Back for its eight season, United Way’s Dancing with the Stars will hit the stage again on Friday, February 20, 2026 with a new and exciting lineup of performers.

The event will take place at The Ridge Outdoor Resort located at 1250 Middle Creek Road in Sevierville. Registration opens at 6 PM.

This season’s event will feature seven married couples taking the stage and strutting their stuff in an effort to garner votes from the audience in hopes of taking home the People’s Choice award. Each couple works closely with a personal choreographer to perfect their routine and can choose whatever style they wish. In addition, this year they will have the help of a personal marketer to assist them in raising funds for their team. Contestants will present their routines for the first time that evening to the audience and our three experienced judges.

What’s at stake?

The Judge’s Choice Award. This is the coveted prize and will be decided by our panel of three judges. It is based on technical skill and footwork. First and second place will be announced.

People’s Choice Award. This award is based solely on votes from the audience and online. During the show, audience members will have a chance to cast a vote for their favorite performance. Votes will be tabulated and added to the votes that have been cast online. Each vote, both online and at the event, is $5.00 and they can vote as many times as they wish until voting is closed. The more “votes” they receive, the better their chance to take home the award.

We are both excited and proud of our “Stars”. Their enthusiasm and excitement are palpable. Every dancer, choreographer and market has made a personal commitment to this event, not just with their time but their efforts to help raise money for the United Way of Sevier County and the twenty agencies it funds. Each dancer will work during the next few months to raise funds (which translate to votes) through a variety of means. Every dollar they raise means more votes for them and their team.