Welcome 2026

presents:

9th ANNUAL DANCING WITH THE W2 STARS

Walla Walla celebrities will be taking to the stage at Cordiner Hall on Saturday, October 10, 2026 for the 9th Annual Dancing with the W2 Stars fundraising event for Valley Residential Services. Eight local participants will be paired with professional dancers and will have a week of rehearsals to learn a ballroom dance routine before performing it live in front of an audience and judging panel.

DANCER BIOS


Tristyne Brindle Sponsored by Banner Bank		Chris Price Sponsored by Price Computers
About Tristyne: There are 24 hours in a day, and Tristyne certainly seems to use every one of them. She is a substitute teacher, an entrepreneur, and co-owner of Wild Thyme—a food truck and catering business. And if that isn’t enough, she is also the owner of Moments Photography and Events. Favorite Hobby: Traveling the world to eat new foods & experience new places & cultures. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? 16 years. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Go out to eat with my family. Favorite style of dance: Unsure. Is 90s boy band a style? When it comes to ballroom, I’ve always thought Viennese Waltz is so beautiful and Paso Doble is always exciting too. What would you call your current dance style? Outdated, untrained, but highly expressive and full of character. Who is your dance idol? My sister, who started swing and line dancing as a young adult to get through trying times, and never stopped! And my 11 year old daughter, who bravely danced on the stage at Cordiner Hall for the first time just one year ago. How much dance experience do you have? I’ve done quite a few talent shows and an “evolution of dance” video on YouTube back before TikTok was a thing. I took Western swing in college… Beyond that, I just get down at weddings or when the music inspires me. Who do you consider your competition? Myself! Starting and running a new business, I have been very hard on my body the last two years, but I am competitive and driven and excited to remind myself that I am an athlete & I totally believe I can win this if I put in the work.		About Chris: By day, he’s the CTO/CEO of Price Computers LLC, keeping the Walla Walla Valley’s tech running smoothly. By night, he’s the owner of Bing Bang Fireworks, creating colorful pyrotechnic shows and taking his sky-high artistry on the road. Favorite Hobby: Traveling and to create Art in the Sky with Pyrotechnics. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? 24 Years in Walla Walla, 43 Years in the Walla Walla Valley. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Rachel and I regularly attend music outings, support nonprofit events and work on our mini farm. Favorite style of dance: The Carlton. No really, Swing. What would you call your current dance style? Well, my wife does not allow me to dance in public. Maybe after these lessons I will have a new hobby on the honky tonk floor. Who is your dance idol? Patrick Swazy, Dirty Dancing. How much dance experience do you have? Do high school dances count? Or maybe one or two lessons at the Eagles for 2 Step Dancing. Who Do You Consider Your Competition? Josh Reyes, I think he’s gotten some hidden moves that will be unleashed.


Melissa Stroe Sponsored by Edward Jones		Josh Reyes Sponsored by
About Melissa: Does the name Stroe sound familiar? You may remember her husband dancing his way across the stage as a contestant last year. This year it’s Melissa’s turn! Melissa is the owner of the oh-so-famous Fat Rolls, and she’s ready to roll right past her husband’s achievements. Her mission this year: raise even more money and bring home that mirror ball trophy. Favorite Hobby: Sleeping haha j/k… kinda. My most favorite thing to do in my spare time is hang out with my beautiful granddaughters. I also enjoy music, singing, dancing, board games, crocheting, being out in nature and I do love a good nap. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? Cumulatively 30 years. Born and raised here and left the day after high school graduation in 2000. I swore I’d never come back. Returned in 2014 but to be fair, walla walla is not the same town I grew up in. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Being a part of the farmers market is one of my biggest joys. I also love dining out, wine tasting or having a beer at Beer Parlor. Favorite style of dance: Swing! Lindy Hop. What would you call your current dance style? Lots of hip shaking and hand jiving. I don’t know what you would call it. early 90s hip hop? the Roger rabbit is my signature dance move. Who is your dance idol? Any of the old timey dancers like Danny Kaye or Ginger Rogers. How much dance experience do you have? Growing up I took dance classes from Nancy Wells and I was a figure skater from age 8-15. Other than that I just really like to get out on the dance floor and boogie. Who do you consider your competition? I’m not very competitive. I’m just excited to have fun with it and raise a shit ton of money for a good cause. But secretly I want to do better than Sean.		About Josh: Not a stranger to many, Josue “Josh” Reyes, ARNP, has been practicing in Walla Walla since 2009, with experience in primary care, and much more. Basically, if it’s medical, Josh probably knows a thing or two about it. Recently he started Walla Walla Mobile Care, bringing healthcare straight to your door…because sometimes the doctor making house calls just makes life easier.. Favorite Hobby: Puzzles, crosswords, “tinker w/ instruments”. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? Since 1993. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Parks w/ family. Favorite style of dance: Latin, hip-hop club type music (not a hip-hip dancer). What would you call your current dance style? Survival, typically just have fun, use to be a grinder (LOL) but I can sway a little. Who is your dance idol? Don’t have one. How much dance experience do you have? Some, took latin dance in college, used to go clubbing and dance/grind back in my 20’s but lots of liquid courage then. Who do you consider your competition? Those that seem to be able to let loose easily and just have fun.


Kim Scrima Sponsored by Wall2Wall Furniture & Mattress		Ryan Konen Sponsored by Don Jackson Excavating
About Kim: Kim moved to Walla Walla in 2025 and is currently a special education teacher at WaHi. She discovered Dancing with the W2 Stars last year and immediately fell in love with the event. It only seemed fitting that she was selected to dance this year. After all, her work supporting students with disabilities and the mission of Valley Residential Services are a perfect match. How could we say no? It’s truly a win-win. Favorite Hobby: I love to cook and eat, but dance is currently my favorite hobby. Recently, I took two years of bachata lessons, and I even know a little salsa. My bachata lessons taught me that I am very hard to lead. Teachers are always the worst students How long have you lived in Walla Walla? I have only lived in Walla Walla for under a year. I am new to Walla Walla. I moved to the area in July of 2025. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? My favorite thing to do in Walla Walla is eat at all of the yummy restaurants; I’m working my way through all of them. Favorite style of dance: My favorite styles of dance are salsa and bachata. What would you call your current dance style? I would call my dance style Latin. Who is your dance idol? My dance idol is Michael Bryshnikov, but Patrick Swayze is a close second. How much dance experience do you have? I took two years of bachata lessons, and I even know a little salsa. My bachata lessons taught me that I am very hard to lead. Teachers are always the worst students. Growing up, I used to dream of being Ginger Rogers, a Gold Digger, or a Fly Girl. Come to find out, one needs intensive training to do that. I did, however, make it to the stage of Dancing with the W2 Stars. Who do you consider your competition? My competition will be the people trying to keep their pocketbooks closed. I will need to change their minds.		About Ryan: Ryan is the co-owner of of Koncrete Industries, a local construction and concrete company serving the Walla Walla Valley. When he’s not pouring concrete and building solid foundations, he’s helping build a stronger community. Ryan and Koncrete industries are known for jumping in to support causes close to their hearts, because when something needs building (or fixing), Ryan usually shows up with a crew and gets it done. Favorite Hobby: Hunting and fishing—anything that gets me outdoors. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? Born and raised in Walla Walla. I feel lucky to live and work in the community that helped raise me. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Supporting local nonprofits and helping raise money for causes that make our community stronger. Walla Walla is an amazing place because people here genuinely care about one another. Favorite style of dance: I’m not much of a dancer, but I do enjoy slow dancing with my wife. What would you call your current dance style? Let’s just say it’s a work in progress. Right now I’d describe it as “freestyle with no training,” but I’m hoping my wife can help me improve before the big night. Who is your dance idol? Michael Jackson. If I could move even 1% like him, I’d be doing pretty well. How much dance experience do you have? None whatsoever—but I’m excited to learn and have some fun while raising money for a great cause. Who Do You Consider Your Competition? Chris Price.


Gina Hartzheim Sponsored by		Rob Jackson Sponsored by Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home
About Gina: Gina is a successful Beauty Coach with LimeLife who loves helping women glow especially “women of a certain age.” She’s proof that great skincare, a little confidence, and the right lipstick can change your whole outlook. She’s even turned beauty into travel perks, because looking fabulous should occasionally come with a plane ticket. Favorite Hobby: I love creating! Greeting cards, crafts, cooking, gardening, makeup looks, party favors – all so much fun! How long have you lived in Walla Walla? Since 1989. Quite a long time! What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Maybe not just one thing-lunch and wine tasting with friends, music, Gesa PowerHouse Theatre events, so many things to do! Favorite style of dance: It’s hard to say just one-ballet is sooo beautiful and graceful, but country swing is sooo fun! What would you call your current dance style? 80’s freestyle lol. Who is your dance idol? Patrick Swayze – Dirty Dancing is one of my all time favorite movies. How much dance experience do you have? Like somewhere between 0 and .5 unless you count ballet lessons when I was 5? Who do you consider your competition? Every single person! My two left feet don’t speak to each other very well when trying to learn steps lol.		About Rob: Rob is the Superintendent at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP)—a role that was once known as the Warden. He has proudly served with the Washington State Department of Corrections at WSP for the past 33 years, starting at the bottom and steadily working his way up through the ranks. Proof that persistence… and a healthy amount of caffeine… really does pay off. Favorite Hobby: Anything outdoors-hunting, fishing, traveling-and spending quality time with family and friends. Basically, if it doesn’t involve sitting still too long, I’m in. How long have you lived in Walla Walla? My whole life. I grew up in Prescott, earned my AA from WWCC and my BS in Psychology from WSU, I spent a couple years in Waitsburg and the last 30 years in Walla Walla. In other words,…I’m local-local. What is your favorite thing to do in Walla Walla? Believe it or not, my wife and I recently started “touristing” downtown- something we somehow skipped for decades. Now we love walking around checking ot restaurants and usually wrapping up with a “Redneck Martini” at the Beer Parlor. Turns out, Walla Walla is pretty awesome! Who knew? Favorite style of dance: Let me be clear, I DON’T DANCE! But if I’m forced on to the floor, I’ll attempt a two-step or maybe some country swing if I’m feeling extra brave. I was born with two left feet and absolutely zero rhythm. I’m not here to show off my moves-I’m here to support a great cause and make myself wildly uncomfortable. Growth happens outside your comfort zone…and I am WAY outside mine. What would you call your current dance style? Professional sideline observer. But if I must label it: country-ish. Who is your dance idol? Anyone brave enough to get out there and dance like nobody’s watching (even though everybody definitely is). How much dance experience do you have? Minimal, at best. I tried country dance lessons at a bar in Moscow, Idaho while attending WSU on Thursday nights. Keyword: tried… Who do you consider your competition? My brother-in-law Josh-no question. Family bragging rights are on the line, and I take that very seriously!