Judges prepare to score the best dance moves during 2023 Dancing with the DeKalb Stars competition

Dancing with the DeKalb Stars, an annual competition to raise funds for domestic violence survivors, is back in person for the first time since 2019 after a pause during the pandemic. This year’s judges said they are ready to see the 2023 contestants show off their talents.

The competition includes three judges with dance experience: Emmy-nominated choreographer and theatrical producer at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center Stepp Stewart, Chief Judge for DeKalb Juvenile Court Fatima El-Amin, and owner and director of the Conservatory of Dance and Fine Arts V. Michelle Douglas.

In an interview with The Champion, two of those judges said they would be using their own experiences as a previous Dancing with the DeKalb Stars participant as reference.

“I was the second-place winner of Dancing with the DeKalb Stars in 2018,” said El-Amin. “I’m a lifelong resident of DeKalb County, and I have been an avid dancer since the age of 5.”

“I’ve (participated in the competition) before and I also own my own dance competition called Dynamite National Talent Competition,” said Stewart. “When it comes to judging the competition, I’m looking forward to seeing the contestants having a good time on stage. But honesty is key for me, and I will not award those who do not shine.”

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling will host this year’s Dancing with the DeKalb Stars on Saturday, April 29, at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, located at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.

In addition to watching members of DeKalb County’s public safety, business, civic and legal communities, and elected public servants compete for the top spot with dance professionals, guests will also have a chance to check out the Domestic Violence Awareness Expo in the lobby of the venue, stated officials.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the Domestic Violence Awareness Expo, with the dance competition kicking off at 6 p.m. Proceeds generated through ticket sales and corporate sponsorships will benefit two local nonprofits, Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence and the International Women’s House.

“I feel that DeKalb County residents should attend and be invested in this event because their own backyard is a thriving place for arts and entertainment and they need to be a part of it,” said Stewart.

Tickets for the event are $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://dekalbsolicitorgeneral.com/community-outreach/dancing-with-the-dekalb-stars/.

For more information about the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence visit www.wrcdv.org. To learn more about International Women’s House www.internationalwomenshouse.org.