Watching her favorite TV show will never be quite the same for Paynter Elementary School Principal Darlene DeFilippo.

"I have a new appreciation for the preparation it takes for [the hit ABC series] 'Dancing with the Stars,' " she said.

Mrs. DeFlippo's own preparation for a turn on the dance floor is 22 hours -- so far -- of rehearsal for a three-minute performance.

On Jan. 30, she and five Paynter teachers will be partnered with four dancers from Pittsburgh's swing dance community and a teacher from Whitehall Elementary School for "Dancing with the Teachers," a benefit set for 7:30 p.m. at Baldwin High School in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.

The six couples will receive scores from 1 to 10 from five judges for performing one dance. Fifty audience members will also be randomly chosen to vote.

Mrs. DeFilippo, in a flowing black skirt and glitzy top, and partner Mike Kennelly will dance the west coast swing, a linear dance in which an imaginary line serves as a reference for movement patterns.

Other dance styles also will be represented.

Proceeds will benefit the Highmark Caring Place for grieving children and their families located in downtown Pittsburgh. Paynter has raised over $5,000 in the last two years.

The Paynter teachers are Jennifer Fink, Karin Janos, Danielle Larkin, Melissa Sill, and John Walko. The dancers are Mr. Kennelly, Joe Foreman, Doug Wible, and Mark Peters, who will dance twice.

The Whitehall teacher is Christina Liebert.

The judges are Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Korchnak; assistant superintendent for elementary education, Dr. Randal Lutz; dance school owner/teachers Mary Ellen Shade and Shari Opfermann; and Michelle Vargas, a board member of Caring Place's Caring Team.

Erika Shannon, a 1994 Baldwin High graduate and dancer/choreographer/actress who lives in New York City, will emcee the event.

There will also be performances by local dance schools and a swing troop.

The idea for "Dancing with the Teachers" came from Paynter teacher Christy Leslie, after she learned of a similar fundraiser in Woodland Hills School District.

"Dancing and music is a passion to me, and what better way to raise money for a worthy cause like Caring Place?" Mrs. Leslie said.

Ms. Larkin, 26, said she -- in glittery top, black leggings and high heels -- and partner Mr. Wible will perform a variation of swing shaped by the lyrics of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA."

Mr. Walko, 41, who sings and acts in summer theater, said "although dancing is a little out of my comfort zone," the good cause convinced him to don a tuxedo and give a contemporary dance with Ms. Liebert a whirl.

That his hoofing talent -- or lack thereof -- will boost attendance is a bonus.

"I have friends coming who are shocked that I am voluntarily dancing in public," he said.

Student tickets are $3, and adults, $5. Tickets can be purchased with cash the night of the performance, or in advance by contacting Paynter at 412-885-7535 or e-mailing Mrs. Leslie at cleslie@bwschools.net.

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