TUFF KIDS hosted Dancing with the Stars Cleveland on March 21 at the Cleveland Civic Center, located at 210 Peach Avenue. The event brought together families, local celebrities, and supporters for an evening filled with dancing, food, and friendly competition.
Founder Eisha Jones said the turnout was better than expected. More than 180 tickets were sold ahead of time, and additional guests also showed up and bought tickets at the door. In total, the event raised just over $5,500 to help support summer camp at TUFF Kids.
Guests enjoyed a catered dinner, a silent auction, and a cash bar throughout the night. After the performances, the competition ended and the dance floor opened up for social dancing, which quickly became one of the most popular parts of the evening.
Jones said she didn’t expect the dance floor to take off the way it did.
“I was so surprised so many people enjoyed it,” she said.
She explained that she originally planned to help get people comfortable dancing, but it didn’t take much encouragement.
“I loved that people just got on the dance floor as soon as they could,” she added.
This year’s contestants included Roscoe Warwick, James Wall, Monique McDuffie Brooks, and Cynthia Silva. They were coached by Gordon Williams, Daniel Chavez, Connie Allen Scott, and Ebony Turner.
Each pair performed routines to a mix of songs, including “Spin With You” by Emma Sameth, a music mix of “Bad girl” by Usher and “Boombastic” by Shaggy, “La Mudanza” by Bad Bunny, and the popular gospel song “Shackles.”
A panel of four judges scored the performances based on costume, originality, technique, and overall showmanship.
At the end of the night, James Wall and Ebony Turner were announced as the winners.
The event also featured special performances. Grupo Folklórico Raíces Hispanas from Colony Ridge performed five traditional dances representing Chiapas and Jalisco. A performer from Premiere Dance Centre also presented a contemporary routine to “Heavy In Your Arms.”
Jones said feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from families looking for a safe place to dress up, enjoy music, and spend time together.
“It was a success,” she said. “People have said they want to dance next year, and I actually have a list of potential dancers for next year.”
She also confirmed plans to bring the event back.
“We are going to shoot for the last weekend of February or the last week of February for next year’s event. We would like this to become an annual signature event,” Jones said.
Dinner for the evening was provided by Italianos. All participants received trophies in recognition of their performances.
