Six community leaders took the stage in support of six local charities
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — March 6, 2025 — Charlotte Ballet’s 12th annual Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala dazzled more than 900 guests at the Knight Theater on Saturday, March 1, raising over $1.46 million to support both the ballet company and a selection of local charities. The gala paired prominent Charlotte business and community leaders with professional dancers from Charlotte Ballet, creating an evening of entertainment and philanthropy.
This year’s gala benefited six deserving organizations: Dress for Success Charlotte, The Arts Empowerment Project, Arts+, Grandfather Community Foundation, Project Pink, and Wing Haven. Approximately $493,000 will be distributed back to the community through the Stars’ chosen charities.
Hosted by emcees Frenchie Wilson Brown and Lowell “Coop” Cooper Jr., the event was chaired by Callie Dobbins and Charlotte Wickham. Judges Alison Friedman, executive and artistic director at Carolina Performing Arts; Carl Showalter, founder and president of Showalter Construction; and Nina Johnson, local fashion influencer and stylist, selected the evening’s top honors. Dr. Amy Sobel, a diagnostic radiologist, and her dance partner, Maurice Mouzon Jr., earned the Judge’s Choice award. Community leader Alex Funderburg and partner Adriana Wagenveld earned the People’s Choice award, raising $369,252 through pre-event fundraising and audience votes.
"For 12 years, this event has not only illuminated the stage but also ignited a lasting ripple of impact throughout our community. Thanks to the dedication of our incredible dancers, the generosity of our supporters, and the unwavering commitment of our sponsors, this annual gala continues to transform lives far beyond the theater,” said Charlotte Ballet executive director Doug Singleton. “Every step taken and every dollar raised fuels meaningful impact, and we are profoundly grateful for each and every person who has made this possible."
Charlotte Ballet extends its deepest gratitude to the generous supporters, dancers, and attendees who made the night a resounding success. For more information about Charlotte Ballet and its community initiatives, visit charlotteballet.org.
Editorial Note: Photos from the Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala can be found here. Please provide credit to Jeff Cravotta.
About Charlotte Ballet
Founded in 1970, Charlotte Ballet’s mission is to provide artistically excellent programming to diverse audiences in its home city of Charlotte, the Southeast region and the varied communities it serves while on tour across the nation. The company performs classic, contemporary and cutting-edge dance with virtuosity, energy and artistic excellence. In 2022, Alejandro Cerrudo became Charlotte Ballet’s fifth artistic director. For more: www.charlotteballet.org.
Founded in 1970, Charlotte Ballet’s mission is to provide artistically excellent programming to diverse audiences in its home city of Charlotte, the Southeast region and the varied communities it serves while on tour across the nation. The company performs classic, contemporary and cutting-edge dance with virtuosity, energy and artistic excellence. In 2022, Alejandro Cerrudo became Charlotte Ballet’s fifth artistic director. For more: www.charlotteballet.org.
Media Contact
Arionna Johnson | Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
ajohnson@charlotteballet.org
Arionna Johnson | Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
ajohnson@charlotteballet.org
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