If you have your dancing shoes — blue suede ones, of course — you may want to pack them and head to Tupelo for a weekend of dancing to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s music.
The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club will host Dancing With The King from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. The boogie-filled festivities will take place at the Tupelo Furniture Market and will feature music, dancing, and competitions.
The weekend begins with a sock hop and an evening of Elvis music on Oct. 30. Elvis tribute artist Jack Curtis will serenade the crowd with a special performance. Dancing is highly encouraged.
On Oct. 31, there will be a celebrity dance competition, highlighted by local favorites like Annina Nabors, Carmon Dye, Dana Ebb, Drew Horn, Jake Ray, Jason Spradlin, Levetta Armstrong, Lexie Stewart, Colton Rogers, and Liv Welborn. The competition is one of the weekend’s most anticipated events, as local personalities pair up with dancers, learn their routines, and compete for the crowd’s cheers and support.
“Dancing With The King is one of those events that is just pure fun, but there’s also so much heart behind it,” Tupelo Elvis Fan Club president Mallorie Hutcheson said. “You get to watch people you know step completely outside their comfort zones, cheer them on and have a great time, while knowing that the money raised is helping give young people opportunities through dance. That makes the entire weekend even more special.”
Proceeds from the dance competition will benefit Dance in the Schools, a program that introduces ballroom dancing to students in area schools, as well as scholarships that help young people continue their dance education. For the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club, supporting that mission feels especially fitting in the hometown of a young boy who discovered the power of music and went on to change the world with it.
“Elvis’ story began right here in Tupelo, and music gave him a way to dream beyond what he could see around him,” Hutcheson said. “We love that this event gives us an opportunity to celebrate his legacy through music and dance while helping young people discover talents, confidence, and opportunities of their own. That’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of.”
On the last day of Dancing With The King, guests are invited to take the floor once more for a full day of ballroom dance competition. Ticket information can be found here.