On October 22, Dancers Against Cancer hosted their 2026 Gala of the Stars to support members of the dance community impacted by cancer. A benefit gala hosted by Maks Chmerkovskiy at The Beverly Hilton, the event raised more than $760,000 for the organization.
Among the celebrations in the evening were awards presented to icons Missy Elliott, Toni Basil, Vincent Paterson, Hilaria Baldwin, and the late Chita Rivera. Presenters included Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Anita Mann, Carmen Electra, Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick.
Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott at Dancers Against Cancer’s 2026 Gala of the Stars. Photo by Derek Blanks
Five-time GRAMMY® Award winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and philanthropist Janet Jackson was in attendance. She presented her good friend Missy Elliott, fellow multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee with the Icon Award. In her introduction, Janet remarked, “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.”
Missy has been acknowledged by the dance community for years as a fierce advocate for creatives. In her acceptance speech, she shared, “Dancers are not just props on a stage behind artists. What y’all give is energy, emotion, expression, excitement, entertainment to an artist’s show. 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.”
Anita Mann and Toni Basil at Dancer’s Against Cancer’s Gala Of The Stars
The list of honorees of the night also included acclaimed dancer, choreographer, director and recording artist Toni Basil. Anita Mann presented Basil with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her career in entertainment over the last six decades. Unable to stay still, she entertained the crowd with her signature humor and even busted a move during her acceptance speech. “Dance is my drug of choice. Dance is my obsession. Dance is my lover and has never let me down,” Basil said.
Vincent Paterson, world-renowned director and choreographer received the Vanguard Award, honoring his work in movement throughout film, Broadway, concert tours and television. After receiving the award presented by Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick, he noted, “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.”
Vincent Paterson at Dancer’s Against Cancer’s Gala Of The Stars
Paula Abdul honored the late Chita Rivera with the Paula Abdul Legacy Award in recognition of her illustrious contributions to musical theater and dance. Explaining the inspiration that Rivera gave to her as a young performer, Abdul said, “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 iconic roles in West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie and Chicago, becoming one of Broadway’s most beloved entertainers. A two-time Tony Award winner and recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom and Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, Rivera left an enduring legacy across all facets of the entertainment industry.
Paula Abdul at Dancer’s Against Cancer’s Gala Of The Stars
Carmen Electra presented friend of Dancers Against Cancer, Hilaria Baldwin, with the Philanthropist of the Year Award. An entrepreneur, author and wellness expert, Baldwin supports charitable initiatives through the Hilaria and Alec Baldwin Foundation, which she oversees alongside her husband, with a focus on funding the arts. “Giving back has always been so central to my life and my family’s life,” Baldwin said.
Carmen Electra presents Hilaria Baldwin with the Philanthropist of the Year Award at Dancer’s Against Cancer’s Gala Of The Stars
Performances celebrating each honoree lit up the night. Sasha Farber and Liya Kazbekova opened the gala with “Proud Mary,” Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies showed out to “Straight Up,” Anthony Kanec performed a medley tribute to Missy Elliott, and JoJo Siwa performed an emotional rendition of her hit “Boomerang.”
JoJo Siwa performs at Dancer’s Against Cancer’s Gala Of The Stars
The ceremony was executive produced by Noah Lands, founder of Dancers Against Cancer, produced by Adrian Ruiz, president of Dancers Against Cancer, and directed by Nancy O’Meara. Entertainment icon Liza Minnelli served as Honorary Chair, while Anita Mann, Julie McDonald, NappyTabs, Tori Spelling and William Seely served on the Gala of the Stars Committee.
Host Maksim Chmerkovskiy at Dancers Against Cancer’s 2026 Gala of the Stars
