'Dancing with the Rochester Stars' contestant has roots in Amherst
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Creahan

"I'm a pretty big guy, but I think I'm pretty light on my feet," Andy Creahan said about his new venture in dancing.

Those who know Creahan, a 2000 South High School graduate, may be surprised by his new hobby, he said.

Normally found playing rugby, basketball or hockey, Creahan is a contestant on a Rochester TV station's contest, "Dancing with the Rochester Stars."

Rochester's WHAM Channel 13, an ABC affiliate, has chosen its eight dancers - four males and four females for this segment.

"I am definitely out of my comfort zone," Creahan said.

A first-grade teacher at Brooks Hill Elementary in the Fairport School District, Creahan said he was encouraged to try out by his co-workers. This year's contestants are all teachers.

"When I went to the audition I only saw one other guy so I thought I might be in, but I was still surprised," he said about being chosen. "I was more surprised I actually went through with it."

He has two weeks to prepare his swing dance routine before performing on TV. Creahan is paired with a dance instructor from the Rochester region.

"I think I'm doing good ... she said I am doing well," he said.

He will perform on WHAM's morning show on April 8; then voting is open on the TV station's Web site through April 10.

To vote on the hometown dancer, visit www. 13wham. com. Viewers can also see Creahan perform. For each week he stays in the contest he will learn a new style of dance and perform on the show.

His audition can also be viewed online.

Creahan said his pupils are excited about the competition.

"They think it's the greatest thing seeing their teacher on TV," he said. "I hope for some votes from my hometown. I thought some might find it funny to stumble across this story when they see it's me."