10/07/2024
Meet the dance team of Whitney Martin & Marty Johnson and their choreographer, Brandi Mather of Beauty in Motion Dance Arts. Click on "Meet the Dance Teams and VOTE" at www.dancewithrockfordstars.com to support them in their quest to bring home a Mirror Ball Trophy on November 23 at the Dancing With the Rockford Stars gala! Every vote supports Family Counseling Services – every $1 donated = 1 vote.
Whitney is in it to win it, going for the mirror ball trophy for the first time since showcasing in the event several years ago. Whitney leads the “Made for Rockford” program through the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, a talent attraction campaign bringing more people to Winnebago County. Having been named the “Best Reporter” by the Illinois Associated Press, a title she also holds with the Illinois Broadcasters Association, Whitney recently transitioned to RACVB from a career in journalism. She was nominated for an Emmy for her investigation into child poverty here in the Rockford area. Whitney is recognized by the Illinois Broadcasters Association as one of the “Best Photographers” and “Best Anchors “in the state. She received top honors by the Associated Press for her feature writing and is recognized by the State of Illinois for her commitment to broadcasting. Whitney was also honored for her volunteer work by the Rockford City Council where a day has been designated in her name. She’s been named one of the Rockford Register Star’s Readers’ Choice Awards “Top TV Personalities” three years in a row receiving the“What Rocks” award. Whitney is a Lincoln Middle Capstone recipient and was named a “40 under 40” Leader by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Whitney is also a proud member of the Greg Lindmark Foundation and the Workforce Connection Board. Whitney is inspired by her six year old son and the Australian Break Dancer from the Olympics.
Marty Johnson is trading in his hockey skates for dancing shoes. The IceHogs Youth Hockey Coordinator, Season Ticket Sales, Premium Sales, and Group Sales rep is stepping off the ice and on to the dance floor for the first time, hoping to add a mirror ball trophy next to the team’s 2024-2025 Calder Cup. Before Marty joined the front office with the IceHogs, he attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville to pursue an Elementary Education degree (Birth-11) and play baseball. He taught Kindergarten in the Cambridge School District and 4k in the Madison Metropolitan School District for seven years. Marty grew up in Wisconsin and has fallen in love with Rockford. Nights at City Market, shows at the Coronado, Rockford Boxing Summer Classic, and all the wonderful restaurants are what has led Marty to become so attached to our beautiful city. Marty enjoys spending time at Rock Cut State Park and is currently training for the Rockford 70.3 Ironman competition that will take place in June 2025. Marty is inspired by his nine-year-old son, Harlan who will be in the audience cheering his dad on.
Owner and Director of Beauty in Motion Dance Arts, Brandi Mather, has 38 years of experience in the dance world and is honored and excited to be part of Dancing with the Rockford Stars for her 5th year! From dancing and competing herself to teaching since age 16, her greatest joy is sharing knowledge and the passion for dance to every child who comes through her path. Brandi has been active in the arts her whole life. Throughout school, she performed in many plays and musicals, often in leading roles. At Harlem High School, she was a member of Choraleers and the elite show choir, Voices of Harlem. After graduation, she returned to Harlem as dance captain for Voices, Choraleers, and the Spring musicals and choreographed several local productions, as well. She also served as dance instructor in the Fine Arts Program at Harlem Middle School-Hoffman campus until the program's end. Currently, in addition to running Beauty in Motion Dance Arts, she is a dance instructor in the Fine Arts Program at Machesney Elementary and serves on the Harlem Alumni Hall of Fame selection committee. Brandi is an avid reader, huge Potterhead (Ravenclaw!), and busy mom. She currently resides in Loves Park with her husband Chris and children, Xander (12) and Ivy (7).
Beauty in Motion Dance Arts, located in Loves Park, prides itself on providing quality dance education in a positive and encouraging environment. They believe dance teaches valuable life lessons such as dedication, determination, and perseverance. It builds confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Students who dance at BMDA will carry this with them for a lifetime! Classes are offered in a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Cheer Dance, & more for ages 3 & up. There are also numerous performances annually and competitive dance team opportunities!
