Curt Swanson is a longtime Central Oregon contractor, business owner, adventurer, and proud member of the local community. For more than three decades, Curt has built a career around hard work, craftsmanship, and helping shape the homes and businesses that make Central Oregon such a special place to live. Curt believes life is meant to be lived fully. Whether he is leading a project, spending time with family, traveling to a new destination, snowboarding in the Cascades, riding his Harley, or carving through the curves on an adrenaline-fueled sport bike, he brings energy, determination, and enthusiasm to everything he does. Family and community are at the heart of Curt’s life. He values loyalty, strong relationships, and giving back to the place he proudly calls home. Central Oregon has provided the perfect backdrop for his love of adventure, the outdoors, business, and connection with others. Although Curt is comfortable on a job site, a motorcycle, or a snowboard, the dance floor is an entirely new challenge. That is exactly what makes this opportunity so exciting. Leading up to October 17^th, Curt will trade work boots and riding gear for dancing shoes as he teams up with his professional dance partner, Jess, to learn, train, and perform a fully choreographed routine. Curt is honored and excited to be part of Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars. He plans to approach the experience the same way he approaches life: work hard, have fun, take a few risks, and make it unforgettable.

Jess Michel has been a dancer for most of her life. She believes dance is unique in the way it challenges us to meet every part of ourselves—and then integrate those parts into something authentic to share with others. Dance has never been just about movement; it has been a lifelong practice of growth, expression, and connection. Jess has spent many years performing, choreographing, teaching, and creating routines for dancers of all ages and abilities. She has a particular passion for flash mobs, where strangers become collaborators and an ordinary moment can transform into something unexpected, joyful, and unforgettable. Outside of dance, Jess is a professional wedding DJ and MC, combining her love of music, movement, and bringing people together. Whether she is choreographing a routine, leading a dance floor, or creating a surprise performance, Jessica’s goal remains the same: to create moments that inspire connection, confidence, and the simple joy of being fully present. Jess is honored and excited to be part of the Sparrow Clubs program and to use the power of dance to support a cause that brings the community together in such a beautifully heartfelt way. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion while helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.