Eternal Greatness on the line tonight as locals burn up the floor in epic dancing showdown

Jan 9

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 9, 2025 — The spotlight burns bright at The Dalles High School Auditorium tonight as our friends and neighbors become community champions dancing for all that glitters in Dancing With the Gorge Stars.

All money from the high-energy fundraiser supports live music in the Mid-Columbia region through one of our favorite nonprofits.

Time to get all tangoed up as these contestants jitterbug, hustle, swing and try to foxtrot to the very tippity top!

The event begins at 7 p.m., with tickets still available at the door. Audience members are encouraged to cheer loudly — and vote often — as votes are cast through ticket purchases, with supporters allowed to vote for their favorite dancer as many times as they wish. All proceeds benefit the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association.

Buy entrance tickets online here for $30 or $35 at the door.

This year’s lineup features six contestants, each paired with a professional dancer and competing for the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Meet the Contestants

Joe Roberts and dance Partner Nikki Leopold

Joe Roberts, a remote IT professional and WERQ dance fitness instructor at The Dalles Athletic Club, brings rhythm, humor and community spirit to the stage. Since moving to The Dalles in 2021, Roberts has become a familiar face through group fitness classes and local events. Though experienced in many dance styles, tonight marks his first time performing ballroom dance.

Shannon Red Cloud and dance partner Duncan Nelson

Shannon Red Cloud, a yoga business owner and longtime The Dalles resident, brings movement, mindfulness and confidence to the competition. With years of experience teaching and performing, Red Cloud says dancing is a natural extension of her commitment to personal growth and community connection.

Mary Gabriel and dance partner Anthony Whipple

Mary Gabriel, associate director of Youth Empowerment Shelter, combines a passion for community service with stage experience that includes singing, musicals and endurance sports. A longtime Zumba enthusiast and marathon runner, Gabriel says the event is a chance to raise funds while stepping into a new dance challenge.

Pat Camp, co-owner of Camp’s Plumbing and lead singer for the band Sucker Punch, balances family life, business ownership and music. A longtime Gorge resident, Camp is comfortable under the lights and says dancing is a side of him many may not know — one he is ready to share in support of community arts.

Rachel Carter and dance partner John Meo

Rachel Carter, co-owner of Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda, is known for her energy, creativity and love of community events. A self-described adventurer who thrives on music and movement, Carter says she is aiming to “go big” as she entertains the crowd and rallies supporters.

William Coy and dance partner Kate Madik

William Coy, an insurance agent with Revell Coy Insurance and an ambassador for The Dalles Chamber of Commerce, rounds out the field. An active sports enthusiast with a strong belief in service and community involvement, Coy says the event offers a fun way to give back while learning something new.

Gorge Stars Amazing Alumni Dancers will be throwing down the first Fireball performance with an opening number that will light things up.

Alumni Dancers are set to kindle the evening with an opening performance.

Dancing With the Gorge Stars is one of MCCCA’s signature fundraisers, helping support affordable, family-friendly concerts and music programming throughout the region.

Doors open ahead of the 7 p.m. start time at The Dalles High School Auditorium. Organizers encourage community members to attend, vote generously and help crown this year’s mirror ball champion while supporting live music close to home.