Dancing for the Arts raises $90,924 for Piedmont Arts programs

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (March 16, 2026) – Dancing for the Arts raised $90,924 for Piedmont Arts when it returned to the stage on March 14.

Executive Director Heidi Pinkston said the biennial fundraiser raised critical funds for the local art museum and the programs it brings to Martinsville-Henry County. 

“These funds help ensure that our exhibits are always free and open to the public,” said Pinkston. “They allow us to bring world-class exhibits and performances to our community and art programs into the schools at no cost to the students or schools.”

While raising money for the arts is paramount, Pinkston says this event is about much more. 

“Dancing for the Arts is also about building strong community relationships and increasing awareness of the amazing programs Piedmont Arts brings to our community.”

More than 600 community members watched as teams of local celebrities took the stage at Martinsville High School Auditorium in the high-energy dance competition.

The event began with emcee Natalie K. Hodge introducing a performance by past Dancing for the Arts contestants. Eight former participants decked out in purple sequined costumes performed a choreographed number to “A Little Party” by Fergie.

After the alumni dance, each team performed two show-stopping routines — one assigned dance and one freestyle dance of their choice. Each team trained with a professional dance coach in the months leading up to the event to prepare for the big night.

Katie Adkins and Brandon Johnson performed the waltz to “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang and a freestyle dance to a medley of R&B classics. They were coached by Victoria Howard.

Shan'Tyia Hairston and Maurice Breedlove performed the cha-cha to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer and a freestyle dance to a mix of modern funk songs by various artists. They were coached by Janeka Hairston.

Tiffanie Hairston and Brian Hairston performed the tango to Budapest Scoring Orchestra’s version of “Paint It, Black” and a freestyle dance to “You Rock My World” and “Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson. They were coached by Stacey Davis.

Sarah Hodges and Kasey Lucas performed the quickstep to “Do Your Thing” by Basement Jaxx and a freestyle dance to a mix of music by various artists. They were coached by Catherine Rodenbough.

Elizabeth Huerta and Alfredo Huerta performed the salsa to “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo and a freestyle dance to “I Was Made for Loving You” by Yungblud. They were also coached by Rodenbough.

Margie Price-Savedge and Christopher Janey performed a swing dance to “In the Mood” by Glen Miller Orchestra and a freestyle dance to “Finesse” by Bruno Mars. They were coached by Jane Leizer.

Shatera Robertson and Louis Norton performed the foxtrot to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra and a freestyle dance to “Fame” by Irene Cara. They were also coached by Davis.

Melissa White and Al Herndon performed the rumba to “Señorita” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello and a freestyle dance to “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel. They were also coached by Leizer.

After each dance, expert judges Mandy Gordon, Robbie Hendrix-Wirt, and Shana LeGrant ranked each performance. These scores were combined with the amount of money each team raised to tally the final scores. The team with the highest combined score won the grand prize.

The evening also included a performance by singer Sabreen Staples, a Virginia-native who has toured with Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and the Harlem Gospel Choir. She was accompanied by her band featuring vocalists Ruqayyah Shabazz, Isaiah Young, and Dekenya Philpott, Amy Stuart on bass, Ann Nichols on piano, and Shannon Gilbert on drums.

To close out the event, Dancing for the Arts 2024 grand prize winners Tekela Redd and Pres Garrett performed a “Give It Up” dance to “No Air” by Jordan Sparks, followed by the presentation of awards by Pinkston and longtime Dancing for the Arts committee chairperson Joan Montgomery.

Two teams took home trophies in the competition:

• The Impact Award was presented to Margie Price-Savedge and Christopher Janey for raising the most awareness about the event and Piedmont Arts.

• Judges’ Choice was presented to Melissa White and Al Herndon for receiving the highest scores from the judges.

• The Grand Prize was also presented to White and Herndon, the team with the highest combined score of money raised and scores awarded by the judges.

This event was sponsored by Bassett Furniture, King's Grant, Sovah Health, Prillaman Landscape Dimensions, Inc., Berry-Elliott Realtors, Brightspeed, Frith & Associates CPAs, Sarver Properties, Stateline Aesthetics, Diversified Trust Company, Family YMCA, Martinsville Family Medicine, Sam Adkins Homebuilders, Sarver Cleaning Services, Snyder Orthodontics, The Givens Family, Tri-City Glass & Mirror Co., Uptown Aesthetics, and Valkyrie Aerial Acrobatics.