“Dancing for Special Stars” is a dance contest patterned after the hit television program “Dancing with the Stars.” This event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND) held in Grand Forks in April and will feature area celebrities paired with local dance instructors. Each couple performs a dance of their choice. The dance team with most votes (from sponsorships, donations, audience votes from tickets received with admission ticket-30 points, judges’ scores) wins the competition and the Mirror Ball Trophy. members. New in 2025 -- People's Choice Award! Audience members will receive an additional ticket to vote for their favorite dance couple. The couple with the most tickets will receive the People's Choice Award!
2026 Dancing for Special Stars - Grand Forks
The 16th Annual Dancing for Special Stars Grand Forks will be held at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center on April 16th, 2026!
TICKETS AVAILABLE beginning February 2nd!! $30 each
Call 701-746-0331 or stop by our office at 2616 S 26th Street, Grand Forks to purchase your tickets.
Doors open at 5:30pm Show Begins at 7:00pm
This year's dancers include:
- Abbie Gibbs - Greenberg Realty & Instructor Kourtney Muus
- Ryan Johnston - XL93/iHeart Radio & Instructor Makenna Burchinal
- Paul Olson - ND School for the Blind & Instructor Maddy Miller
- Traci Plante - The Pedal/GF Public Schools & Instructor Jackson Soeby
- Dr. Cole Rehovsky - McDonald Dental Group & Instructor Graci Chandler
- Brian Samson - GF Police Dept & Instructor Graci Chandler
- Derek Sporbert - UND Trio & Instructor Tiffany Sonterre
- Matthew Ternes - Alerus Center & Instructor Adelyn Emter
- Jessica Thorlacius - ND Dept of Corrections & Instructor Matthew Hippen
- Bill Tyrrell - Rumors Bar & Grill & Instructor Elsie Gytri
Thank you to our sponsors!
