United Tribute Dancers 2025

Each of these fabulous volunteer dancing duos are working hard for your votes and support, all to benefit our community. Click each of the couple names below to meet the dancers and lend your support.

 

Maria Cunningham & David Smith

  Support Maria & David   Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity & Financial Security

 

MEET MARIA

I live in... Denton
I work at... Northwest ISD
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... Many of my family members are veterans
My favorite song to dance to is... Lovely Day
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Winning the trophy
UNITED is the WAY™ to... reach our goals, because there are so many ways to help, so many ways to be a part of helping others.

MEET DAVID

I live in... Denton
I work at... North Central Texas College
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... United Way does so much good acting as a conduit to distribute its resources and gifts throughout the county
My favorite song to dance to is... Fly Me to the Moon
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Showing off my sweet moves that I am going to learn!
UNITED is the WAY™... I live, anything and everything I can do to better the community is what I hope to achieve. 

MEET JEFF

I live in... Denton
I work at... Denton Independent School District
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... United Way makes a difference in our community
My favorite song to dance to is... I don't dance
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Completion :)
UNITED is the WAY™ to... show the least of these that we care the most

MEET CHARLENE

I live in... Hickory Creek
I work at... Denton Independent School District
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... This initiative is important to me because I want to help people. I want to pay forward the help and support that was afforded to me when I needed it the most
My favorite song to dance to is... Brown Eyed Girl
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Being a part of something that contributes to a greater cause and making everyone smile
UNITED is the WAY™ to... help others

 

Jeff Russell & Charlene Parham

   Support Charlene & Jeff  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity

 

 Lauren Garrett & David Mata

     Support Lauren & David  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity & Healthy Community

We

MEET LAUREN

I live in... Ponder
I work at... Perfected Bodies Fitness
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... The initiative of helping children and families succeed is important to me because it creates a foundation for long-term well-being, growth, and stability in the community. By providing support, resources, and opportunities, you help children reach their full potential, ensuring they have the tools to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Strengthening families empowers them to create nurturing environments, which benefits not only individual households but the broader community as well, fostering a cycle of success and resilience.
My favorite song to dance to is... I wouldn't say I have a favorite song to dance to, but my son and I love coming up with TikTok dances to the latest viral songs
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Allowing myself to be uncomfortable so that I can grow and doing so for an amazing cause
UNITED is the WAY™ to... build a stronger community where everyone has the opportunity to strive

MEET DAVID

I live in... Ponder
I work at... Perfected Bodies Fitness
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... Helping others in need is important in keeping our civilization going
My favorite song to dance to is... Way 2 Sexy by Drake
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Giving back to the community
UNITED is the WAY™ to... grow together and go further

MEET TYLER

I live in... Denton
I work at... City of Denton
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... Everyone deserves a chance to thrive, to have safe opportunities for growth. Strong families lead to a strong community.
My favorite song to dance to is... Any musicals - Seize the Dasy from Newsies, You Can't Stop the Beat from Hairspray
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... I am most excited about supporting a great cause and organizations that do so much to uplift our community and help those in tough situations. It will be a fun way to give back and make a difference.
UNITED is the WAY™ to... assist those in our community who need help in their darkest moments.

MEET KRISSI

I live in... Denton
I work at... Greater Denton Arts Council
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... We live in a TOUGH economic time, and for many families, putting food on the table is a challenge. As a former teacher, I've seen many students come to school hungry, or stressed about money - something a child should never have to take on. Everyone needs help sometimes - and as a community, we should want EVERYONE to succeed. We are all one chance away from needing a hand. If we are in a position to lend one, it shouldn't even be a question.
My favorite song to dance to is... It depends on who can see me
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Having fun, and raising money for an AWESOME cause!
UNITED is the WAY™ to... a better and stronger tomorrow.

 

 

Krissi Oden & Tyler Atkinson

      Support Krissi & Tyler  Buy Tickets 

We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity & Community Resiliency

 

 

Kirsten & Evan Pasha

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      We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity

We

MEET KIRSTEN

I live in... Lantana
I work at... CASA of Denton
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... It takes a village to raise a child and it's harder now than ever to find that village. Together is always best.
My favorite song to dance to is... I Wanna Dance with Somebody
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Representing CASA of Denton
UNITED is the WAY™ to... build a better Denton County

MEET EVAN

I live in... Lantana
I work at... CASA of Denton
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... It's imperative to support people with fewer opportunities and less privileged
My favorite song to dance to is... Shake it Off
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Raising awareness for a great organization
UNITED is the WAY™ to... give back

MEET GRACE

I live in... Plano
I work at... City of Carrollton
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... This past year I have really focused on improving my own mental health and I see the direct impacts it has had in my own life. Someone who has less resources and goes through even a singular life crisis would be in greater need of addressing their mental health, and they are typically the ones who cannot receive services - whether that is through external or internal barriers.
My favorite song to dance to is... anything Taylor Swift
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Raising vital funds for our community's greatest needs!!!!
UNITED is the WAY™ to... be a part of something greater than yourself for the better

MEET MARK

I live in... Shady Shores
I work at... Redbud Tax & Advisors
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... I am a disabled Combat Veteran, Afghanistan, that truly knows the toll on veteran's families
My favorite song to dance to is... I Do Not Dance!
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Learning to dance!
UNITED is the WAY™ to... give back

 

 

 

Grace Currie & Mark Wallace

      Support Grace & Mark  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Healthy Community & Youth Opportunity

 

 

 

Ronnie Cade & Robert Bird

     Support Ronni & Robert  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Youth Opportunity & Community Resiliency

We

MEET RONNI

I live in... Lewisville
I work for... City of Lewisville
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... In today's economy, young working families are so financially stressed that it is impacting the overall mental health of the entire family.
My favorite song to dance to is... I Hope You Dance, Martina McBride
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... The energy in the room
UNITED is the WAY™ to... collectively really make an impact in this county, and we want this county to have the best impact there is for those that are in need.

MEET ROBERT

I live in... Lantana
I work at... Texas Real Estate Associates
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... I grew up poor so I have seen what it is like for those less fortunate and I have a soft spot in my heart to help those in need when I can.
My favorite song to dance to is... Anything
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Fundraising for a great cause.
UNITED is the WAY™ to... share with local nonprofits in the county.

MEET WANDALIZ

I live in... Denton
I work at... TWU Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... As an Army veteran myself and mother of a Marine, I've seen firsthand how important community support can be in the lives of our service women & men and their families. The percentage of the US population that serves in the military is less that 1% of US adults. However, about 7% of Texas's civilian population aged 18 and older were veterans and more than 41,000 Veterans call Denton County home. Thank you, United Way, for your support!
My favorite song to dance to is... Any Puerto Rican reggaeton song!
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Representing my alma mater, Texas Woman's University and all the amazing work we do at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership!
UNITED is the Way™ to... make our communities resilient and united.

MEET TORRY

I live in... Denton
I work at... Miss Angeline's
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... I enjoy helping people.
My favorite song to dance to is... The last half of Beyonce's Renaissance.
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Wandaliz and I getting to shake that thang on the stage.
UNITED is the WAY™ to... bring everyone together and unite everyone together.

 

 

Torry Clark & Wandaliz Turner

      Support Torry & Wandaliz  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

     Youth Opportunity & Community Resiliency

 

 

 

Patrick & LeeAnn Kelly

     Support Patrick & LeeAnn  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Financial Security

We

MEET LEEANN

I live in... Lewisville
I work at... EA Engineering
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... Community service is in our blood
My favorite song to dance to is... None
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Making my city proud
UNITED is the WAY™ to... improve lives by helping our neighbors

MEET PATRICK

I live in... Lewisville
I work at... Lewisville City Council
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... I'm excited to be a part of a community that brings awareness to the great work of United Way!
My favorite song to dance to is... Uptown Funk
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Dancing
UNITED is the WAY™ to... create lasting change

MEET CHERYL

I live in... Lewisville
I work at... Children's Health
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... I believe everyone should have access to safe community resources that acknowledge and support our mental health as much as our physical health.
My favorite song to dance to is... Anything 80s rock
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Being active and getting to know other members of my community.
UNITED is the WAY™ to... live healthy in our community.

MEET RYAN

I live in... Lantana
I work at... Margaritaville
Why is the initiative you chose important to you? ... Everyone deserves hope.
My favorite song to dance to is... The Dance
When I think about dancing at UNITED Tribute, I'm most excited about... Raising money for babies!
UNITED is the WAY™ to... compassion, caring, and ultimately to give back to the community. I think if we can provide hope via United Way, then we are all being successful.

 

 

Cheryl McIvor & Ryan Garcia

      Support Cheryl & Ryan  Buy Tickets 

      We dedicate our dancing to:

Healthy Community & Youth Opportunity