What: Dancing with Missouri Stars
Where: Brewer Fieldhouse inside Mizzou Rec Center
When: May 16 from 7-10 p.m.
Cost: $30 general admission
Website: mareckcenterfordance.org/events/dancing-with-the-missouri-stars/

It’s another all-star season for Mareck Center for Dance’s 16th annual Dancing with Missouri Stars. This year’s contestants for the annual fundraiser and flagship event are a line-up of local celebrities who have been chosen by public nominations and recommendations from the board and community.

Competing for the 2024 title are Dr. Melissa Boldan, Adonica Coleman, Billy Dexheimer, Austin Ilsley, Jentry Mills, Mike Schooley, Ryan Stevens and Brian Wear. Each contestant pairs with a professional dancer from Mareck and trains before the competition.

“The community eagerly anticipates the choreography, costumes, theatrics and overall enjoyable ambiance of the event,” says Jacob Faber, operations manager for Mareck. “With each passing year, there’s always something fresh to anticipate, guaranteeing that disappointment is never on the agenda.”

Contestants raise money for Mareck before the glamorous event by typically hosting one to two events of their own with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization. Yet, whoever gets the most votes – one dollar equals one vote- takes home the title. Audience members continue to vote throughout the night for their favorite dance pairs, keeping the stakes high all night.

Dancing with Missouri Stars 2024 is expecting 500-600 individuals in attedaence with the combination of sponsorship tables and general admission tickets. Attendees come dressed to impress with the red carpet rolled out for them. All types of dance routines can be expected by celebrities and their partners.

“I look forward to witnessing each celebrity performance,” says Mareck’s Artistic and Executive Director Karen Mareck Grundy. “It is amazing to see the final result of their tireless efforts and dedication in preparing for competition.”