Dancing Stars of St. Johns County
Local stars. Professional dancers. Dancing for a great cause.
Local community leaders team up with professional dancers for ten weeks of lessons, leading up to a night of friendly competition and fundraising in support of local programs.
About
A community tradition since 2014.
For more than ten years, Dancing Stars has brought local businesses, community leaders, and supporters together through a shared commitment to giving back.
What began as a ballroom dance competition has grown into an annual fundraising event for St. Augustine Community School of Performing Arts, which has taught here since 2006. Thanks to the dedication of our participants, sponsors, and supporters, Dancing Stars continues to make a difference year after year.
“To find and nurture the spirit of creativity and talent that rests within everyone.”
The mission of SACSPA, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit this event funds.
How it works
Ten weeks of lessons. One night of competition.
Every year, local personalities are paired with professional dancers to prepare for the annual Dancing Stars competition. Over ten weeks, participants learn a ballroom routine, practice with their partners, and raise support for local causes before performing in front of a live audience.
No dance experience is necessary. Just a willingness to learn, have fun, and get involved.
Practice
Each participant is paired with a professional dancer from Arthur Murray who guides them through ten weeks of lessons and rehearsals, helping them prepare a routine for the competition.
Fundraising
Throughout the program, participants work with friends, family, and local businesses to raise funds for the community programs supported by Dancing Stars.
Event Night
After ten weeks of preparation, the couples perform their routines at the annual Dancing Stars event, competing for awards while celebrating their fundraising efforts.
You don’t have to be a dancer to take part.
Most Dancing Stars participants start with little or no ballroom experience. Over ten weeks, they work with professional instructors, learn something new, and prepare for a performance they might never have imagined themselves doing.
It is an opportunity to step outside your usual routine, connect with others in the community, and contribute to a cause that matters.
For many participants, the experience is just as rewarding as the event itself.
The awards
Two awards. Two different ways to win.
Decided live by the judging panel.
Each couple performs for a panel of judges who evaluate their routine and select the night’s top performance.
Decided by the community.
The community also has a voice. Participants compete for the People’s Choice Award by encouraging donations and gathering support for their fundraising efforts.
Community impact
Where your support goes.
Dancing Stars is about more than what happens on stage. The funds raised through participant campaigns, sponsorships, and donations support the programs SACSPA runs for local children in need and for the elderly, free of charge. Every contribution helps make that work possible.
Lewis Auditorium · July 11, 2026
Dancing Stars 2026: a look back.
From the opening performances to the final awards, take a look at this year’s dancers, guests, and favorite moments.
Photography by John B. Merriam.
Get involved
There’s more than one way to get involved.
You don’t have to be on the dance floor to be part of Dancing Stars. Participants, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees all help make the event possible.
Become a Dancer
Join a group of local personalities learning ballroom dancing while raising funds for community programs. No prior dance experience is required.
Apply to danceBecome a Sponsor
Support a community event and introduce your business to a local audience through event sponsorship opportunities.
View sponsorshipsSupport a Dancer
Help a participating dancer reach their fundraising goal. Donations contribute to the local programs supported by Dancing Stars.
Make a DonationAttend the Event
Join us for a night of live performances, friendly competition, and community support.
Event information2026 sponsors
Made possible by our local sponsors.
Every year, local businesses and community partners help bring Dancing Stars to life. Their contributions support the event, its participants, and the programs that benefit from the funds raised.
- The Bailey Group
- Jack Hanania Chevrolet
- The Landmark Foundation & Landmark Title
- SouthEast Building Envelope Consultants
- St. Augustine Beach YMCA Daly’s Zumba Class
- Steven and Shery Barnes
- Cafe Alcazar
- Susan Thornton
- St. Augustine Wedding and Events Association
- Nicholas Gray – Beltone
- ThompsonBaker Agency Inc.
- Geico St. Augustine
- Taco Libre N. St. Augustine
- Ancient City Insurance
- Lindsay Kozlowski: Personal Trainer
- St. John’s Illuminations
- Coastal Celebrations
- Contact Buzz Band
- Susan, Bobby and Jennifer Lee with Steve and Lani Hastings
- Freedom to Roam Travel
- By Design Catering BDC Meals
- James A. Collins II – Northwestern Mutual
- Del Mar Veterinary Hospital
- Alexis Short & Susan Timmons with Momentum Realty
- Bozard Ford
- Clarity with Claribel
- Hasty’s St. Augustine Flooring
- St. Augustine Transportation
In-kind partners
- 17 King American Bistro
- Artistically Stated!
- Craft’s Trophies & Awards
- First Coast TV
- Flagler College
- John Reardon, VP Reverse Mortgages
- John and Karolynne Merriam MultiMedia
- On-Target Words
- Outback Steakhouse
- The Print Shop
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Learn more about the opportunities available for next year’s event.
Join us for the next Dancing Stars.
We are already looking ahead to next year’s event. Stay connected for announcements about participating dancers, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and event details.