On October 22, the Beverly Hilton played host to the 2026 Gala of the Stars, an annual philanthropic benefit organized by Dancers Against Cancer (DAC). Emceed by Maks Chmerkovskiy, the star-studded affair united icons from music, dance, and film to raise vital funds for artists and loved ones battling cancer, featuring live showcases and prestigious accolades.

Produced by KAR Productions, the Gala of the Stars serves as a premier celebration of resilience and artistic brilliance. The event supports Dancers Against Cancer, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring no dancer fights cancer alone by offering direct financial relief to performers, educators, and their families. With past honorees including Janet Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Derek Hough, JoJo Siwa, and Anita Mann, DAC has channeled millions into helping families in need through high-profile gatherings like the Industry Dance Awards, the Gala of the Stars, and its Charity Golf Tournament.

Missy Elliott Honored With the Coveted Icon Award

The pinnacle of the evening arrived when multi-GRAMMY Award-winning producer, songwriter, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Missy Elliott accepted the Icon Award. The honor celebrated her revolutionary impact on music, choreography, and popular culture, and was handed to her by five-time GRAMMY winner and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Janet Jackson, who claimed the exact same accolade at the previous year's gala.

Missy Elliott helped make dancers impossible to ignore. She elevated choreography, embraced individuality, and inspired generations of dancers to dream bigger, move differently, and believe that dance could be a powerful force in shaping popular culture. - Janet Jackson

During her acceptance speech, Elliott shifted the spotlight directly onto the performers sharing the stage with her, stating, Dancers are not just props on a stage behind artists. What y’all give an artist’s show is energy, emotion, expression, excitement, and entertainment. You bring life to an artist’s lyrics on that stage. Y’all are artists too! Because it takes incredible skill, dedication, discipline, practice and passion to do what you do.

Celebrating Legends of Choreography and Performance

The ceremony further honored several titans who shaped the modern entertainment landscape:

  • Toni Basil: The legendary dancer, director, and recording artist received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Anita Mann, celebrating a career spanning more than six decades. Best known for her Billboard No. 1 hit “Mickey,” Basil was an original member of The Lockers and choreographed for icons like David Bowie, Tina Turner, and Bette Midler. Upon accepting, she remarked, “Dance is my drug of choice. Dance is my obsession. Dance is my lover and has never let me down.”
  • Vincent Paterson: The renowned director and choreographer was awarded the Vanguard Award by Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick for his legendary work across film, Broadway, and concert tours. Having collaborated with Michael Jackson and Madonna on cultural milestones like “Smooth Criminal” and the Blond Ambition Tour, Paterson reflected, “Dance is the language I spoke for over 50 years. It opened my eyes to possibilities, gave me a key to so many creative doors, and inspired me to become the artist that I am.”
  • Chita Rivera: Paula Abdul presented the posthumous Paula Abdul Legacy Award to honor the late Broadway titan. Abdul praised Rivera by noting, “What a beautiful gift she was...Chita showed us what it means to tell a story with your whole being, with the movement, the music, the character and, above all, the joy.” Rivera originated legendary roles in West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, and Chicago, breaking barriers for Latina performers.
  • Hilaria Baldwin: Carmen Electra presented the Philanthropist of the Year Award to Baldwin for her unwavering commitment to the arts and charitable causes through the Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation. During her speech, Baldwin noted, “Giving back has always been so central to my life and my family’s life.”

A Night of Unforgettable Performances and Generosity

The evening was punctuated by thrilling performances that paid homage to the honorees' enduring legacies. Highlights included Sasha Farber and Liya Kazbekova dancing to “Proud Mary,” Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies performing to “Straight Up,” Anthony Kanec delivering a dance tribute to Missy Elliott, and JoJo Siwa performing “Boomerang.”

An influential audience filled the room, including RuPaul, Queen Latifah, Tori Spelling, James Charles, Kym Johnson, Robert Herjavec, Jamal Sims, Brooke Lipton, Laurieann Gibson, and Chris Hughes.

Ultimately, the 2026 Gala of the Stars successfully generated over $760,000 for Dancers Against Cancer, ensuring critical monetary support for choreographers, dancers, and educators facing health hardships.

The event's leadership team included DAC founder Noah Lands as executive producer, DAC president Adrian Ruiz as producer, and Nancy O’Meara as director. Liza Minnelli served as Honorary Chair, alongside a distinguished committee featuring Anita Mann, Julie McDonald, NappyTabs, Tori Spelling, and William Seely.