On Saturday at 7 p.m.
on the third floor of the Birmingham McWane Center, the UA chapter of Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity is holding an event titled “One Night Only,” featuring the Vulcan Performers, a professional dance organization from Birmingham. The event aims to spread awareness about domestic violence against women and benefit the McWane Science Fund, Pathways Home for Women/Children and the organization These Hands Don’t Hurt. According to a news release, the charity portion will involve attendees donating money to paint their hand to a wall, symbolizing a promise their hands will never commit domestic violence. “One Night Only” also is affiliated with Young Professionals of Birmingham and Catalyst. They will be completing the evening with live music, local artists and painters, local fashion designers, a professional masseuse and a silent auction. The action will feature items from brands such as Vera Bradley, Mary Kay and Edwin Watts. Directors TJ and Wendy Zito plan to bring an exciting and edgy performance appealing to all crowds. TJ said their performance would be “edgy entertainment, not so much artsy.” “With help from the dance talent in Birmingham, we represent all forms of dance such as ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, break dancing and more,” TJ said. “We hold a great party afterward where everyone can get up and dance along with a silent auction and charity.” Both directors are UA graduates. TJ was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity and graduated with a master’s degree in communication. Wendy was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and received her undergraduate degree in early childhood development. The couple started the Vulcan Performers in 2007 out of their basement in McCalla. In 2008, TJ left his job as an industrial sales manager with Fortune 500 to dance full time with his wife.
TJ did not grow up as a dancer — he said he was a wrestler at Hoover High School when he was younger.