HomeCommunity organizationsDANB’s Champagne Gala to feature Gainesville’s Dancing With the Stars

DANB’s Champagne Gala to feature Gainesville’s Dancing With the Stars

March 9, 2026

Press release from Dance Alive National Ballet

ALACHUA, Fla. – It’s a party – an auction – an occasion,… and it features the fantastic Gainesville ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ This event has it all! You won’t want to miss Champagne Gala 2026! You never know what is going to happen. Maybe join Elio on stage as guests did last year!

Champagne Gala brings you an unforgettable evening filled with special guest judges, a thrilling live and silent auction, fabulous food by Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, and YES… dancing to the music of the amazing Elio Piedra! To top it all off… THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT! Performances by 20 guest stars partnering DANB dancers. YOU, by your vote, select the highly coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

It is without doubt the most entertaining event around!

What:  CHAMPAGNE GALA & DANCING WITH THE STARS

When:  March 28, 2026, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL

Tickets:  https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E349197&id=68

This event is Chaired by Susannah Peddie, Tara Blythe, and Flo Hestor and hosted by the team of former Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eric Godet and Jillian Dinius. Special guest judges are:

  • Lisa Niemi Swayze, a writer, dancer, choreographer, actress, and director. She is the widow of actor and dancer Patrick Swayze.   
  • For the second year, national and international award-winning ballroom dancer and Equestrian Rider Deirdre Radler joins the judges’ platform.
  • DANB Public Relations Director Susan Scannella. Scannella, a former professional dancer and Production Manager for “Legends In Concert,” is currently a Tour Production Manager for selected “Legends” tours.  
  • Joining the experts is Larry Wurn, Co-Founder-Director of Clear Passage Physical Therapy. A long-time supporter of DANB, Mr. Wurn bid on this opportunity to sit at the judges’ table while supporting DANB!

Auction items include Florida fine art work, experiences (Zip Line At Haile, tickets to Tom Petty Weekend, tour a working farm, wine tasting for four,) services (photo Session, executive coaching), getaways (Aruba, Carter Lake Cabin in Georgia, cabin in Blue Ridge that sleeps 10), items (Indo-Persian rug, Afghan Tribal Rug, Shrunk 3-d statue, gift basket from Ilene’s Gator Store, gift bag and custom couture dress), and MUCH MUCH MORE!

As for our stars… Gainesville’s Dancing With The Stars contestants are:

THE LADIES:

THE MEN:

Supported by Garden & Grace Florals, Parris Dance, and Publix Super Markets Charities, as well as the City of Alachua and Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.  

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