Farmington Resident Takes Second Place in Dancing with Our Local Stars

Television news viewers may already recognize WJBK Fox 2 reporter Amy Lange for her work in journalism and ease in front of a camera. On Friday she and other local celebrities were recognized for their dancing abilities.

Lange joined Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith, Mrs. Michigan United States Annette Kelly and other area celebrities for a Dancing with the Stars style competition to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

"We worked really hard and I enjoyed this experience very much," Lange, of Farmington, said Friday night after winning second place at the at the .

Lange, Kelly, Smith and five other celebrities were coached by professional dance instructors prior to the competition.

"They are very rough coming in," Anja Walthall, one of this year's dance competition judges, said. "These professionals did an excellent job with the contestants."

Walthall, of Livonia, is a professional dancer and instructor and danced in the 2010 competition with Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

"It's hard, hard work, but it's fun," she said.

This year's first place winner was Annette Kelly, 2011 Mrs. Michigan United States, who danced with professional dance instructor Dwight Davis. Third place went to Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith and his instructor, Emily Rose.

Davis is an instructor at the in Northville, where he specializes in smooth and rhythm styles of dance.

Other celebrities performing included Emmy Award winning journalist Carol Cain; WJR 760-AM radio personality Donna Barbera; renowned fitness guru Peter Nielsen; recording artist Sean Forbes; and WXYT 97.1-FM radio personality Terry Foster.

Lange, who danced with professional dancer and instructor Fernando Caducio, also won the evening's favorite celebrity award, which was based on the amount of money raised to battle diabetes. She credited Caducio with polishing her dancing style and helping to make the evening a success. How much polishing Lange needed to shine on the dance floor wasn't revealed.

"Let's just say it was fun," Caducio said.