A Benefit in the Ballroom

Some of the country’s top competitive ballroom dancers--including a few from Orange County--will whirl, dip and shimmy here Sunday to raise money for Western Medical Center-Bartlett, a nonprofit long-term rehabilitation facility in Santa Ana.

The second annual Ballroom Dance Extravaganza will be from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club, 900 Newport Center Drive. It offers a chance to watch such leading couples as Victor Veyrasset and Heather Smith and Michael and Jacqueline Kuka of Los Angeles, and Melissa Dexter and Geir Baake of San Diego.

County residents out on the floor will include Peter Siddall and Marylynn Benitez of Irvine, Stuart Cole and Maria Hansen of Costa Mesa, and youth competitor Heidi Groskreutz, also of Costa Mesa, who will share the limelight with Benji Schwimmer of Riverside County.

Tickets--$35, $50 and $100, with all proceeds benefiting the medical center--include a kickoff buffet at which attendees will be able to meet the gowned and tuxedoed performers. The dancing--ballroom, Latin and jazz, in couples and in groups--will start at 6; a 30-minute intermission will give those in the audience their own opportunity to cut the rug.

Attire: “dressy casual.” Information: (714) 973-1656.