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A Decade of Dance: Dancing for the Arts 10th Anniversary Gala

Saturday, November 8, 2025

With that, the 10th Anniversary of Dancing for the Arts: Legends vs. Rising Stars has officially come to a close. A sold-out audience filled the Davis Theatre to cheer on ten dazzling Star and Dancer pairs, each performing with heart, humor, and incredible talent, while raising $77,042 to support the arts in our community.

This exciting annual fundraiser pairs local celebrities with seasoned professionals on the Davis Stage, creating an annual tradition that entertains while raising thousands of dollars to support the arts in our communities.

Behind the scenes, each dance pair hones their steps and sharpens their skills before stepping into the spotlight for an electrifying competition—all competing for the GRAND PRIZE by raising the most money!

The evening features a cocktail buffet, dazzling Dancing for the Arts performances, and a lively after-party where guests and performers dance together until midnight. 

We hope you’ll join us next year! For now, we raise a toast to this year’s awardees and give our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated,  danced, sponsored, and cheered us on.

We’re grateful to our incredible partners who help make this celebration unforgettable:

  • Doughgirls Catering – Gala catering

  • Tutti’s – After Party desserts

  • Crackerjack Sound Decisions – After Party DJ & music

  • Flywheel –  Gala reception and After Party host

2025 Award Winners

Grand Prize: Star who raises the most money

  • Paula Yost and Chris Harris

Judge’s Award: Best performance

  • Three-way tie: Mark Redding and Mariah Brewer • Ali Farabee and Zaria Franklin • Kerry Dove and Glenna Wilson

People’s Choice: Audience chooses their favorite dance team

  • Ali Farabee and Zaria Franklin

Butts in Seats: Star who brings in the most event tickets. This selection is made during the ticket order process and only one star can be selected per order.

  • Kerry Dove and Glenna Wilson

The Moonshot Award: A Star who beats the previous fundraising record. The current Moonshot Award Winner is Paula Yost.

  • Paula Yost (2023 & 2025 winner)
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    More photos by our photographer, Lester Barnes coming soon!

    Meet the 2025 Stars!

    Hover over each Star’s image for more details.

    Dancing for the Arts star Ali Farabee. Woman in blue dress

    Ali Farabee

    Holistic Health Educator, Registered Nurse, Entrepreneur
    Dancing for the Arts star Bridgett Herring Williams. Woman in blue blazer

    Bridgett Herring Williams 

    Executive Director of Annual & Leadership Giving, NC A&T University
    Dancing for the Arts star Donna Carpenter. Woman with glasses in blue polo shirt

    Donna Carpenter

    President/CEO, Cabarrus County CVB
    Dancing for the Arts star Douglas Lowe

    Douglas Lowe 

    Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner, Novant Health
    Dancing for the Arts star Kerry Dove.

    Kerry Dove 

    Pediatric Dentist, Concord Pediatric Dentistry
    Dancing for the Arts star Louisa Jane Hartsell

    Louisa Jane Hartsell 

    Co-owner, Hartsell Funeral Homes

    Mark Redding

    Neurosurgeon, Novant Health and Professional Pickleball Player, sponsored by JOOLA
    Paula Yost holding Moonshot Award with Returning Legend ribbon on bottom right corner

    Paula Yost

    Managing Attorney, Country Law Shack
    Dancing for the Arts star Ryan Hawkins

    Ryan Hawkins 

    Real Estate Attorney, Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC

    Steve Steinbacher

    Managing Partner, Cabarrus Brewing Company and Principal, Criterion Healthcare

    Support Your Favorite Star with a Donation!

    Though the trophies have been awarded, it is never too late to support the arts. The fundraising counter remains open through the end of November. Vote for your favorite Star and keep the momentum going!

    Dance Pair Lineup

    • Ali Farabee and Zaria Franklin
    • Bridgett Herring Williams and Sanwone Benjamin
    • Donna Carpenter and Michelle Trombley
    • Douglas Lowe and Skyla Caldwell
    • Kerry Dove and Glenna Wilson
    • Louisa Jane Hartsell and Santae Benjamin
    • Mark Redding and Mariah Brewer
    • Paula Yost and Chris Harris
    • Ryan Hawkins and Jenny Grice
    • Steve Steinbacher and Zaria Hamilton

    Thank You to Our Pros!

    Santae Benjamin • Sanwone Benjamin • Mariah Brewer
    Skyla Caldwell • Zaria Franklin • Jenny Grice • Zaria Hamilton
    Chris Harris • Michelle Trombley • Glenna Wilson

    Thank You to Our Reception Sponsors

    Thank You to Our Star Sponsors


    Dance Studio Partners


    Dancing for the Arts History

    2024

    What a night! You danced. You laughed. You raised $51,404.80 to ensure Cabarrus Arts Council programs will continue!

    Congratulations to Dancing for the Arts Grand Prize winners Star Susanna Black and Pro Zaria Franklin.

    2023

    Over $68,000 was raised! Paula Yost won the Grand Prize in addition to taking over the Moonshot Award for beating the DFTA record for the most money raised! Congratulations and thank you, Paula!

    2022

    After a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DFTA returned in 2022 with a new record-holder: Dr. Michael Robinson raised $19,107.34.

    2019

    The Moonshot Award was created after Grand Champion Emily Davis broke the record by raising $17,078.33, more than any other dancer in Dancing for the Arts’ five-year history.

    2018

    Dr. Mark Redding cinched the Grand Championship for his Weird-Science-themed dance routine.

    2017

    Joan Davis glided across the stage, collecting the top title in front of an adoring audience.

    Judges; Choice – Mollie Norris
    People’s Choice – Jennifer Delaney

    2016

    Ann Schrader and Bill Dusch battled onstage for the top prize until the very last minute!! Ann became DFTA’s Grand Champion.

    2015

    Scott Padgett brought down the house with his hip hop performance.