Tickets are now on sale for "Dancing from the Heart," STORM's third fundraiser to benefit the Variety Kids Telethon. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at the Adams Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo and comprises dance workshops in the afternoon followed by a Venetian-themed masked ball.

The workshops run from noon to 7 p.m. and cover a mix of dance styles, including ballroom, belly dance, salsa and hip-hop. As well as locally renowned instructors, including Sarah "Salsa for the Soul" Hooper and Faaria, two special guests -- Elena Grinenko and Tony Dovolani -- will teach workshops. Together, they are undefeated national and world champions in the American rhythm category of ballroom dance and are probably best known for their television appearances on PBS' "American Ballroom Challenge" and ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

In the evening, the Grand Ballroom of the Adam's Mark will be transformed for the masked ball, which will run until 11:30 p.m. There will be lots of general dancing, plus live entertainment, including professional dance performances, jugglers and jesters. Throughout the day, tickets will also be sold for basket raffles and silent auctions.

"We are delighted to be able to support Variety Kids Telethon for a third year," says Tommy Radon, owner of STORM. "We are planning a great event and having Tony and Elena here gives people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from world-class dancers."

As with all STORM events, no prior dance experience or partner is needed to participate in the workshops.

Tickets purchased before Jan. 17, 2011 cost $50 for the day and include all workshops and the masked ball. They may also be available on the day for $75, but, due to limited numbers, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to buy in advance. Tickets can be bought online at heart.stormbuffalo.com or at Fred Astaire Orchard Park, 3459 Amelia Drive (located in the Quaker Crossing plaza).

For more information or to find out about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, visit heart.stormbuffalo.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 822-0299.

About Thomas Radon and STORM

STORM is Tommy Radon's choreography set up to raise funds for local charities through dance-based events. STORM held "Dancing for a Dream," featuring Anna Trebunskaya as guest instructor, at the Adams Mark in January. Tommy is also one of the owners of Fred Astaire Orchard Park and earned the title of top U.S. instructor at Fred Astaire in 2008.