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Save the Date 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. 

We hope you’ll save the date and join us for Dancing for the Arts 2026!

Dancing for the Arts logo

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)
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024
Dancing for the Arts 2024

    Photos by Lester Barnes.

    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.