Ronnie Bell out-dances the competition and wins national dancing dad competition in celebration of Father’s Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 13, 2008) — Today, Hallmark named Ronnie Bell of Portland, Ore., the 2008 “Number One Dancing Dad In America.” Bell beat out hundreds of other dancing dads from across the country in Hallmark’s “Daddy of All Dance-Offs,” a nationwide search for America’s best dancing dad. As the winner of this contest, Bell not only earned bragging rights as the top dancing dad in the nation, but also won some great cash prizes – all in time for Father’s Day.

Hallmark’s “Daddy of All Dance-Offs” was a light-hearted competition aimed at “moving Dad” through music for Father’s Day. The online and multi-city contests gave dads of all ages (and dance ability) a chance to show off their best dance moves, rocking out to MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” as featured in one of Hallmark’s innovative Cards with Sound. Dads who could not compete in the local events instead submitted a 60-to-90-second video dance audition at Hallmark, allowing America to select the online finalist via nationwide vote.

Bell met up with three other finalists in New York City for the “Daddy of All Dance-Offs” finale this morning, where Bell once again wowed the judges and the crowd with his energetic and exciting break dancing moves. "I enjoy dancing, so I thought I'd give this contest a shot to have some fun and show off a bit for my kids," said Bell. "This weekend will be very special for me - not only because of the Dance-Off win and Father's Day, but my wife and I also celebrate our nine-year anniversary. What more could you ask for?"

Cameron Mathison, star of ABC’s “All My Children” and a top dancing dad in his own right, joined in Hallmark’s search for the nation’s best dancing dad, and helped dads across the country get excited to participate by sharing his own dance tips at Hallmark. The father of two and former contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” helped judge the finale in New York City.

“Even though I've been on Dancing With the Stars, I could never attempt some of the dance moves I saw here today. These four dads are all 10's in my book, not just because they're really entertaining, but because they danced in honor of their kids, which sends a great message right before Father's Day.”

With the second-annual “Daddy of All Dance-Offs,” Hallmark sought to “move Dad” not only emotionally this Father’s Day, but also physically through interaction with Hallmark Cards with Sound. These Cards with Sound feature favorite songs, sounds from classic movies, and memorable quotes from characters such as Homer Simpson and comedian Chris Rock.

Hallmark also offers new recordable Cards with Music (which allow the sender to record a 10-second personal message before the pre-recorded music begins), and Hallmark’s Cards With Motion, which feature an animated two-second scene when the card is tipped from side to side. Some of the Cards With Motion also feature sound.

Source: Hallmark