Dare to Dance 2026

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Chattanooga Convention Center

Celebrating 19 Years of Dance

Based on the popular television show, Dancing With The Stars, local celebrities will put on their dancing shoes and dazzle fans. Accompanied by professional dancers, they provide a spectacular evening not to be missed! The Kidney Foundation will be celebrating 19 years of Dare to Dance, the largest event we host annually! All guests at Dare to Dance will enjoy a full dinner, drinks, take home souvenir items, photo opportunities, and much more.

The Evening

Before the competition, you will be able to attend the Pre-Cocktail Party with complimentary champagne, and be treated to a fully catered dinner. Then the main event, our dance competition, takes over. At this point you might see your aerobics instructor, your accountant and maybe even your doctor perform on the dance floor. End the night with the Awards Ceremony to see who will take home the Mirror Ball Trophy

The Evening

Based on the popular television show, Dancing With The Stars, local celebrities will put on their dancing shoes and dazzle fans. Accompanied by professional dancers, they provide a spectacular evening not to be missed! The Kidney Foundation will be celebrating 19 years of Dare to Dance, the largest event we host annually! All guests at Dare to Dance will enjoy a full dinner, drinks, take home souvenir items, photo opportunities, and much more.

Two men embracing warmly in a crowded indoor event setting, with another man in a dark suit in the foreground
Protester holding a sign reading “DON’T dream it, DO IT!” while another stands nearby in a top hat.
Two people holding hands on a red carpet in front of a Michael event backdrop
Row of mirrored trophy-like spheres on a table, reflecting colorful lights in a dark setting

The Cast

Twelve Chattanooga celebrities will take the dance floor with their professional dance partner on October 3rd at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The couples will entertain the audience while daring to dance and raise funds for local kidney patients!

The Cast

Thirteen Chattanooga celebrities will take the dance floor with their professional dance partner on October 3rd at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The couples will entertain the audience while daring to dance and raise funds for local kidney patients!

Two ballroom dancers in yellow and black costumes performing on a dance floor
Two smiling people standing in a ballroom, one in a green dress and one in a black shirt
Two dancers in purple and yellow jerseys kick in unison on a lit stage
Two performers in colorful costumes dancing on a stage at a lively event

The History

Dare to Dance began in 2008  as an effort put on by two non-profits of Chattanooga: Partnership for Families, Children and Adults & The Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Area. Dare to Dance is currently Chattanooga’s only Celebrity/Professional Dancing fundraising event that has been around for over 15 years consecutively!

The History

Dare to Dance began in 2008  as an effort put on by two non-profits of Chattanooga: Partnership for Families, Children and Adults & The Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Area. Dare to Dance is currently Chattanooga’s only Celebrity/Professional Dancing fundraising event that has been around for over 15 years consecutively!

Green-lit conference hall with stage screens and chandeliers, viewed from a dining table.
Group of people in colorful formal outfits posing onstage, with one person in a white suit at center
Crowd at a banquet applauding in a large hall with green-lit columns and tables set with drinks
Two smiling people in glittery outfits holding disco balls at a party.

The Community

Dare to Dance is powered by a community of sponsors, partners, and supporters who believe in the cause. From corporate sponsorship packages to personal Program Ads celebrating a dancer or loved one, there are many ways to be recognized and make a difference. Explore the 2026 Sponsor Packet or get in touch to learn more

The Community

Dare to Dance is powered by a community of sponsors, partners, and supporters who believe in the cause. From corporate sponsorship packages to personal Program Ads celebrating a dancer or loved one, there are many ways to be recognized and make a difference. Explore the 2025 Sponsor Packet or get in touch to learn more