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Local duo shines in Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing With The Stars

Local duo shines in Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing With The Stars Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing With The Stars Gala is a high-energy evening of performance and fundraising.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - Charlotte Ballet’s annual Dancing With The Stars Gala is teaming up with the Peace Through Sport Foundation to raise money and awareness through the power of performance.

This year’s event features Charlotte native Karsen Gresham, who trained at Charlotte Ballet Academy, dancing with Ike Belk, co‑founder and co‑owner of the U.S. Performance Center in Charlotte. The pair has been practicing twice a week for months to perfect a special three‑minute choreographed routine.

The Peace Through Sport Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was created to support the 2027 Military World Games and to provide ongoing support for U.S. athletes competing in the games.

Since it began in 2013, Charlotte Ballet’s Dancing With The Stars Gala has raised $13.2 million. Its unique format allows each “star dancer” to support the Ballet as well as a nonprofit of their choice. Last year’s event drew more than 700 guests, grossed $1.47 million, and raised over $1.1 million for seven local charities.

This year, all ticket sales and donations tied to Ike and Karsen’s performance are split 50/50 between Charlotte Ballet and their chosen nonprofit, the Peace Through Sport Foundation.

Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala is on March 7th at 5:30pm at the Knight Theater & Bechtler Museum. To learn more and donate, visit Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte.

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