First Coast Dancing with the Stars is an event and process which began as endeavor to raise funding for Beaches Fine Arts Series, our 501c-3 non-profit organization that has provided free concerts and free educational outreach programs to all citizens of North Florida for 50 years.  Stars and dance professionals pair up to create a dance routine for a judged competition, while also raising funds in the form of voting and gala ticket sales.

BFAS Mission Statement

To enrich our communities by sharing the transforming power of music and art, free to all.

Star Selection

Stars are chosen from throughout the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area.  They are introduced to the community at the REVEAL party in April and then train with the area’s most talented dance professionals with complementary lessons to create a routine for competition at the First Coast Dancing with the Stars Gala in September held at WJCT Studio A in downtown Jacksonville.  Each star will commit to raising at least $5,000 for Beaches Fine Arts Series.  All amounts raised count as votes. The winner of the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy is the star whose money raised, coupled with scores given by the judges on the night of the Gala, results in the highest percentage score.

Dance Professional Support

Each Star and Pro pair set up its own schedule for instruction and practice.  There is no set number of lessons required. We request that each pair make the determination as to the amount of time necessary for the dance routine instruction.  Pairs are typically matched according to location and star schedules.  Our wonderful dance professionals are very flexible and love supporting our special stars.

Star Fundraising Methods

Stars raise money in a variety of ways:

• Sale of Gala tickets and/or tables, which can include the VIP party, dinner & drinks, and special seating (please see Voting and Ticket pages for more information) 
• Votes are $1 a piece and may be purchased in various increments online at firstcoastdwts.org.  Voting will take place prior to the Gala and at the event in September.
• Stars often hold special events as mini-fundraisers prior to the Gala
• Corporate Advertising – (please see Corporate Advertising page for more information)

All funds/votes donated are tax deductible as allowed by law.  Portions of ticket sales are tax deductible as well.