Co-Owner of Van’s Lumber and Custom Builders Tries his Luck on the Hardwood!
September 30, 2010 6 Comments
Kurt at one of his first lesson with Janet Gollnick at DanceSport of Green Bay
Hey there—I’m Kurt Vandenhouten, Co-Owner of Van’s Lumber and Custom Builders. I’m just a regular guy with a lovely wife, Marci, and three great kids—Riley (7), Delaney (5), and Carson (4). I like to kick back at my cottage on Shawano Lake or just cruise around the lake on the pontoon boat. Certainly taking in a Packers game with a nice cold beer is a fall favorite, and I don’t mind getting together with some buddies for a round or two of golf. Overall, I’d say my life’s pretty tame.
So I guess that begs the question: What on earth is a guy like me doing on a local version of Dancing with the Stars? I’m trying to step outside my comfort zone and take on a new challenge. Plus, my wife and kids can’t wait to see me embarrass myself a little on the dance floor.
My first dancing recollection was my mom—God bless her heart—signing me up for break-dancing lessons at the Boys & Girls Club when I was about eleven. I’m proud to say I mastered “The Worm” and let me tell you, anytime Will Smith or MC Hammer blasted through the speakers at weddings, I was the hit of the dance floor. I guess those lessons were good for something, Mom!
I suppose it isn’t surprising, then, to say that my dream dance partner would be Paula Abdul. I think I’d be a great Skat Cat opposite Paula in a remake of “Opposite’s Attract.” And if Paula’s gets too loopy on the dance floor, I’d gladly push her aside for a quick Viennese Waltz with Erin Andrews—she knows sports, and she knows dancing. Just the kind of dance partner I could get on-board with!
In all seriousness, I’m proud to be a part of this event because of its connection with the Red Cross. I’m always hearing about the great things they do, both locally and abroad. Although I sit on the board for UW-Green Bay Phoenix Fund, my involvement with a Red Cross project stretches beyond my community, and I’m happy to help give them additional recognition and support.
