Dancing With The Carolina Stars: Celebration

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Get ready for a night of astounding talent and fierce competition! The Carolina Theatre, a beloved, century-old nonprofit, is rolling out the red carpet for its biggest fundraiser of the year on Wednesday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Bull City’s brightest stars from your favorite local businesses and organizations go head-to-head in a show-stopping dance contest—all for a great cause!

This year’s dazzling lineup features:

• Monica Barnes – Vice President of Community Engagement at WTVD ABC11
• Susan Herst – Broker / Founding Partner, Urban Durham Realty
• Diana Medoff – Educator & Community Organizer
• Tellers Pollard – Founder and COO of Flavor Hills Restaurant & First Wave Hospitality Group
• Michelle Vanderwalker – Owner of Queeny’s & Kingfisher
• Alec Virgil – 2025 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year
• Chef Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie – Founder & Executive Chef of Elevated Palate Personal Chef Service and creator of Indulgent Essential Spices®

Each Star will be paired with a professional dancer to showcase weeks of dedication and practice, leaving the audience in awe with their moves. Expect electrifying performances, hilarious judge commentary, a night filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and incredible entertainment!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! The evening’s festivities include:

• A lively welcome reception with a delectable spread from Chef Paris and sparkling libations
• Live auction & raffles featuring exclusive experiences and incredible prizes
• An unforgettable after-party with enticing treats from Chef Queen Precious-Jewel, live music by Rissi Palmer, and a chance to mingle with the Stars

Every ticket, every donation, and every cheer fuel the mission of the Carolina Theatre—bringing vibrant, thought-provoking live events, film, and educational programs to downtown Durham while supporting local arts and small businesses.

Join us for a memorable evening and help keep the arts alive in Durham!

Check out the 2025 Highlight Video

Video shot and edited by HuthPhoto

Meet the Stars

Monica Barnes

Star

Vice President of Community Engagement at WTVD ABC11 and 25+ year broadcast veteran, Monica leads public service initiatives and actively serves Durham through multiple boards and community organizations.

Susan Herst

Star

Durham-rooted real estate professional, Susan blends diverse life experience with deep local knowledge to help clients create their “home story,” backed by degrees from UNC and Northwestern.

Diana Medoff

Star

Lifelong educator and community organizer, Diana brings creativity, warmth, and a deep belief in showing up for others through her civic work, volunteerism, and everyday connections.

Tellers Pollard

Star

Marine Corps veteran turned entrepreneur, Tellers is Founder and COO of Flavor Hills Restaurant & First Wave Hospitality Group, leading restaurant ventures while applying logistics expertise, leadership, and vision across industries.

Michelle Vanderwalker

Star

Designer and creative force behind Durham concepts like Kingfisher and Queeny’s, Michelle brings artistry and community into her work while balancing life as a mother and maker.

Alec Virgil

Star

2025 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Alec is an educator and community leader dedicated to student success, service, and impact through initiatives like Operation 252.

Chef Queen Precious-Jewel Zabriskie

Star

Founder of Elevated Palate and creator of Indulgent Essential Spices®, Chef Queen Precious-Jewel blends global flavors into health-conscious cuisine, inspired by her Bronx roots and personal wellness journey.

Meet the Judges

Stormie Daie

Judge

A 13-year performer and 2025 NC State Bill Spatz Award recipient, dazzling with whirlwind energy on stage while engaging kids and parents as a science educator in Durham.

Jesse Huddleston

Judge

A Black genderqueer artist rooted in the US South, dedicated to equity, community, and preserving culture through creative vocations, leadership roles, and a deep passion for people.

Jeff Polish

Judge

Founder of The Monti, creating safe spaces for storytelling that help people feel seen and heard while training communities, health workers, and physicians to communicate through personal stories.

Al Strong IV

Judge

A Durham-based trumpeter, composer, and educator, Grammy-nominated contributor, and arts leader who performs globally and leads creative arts education and community partnerships across the region.

Meet the Choreographers

Willie Hinton

Choreographer

New York–born dancer, performer, and educator; internationally experienced choreographer inspiring students across universities and communities

Juan Matta

Choreographer

Queens-born dancer specializing in hip-hop and ballroom; award-winning instructor, competitor, and longtime breakdance community leader.

Anthony Otto Nelson, Jr.

Choreographer

Durham-based dancer and facilitator blending movement, healing, and expression to inspire personal and collective transformation

Alyssa Noble

Choreographer

Durham dance artist, producer, and marketer; founder, collaborator, and advocate supporting artists through creative community initiatives.

Tanu Sharma

Choreographer

Kathak-trained dancer and choreographer blending Indian and contemporary styles; educator, performer, and dedicated yoga practitioner.

Nicole "Pinky" Thomas

Choreographer

Multidisciplinary artist and educator rooted in Dunham Technique; cultural ambassador advancing dance as expression and scholarship.

Jose Velasquez

Choreographer

Durham-based hip-hop educator and entrepreneur, founder of Soul Struck, promoting street dance culture and community empowerment.

Interested in becoming a sponsor of this annual fundraiser?

Your sponsorship of Dancing with the Carolina Stars allows you to be part of an event that entertains and fosters community engagement and appreciation for the performing arts and artists throughout the Triangle.

All proceeds benefit the Carolina Theatre, a nonprofit organization, in its mission to present live events, film, and educational programs that enrich and celebrate Durham and the Triangle region.

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If you have any questions about Dancing With The Carolina Stars, please contact Abigaile Bates by email at abigaile@carolinatheatre.org.