Each year, Dancing with the South Florida Stars puts your favorite local entertainers under one roof, where they must fight to the death for all to see. Ok, not really, but when a dance competition is involved, it may as well be to the death.

The reason the event is so entertaining is because the participants (some experienced, some not) train and practice for one month before the performance, much like Dancing with the Stars. The twist, is seeing your favorite locals cut the rug like never before. Maybe you’ll see your favorite bartender from Village Pub perform the salsa. Or what if your preferred dancer from Boardwalk is going to be doing the tango?

Dancing with the South Florida Stars will also be presenting Peter Jackson with the “Making a Difference Health and Wellness Community Leadership Award” this year.

The event is sure to bring memories, and from now until the event on April 21, we’ll be unveiling each team for readers.

Boardwalk

Boardwalk features some South Florida’s hottest male dancers, and frequently sees appearances by world-renowned adult video stars, like Angel Rock, Jeff Stryker and many more. Chi Chi LaRue is also known to drop by for special events. Boardwalk also hosts the International Male Escort Awards (called the “Hookies”) once a year.

An 18-and-over club, Boardwalk features private lap dances and dancers to appeal to a wide range of ages and shapes, from twinks to studs. The club has two stages, located at either end of the main bar, and is also the home of the world famous restaurant, Beefcake’s.Boardwalk is popular with locals and visitors, with nightly events and special guest stars pulling in an international crowd.

Representing Boardwalk are dancers Esman and Eduardo.

Esman told us that he, like many of the contestants, is in it to win it. But when we asked what kind of dance the two would be performing for the crowd, Esman was protective of his performance.

“You’ll have to come out and see for yourself – it’s a surprise,” the spunky dancer said, flashing a smile.

New York Grilled Cheese Co.

Following it’s grand opening last March, it didn’t take long for New York Grilled Cheese Co. to become one of the Drive’s dining staples. Luring in people from all over the tri-county area, the restaurant amps up the traditional grilled cheese, transforming their selections into gourmet sandwiches that everyone will love.

Sandwich names are influenced by the Big Apple itself; The Fifth Avenue Yelp Melt (which just came to an end last week), the Broadway Classic and the Blue Buffalo to name a few. The sandwiches are made to order on a fresh country loaf, which is then pressed (giving it the appearance of a waffle) to give the ultimate crunch.

While we always knew it would be a hit, New York Grilled Cheese Co. has been mentioned (favorably) in a number of publications, including year-end “best of” lists.

The grilled cheese mogul will be represented by owner Leor Barak’s partner, Ryan Steinberg, along with the fierce Mia Patrick, who performs at a number of clubs in the area (Bill’s Filling Station, Rumors and Discotekka to name a few). These two dancers mean business!