Missoula Dance Event Raises Money for Arts Missoula

Local celebrities hit the dance floor to support the arts community.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:29pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark, angular black shapes against a white background, capturing the dynamic energy of a dance performance.Missoula's community-driven dance competition raises funds to support the city's thriving arts scene.Missoula Today

Missoula is hosting a Dancing with the Stars-style event called Dancing With Arts Missoula Stars on April 11th at the Wilma Theater. The event features eight teams of local celebrities paired with dancing professionals, who will compete to raise the most money for Arts Missoula, the city's arts nonprofit. The team that raises the most funds will take home the Mirror Ball Trophy.

Why it matters

The event aims to support Arts Missoula, which plays a vital role in promoting and sustaining the local arts and culture scene. With the arts community facing challenges during the pandemic, this fundraiser provides an opportunity to rally community support and resources.

The details

The eight celebrity dancers include local business leaders, a musician, an actor, a nurse practitioner, and former University of Montana football player Levi Janacaro. While Janacaro admits his dancing skills are "subpar," he plans to make up for it with enthusiasm and a big smile. Each team will be fundraising leading up to and during the event, with the top fundraising team winning the Mirror Ball Trophy.

  • The event will take place on April 11, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
  • As of the time of writing, the event has raised $21,100 towards its $55,000 goal.

The players

Levi Janacaro

A former University of Montana football player who is participating as a celebrity dancer in the event.

Arts Missoula

The local nonprofit organization that is the beneficiary of the fundraising event.

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What they’re saying

“My dancing skills are subpar, but man, am I enthusiastic. I watched the last season of Dancing with the Stars, the legit one, I'd never watched it. Some of those people can dance, but the ones that get all the fanfare are the people that are smiling the whole time.”

— Levi Janacaro, Celebrity Dancer

What’s next

The event will take place on April 11, 2026, and the team that raises the most money for Arts Missoula will be awarded the Mirror Ball Trophy.

The takeaway

This community-driven event demonstrates Missoula's commitment to supporting the local arts scene, even in challenging times. By rallying local celebrities and the public to raise funds for Arts Missoula, the event highlights the importance of the arts in shaping the city's vibrant culture and identity.