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Get Your Tickets for Dancing for the Arts 2026

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Dancing for the Arts is our take on hit show Dancing with the Stars. 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. 

5:00–6:30 pm | Gala reception with cocktail buffet at the Cabarrus Center
7:00–9:00 pm | Dancing for the Arts Showcase in the Davis Theatre
9:30 pm–Midnight | Dancing (Under the Stars) after party at the Cabarrus Center

Locations:
Davis Theatre, 65 Union Street S, Concord, NC
Cabarrus Center, 57 Union Street S, Concord, NC

The VIP Experience

This year, you can elevate your Dancing for the Arts experience with our new VIP Add-On. Enjoy a specialty drink (non-alcoholic options available) in a brand-new keepsake cup created just for the event, exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, and a swag bag packed with goodies to help you cheer on your favorite Star.

The VIP Experience isn’t tied to a specific seat or section, so you can enjoy all the perks of being a VIP from anywhere in the theatre. Please note: The VIP experience is sold separately from your ticket.

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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Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
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Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
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    Photos by Lester Barnes.

    Meet the 2026 Stars!

    Hover over each Star’s image for more details.

    Dancing for the Arts star Amanda Reed, in a cheetah print dress

    Amanda Reed

    Attorney and Partner at Reed & Thompson, PLLC
    Dancing for the Arts star Amir Myles, wearing a Believe Fitness shirt

    Amir Myles

    Director of a Youth Athletic Development Company
    Dancing for the Arts star Amos McClorey, wearing a black blazer and brimmed hat

    Amos McClorey

    Retired Union President with Philip Morris USA and CEO of Logan Daycare
    Dancing for the Arts star Andy and Emmi Wheeler

    Andy and Emmi Wheeler

    Father & Daughter Duo – Owner Operator at TechMedIQ & Student
    Dancing for the Arts star Betsy Cunningham

    Betsy Cunningham

    Vice President of Strategic Engagement at BG Staffing
    Dancing for the Arts star David Hobson

    David Hobson

    Adult Cardiac Surgeon with Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute
    Dancing for the Arts Stars, John and Kym Selden

    John and Kym Selden

    Owner & Lead Dentist at Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte/Pediatrician & Medical Director at Novant Health Pediatrics Concord
    Dancing for the Arts Star Joslyn Blackburn

    Joslyn Blackburn

    Founder and CEO of Gold Key Real Estate Group
    Dancing for the Arts star Krushani Patel

    Krushani Patel

    Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Childcare Provider, and Community Advocate
    Dancing for the Arts Star, Robin Dicka

    Robin Dicka

    Director of Nursing and Branch Manager for Adoration Home Healths Charlotte office

    Support Your Favorite Star with a Donation!

    Dance Pair Lineup

    • Amanda Reed | Jenny Grice

    • Amir Myles | Skyla Caldwell

    • Amos McClorey | Zaria Franklin

    • Andy and Emmi Wheeler | Mariah Brewer

    • Betsy Cunningham | Zaria Hamilton

    • David Hobson | Michelle Trombley

    • John and Kym Selden | Glenna Wilson

    • Joslyn Blackburn | Justin Mann

    • Krushani Patel | Lucinda Stewart

    • Robin Dicka | Chris Firth

    Thank You to Our Pros!

    Jenny Grice • Skyla Caldwell • Zaria Franklin • Mariah Brewer • Zaria Hamilton • Michelle Trombley • Glenna Wilson • Justin Mann • Lucinda Stewart • Chris Firth

    Thank You to Our Partners!

    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

    Thank You to Our Reception Sponsors

    Thank You to Our Star Sponsors

    Interested in being a sponsor for Dancing for the Arts? Contact Liz Fitzgerald, Executive Director, at liz@cabarrusartscouncil.org. 


    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.