serves as one of three directors for the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) and as the vice president of professional development for the Latino Leadership Alumni Association and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Between managing various Twitter accounts, Cortes writes about Latino culture for Entérate Hispanic Magazine, examiner.com and maintains his own personal blog. Cortes has a passion for his culture, family, writing, all things social media and above all supporting worthy causes.

Marisa Magnatta

“The social media buzz surrounding Dancing with the Philadelphia Stars peaked my interest in competition, dance and a charity I wanted to learn more about. I am honored to receive an invitation to participate in this year’s event and support the Sickle Cell Disease Association, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter in a fun, entertaining way.”

Marisa Magnatta is the Associate Producer of the Preston and Steve Show on 93.3 WMMR. She started working at WMMR eight years ago as a college intern and immediately fell in love with morning radio. Within a few years she accomplished her goal of becoming a radio producer on the city’s #1 show! Since working with the radio station Marisa has been recognized nationally as one of Edison Media Research’s "30 Under 30", presented with the Norman Leebron Young Leaders Award and voted one of Philadelphia’s Sexy Singles by the Philadelphia Daily News.

Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, she loves to check out the newest restaurants and bars, and never misses a good concert or sporting event. In fact the only way to keep up with her adventures is to follow her Facebook & Twitter Feed which she updates at all hours of the day (and night)!

Anastasia Karloutsos

“During my first pregnancy at the age of 23, I found out that I was a carrier of the sickle cell trait. Everyone in my family was surprised as no one knew it ran in our family. I am eager to learn more about the sickle cell disease and am passionate about working to help raise funds to find a cure.”

Anastasia Stogiannis Karloutsos is married to Michael and is the proud mother of three amazing children, Alexander, Konstantina and Steven. She owns the Water Works Restaurant with her family. There is never a dull moment for this 31 year old who is constantly on the move. As a senior in high school, Mrs. Karloutsos started a non-profit after school program in Florida which is still serving elementary school children. She ventured to Washington, DC where she earned a degree in International Affairs and Economics from the George Washington University in just three years. She moved to Philadelphia to work for the School District of Philadelphia where she served as a liaison between the district, parents, and community based organizations as well as assisting in public relations. Mrs. Karloutsos also served as the Schools Subcommittee Chair for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Counter Terrorism Task Force. Since opening the Water Works Restaurant, Philadelphia’s Landmark Dining Experience in 2006, it has been a priority to give back to the community by supporting worthy causes. Mrs. Karloutsos serves as an Executive Board Member of HOPE Partnership for Education, a non-profit middle school and adult education center in North Philadelphia serving underprivileged children and families. She understands the value of education and the importance of supporting our community.

Kharisma McIlwaine

“When Megan R. Smith asked me to participate in the 4th Annual Philadelphia Dancing with The Stars I was thrilled! What could be more fun then me dusting off my old dancing shoes and getting back to work? More importantly DWTPS gives me an opportunity to support The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter, which is a worthy cause. A very good friend of mine is battling Sickle Cell Anemia and there have been times where I watched him really struggle with his health. Knowing that I now have the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for Sickle Cell is a blessing and I am honored to be apart of this event!”

Kharisma a native Philadelphian has always had a love for all things creative. Her passion for the arts led her to study drama, music, theatre, songwriting, and eventually pursue the world of television. While studying to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and minor in Psychology at Cabrini College, Kharisma tested her ability to capture an audience in front of a microphone with a radio show for the college station 89.1 The Burn. Upon graduation Kharisma hosted a weekly show at the legendary 5Spot in Philadelphia where she was able to cultivate her interpersonal skills as an interviewer and host. In 2007 she landed a position with The CW Philly and CBS3 as an On-Air Personality and Community Ambassador.

Kharisma is also active in the music community as a singer and songwriter and has worked with a number of grammy nominated producers. Passionate about the community, Kharisma volunteers her time to social activism with organizations that benefit childhood health and women’s empowerment such as PAL, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Variety Charity, and The Epilepsy Foundation.

Mike Days

“I am more than happy to get out there and do my part to bring awareness to such a worthwhile cause. And what better way is there to bring people together to raise money for much-needed sickle cell research, and have some fun. Let the dancing begin!”

Michael Days was appointed managing editor of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the region’s largest media entity, in January 2011. Before that, he had served as an executive vice president and editor of the Philadelphia Daily News for six years. Under his leadership, the Daily News won numerous national, state and local awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting in 2010.

He has worked at numerous newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, the Louisville Courier-Journal, and the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester, N.Y. He started his professional career with a year-long internship at The Minneapolis Tribune.

Days serves on the national board of the Associated Press Media Editors and is the editor of its quarterly magazine, APME NEWS. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and a former regional director of NABJ. Days is also a member of the American Society of News Editors. He has served on the advisory board of the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism, and is a past board member of the Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors. He is a former president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. He recently received a President’s Award from PABJ and he has also received PABJ’s Trailblazer Award. He has served as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and also received the Lillian Award, for outstanding service to journalism, from the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Instructors