Dancers Against Cancer Announces Star-Studded Gala of the Stars, Honoring Missy Elliott With Icon Award and Featuring Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, and More
Dancers Against Cancer (DAC) is set to host one of the most anticipated evenings in the entertainment and dance community this fall, as the organization officially announced on Thursday that music legend Missy Elliott will be recognized with the Icon Award at its annual Gala of the Stars benefit. The glamorous, black-tie event is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Beverly Hilton and promises an unforgettable night of celebration, tribute, and philanthropy, all in support of dancers and dance educators facing cancer.
The announcement marks a major moment for the nonprofit, which has spent years providing critical financial assistance to dancers, dance educators, and their families when they are impacted by cancer. This year’s gala will not only shine a spotlight on Elliott’s groundbreaking contributions to music, dance, and entertainment but will also bring together some of the biggest names in the industry to champion a cause that is deeply personal to so many in the performing arts community.
Perhaps most notably, Janet Jackson—who received the Icon honor at the 2025 gala—will return to the stage to present Elliott with this year’s award. The moment carries special weight, as it connects two titans of pop and R&B whose influence on choreography, music video artistry, and live performance has shaped generations of artists. Jackson’s presence underscores the profound respect and admiration Elliott commands among her peers, and it adds an extra layer of significance to an already meaningful evening.
In a statement, Noah Lands, CEO of Dancers Against Cancer and executive producer of the Gala of the Stars, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. “Missy Elliott represents everything the Icon Award celebrates. Her groundbreaking artistry has inspired generations of performers, and having Janet Jackson, last year’s honoree, present her with this award makes the moment even more special,” Lands said. He continued, “We’re also excited to recognize Toni Basil and Vincent Paterson for their extraordinary contributions to dance and entertainment, and to welcome Paula Abdul and Anita Mann back to the gala.”
Indeed, the evening will be a celebration of legacies. Alongside Missy Elliott’s Icon Award, the gala will honor legendary dancer and choreographer Toni Basil with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Basil, best known to mainstream audiences for her 1982 chart-topping hit “Mickey,” is far more than a one-hit wonder; she is a pioneering force in dance, having worked with some of the biggest names in music, film, and television. Her career spans decades, and her influence can be seen in everything from iconic music videos to groundbreaking stage performances. Presenting Basil with her award will be Anita Mann, herself a highly respected choreographer and director who has worked extensively in television and live performance. Their reunion on stage will undoubtedly be a highlight of the evening, celebrating two women who helped shape the visual language of popular entertainment.
In addition, director and choreographer Vincent Paterson will be honored with the Vanguard Award. Paterson is widely celebrated for his work with some of the most iconic artists in modern music history, including Michael Jackson and Madonna. He choreographed and directed memorable performances such as Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and Madonna’s “Vogue” tour, and his contributions to film and stage have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. The Vanguard Award is a fitting tribute to an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what dance can express within the context of music and storytelling. Paterson’s award will be presented by Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick, who are both longtime supporters of the arts and members of the Gala of the Stars Committee.
Paula Abdul, another towering figure in the worlds of dance and music, will also be taking part in the evening. Abdul, who rose to fame as a choreographer for the Los Angeles Lakers cheerleading squad before becoming a global pop superstar, will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award. The recipient of this special honor has yet to be announced, but the award itself is a testament to Abdul’s enduring impact on both the entertainment and philanthropic realms. Abdul has been a longtime advocate for dancers and has used her platform to elevate the art form, making her involvement with Dancers Against Cancer a natural fit.
Adding to the star power, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the beloved former professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars, will once again serve as host for the evening. Chmerkovskiy is no stranger to the gala, and his charisma, passion for dance, and deep connection to the performer community make him an ideal master of ceremonies. His presence ensures that the night will be filled with warmth, humor, and heartfelt moments as the event moves from dinner to awards to live entertainment.
The Gala of the Stars is known for its dazzling atmosphere, and this year will be no exception. The Beverly Hilton will play host to a black-tie affair featuring an elegant dinner, a moving awards ceremony, and an array of live performances designed to showcase the extraordinary talent within the dance community. Among the confirmed performers is Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies, an all-female tap dance group that has earned widespread acclaim for their rhythmically intricate, high-energy performances. Arnold and her troupe have become international sensations, captivating audiences with their blend of traditional tap and contemporary flair. Their performance at the gala is sure to be one of the evening’s most electrifying moments.
The event will also be graced by the presence of legendary entertainer Liza Minnelli, who will serve as honorary chair. Minnelli, an iconic performer in her own right, brings a touch of old Hollywood glamour and a deep appreciation for the arts to the proceedings. She will be joined by the Gala of the Stars Committee, a distinguished group that includes Anita Mann, Julie McDonald, NappyTabs, Tori Spelling, and William Seely. Together, these individuals represent a wide cross-section of entertainment industry talent and advocacy, and their support will help ensure the gala raises crucial funds for dancers in need.
At its core, the Gala of the Stars is about more than glamour and recognition—it is a lifeline for members of the dance community who find themselves facing one of life’s most difficult challenges. Dancers Against Cancer was founded to fill a critical gap in support for performers, many of whom work as independent contractors or freelancers and lack access to stable health insurance, paid sick leave, or emergency savings. A cancer diagnosis can be devastating not only physically and emotionally but also financially. Treatment often requires time away from work, and for dancers, whose livelihoods depend entirely on their physical health and availability, the stakes are especially high.
DAC seeks to alleviate some of that burden by providing direct financial assistance to dancers, dance educators, and their families. Whether helping to cover medical bills, living expenses, or other urgent needs, the organization steps in when it matters most. Since its founding, DAC has helped countless individuals navigate the difficult intersection of serious illness and professional instability. The funds raised at events like the Gala of the Stars are essential to sustaining these efforts.
The choice of Missy Elliott as this year’s Icon Award recipient is particularly meaningful given her unique position in the worlds of music and dance. Elliott, a multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, has long been celebrated for her innovative music videos and her fearless approach to choreography. From the surreal visual landscapes of “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to the playful, high-energy routines of “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On,” Elliott has consistently pushed creative boundaries and has inspired countless dancers and choreographers to think outside the box. Her collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and of course Janet Jackson, have produced some of the most memorable moments in pop culture history.
Elliott’s influence extends far beyond her own recordings. She has written and produced for other artists, helping to shape the sound and style of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, and she has been a vocal advocate for artists under the radar. As a Black woman in a male-dominated industry, she broke down barriers and carved out a space for herself through sheer talent, creativity, and determination. Her receipt of the Icon Award is a recognition not only of her commercial success but of her lasting impact on the culture at large.
The pairing of Elliott and Jackson for this year’s Icon Award presentation is also a source of excitement for fans. The two artists have shared a mutual respect for decades. Jackson was an early supporter of Elliott’s work, and Elliott has credited Jackson with inspiring some of her own artistic choices. Having Jackson hand the award to Elliott creates a full-circle moment that highlights the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and sisterhood within the entertainment industry.
As the Oct. 22 date approaches, the gala is expected to draw a wide array of celebrity guests, industry insiders, and dedicated philanthropists. The evening will be a testament to the power of community and the determination of those who have dedicated their lives to dance to support one another in times of need. With a host like Maksim Chmerkovskiy, performances by the Syncopated Ladies, and an impressive roster of honorees and presenters, the Gala of the Stars promises to be both a spectacular show and a deeply emotional reunion of the dance world’s extended family.
Dancers Against Cancer has built a reputation for creating events that are as joyful as they are meaningful, and this year’s Gala of the Stars looks set to carry on that proud tradition. By honoring Missy Elliott, Toni Basil, Vincent Paterson, and the recipients of the Paula Abdul Legacy Award, the organization is celebrating the artists who have given so much to the world of dance while also raising crucial funds to support those who need help the most.
For those who wish to attend or support the cause, the gala offers a unique opportunity to experience a night of entertainment and inspiration while making a tangible difference in the lives of dancers and dance educators battling cancer. The Beverly Hilton will likely be filled with laughter, tears, standing ovations, and unforgettable performances—all in service of a community that has brought so much joy to the world.
As Noah Lands and his team continue to prepare for what promises to be a spectacular evening, one thing is clear: the Gala of the Stars is more than just a benefit. It is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable bonds that unite the dance community. And with legends like Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Liza Minnelli, Missy Elliott, and so many others coming together under one roof, it is certain to be a night that no one in attendance will soon forget.
Tickets and sponsorship information for the Gala of the Stars are expected to be available through Dancers Against Cancer’s website, and given the magnitude of the honorees and participants, interest is likely to be high. For dancers, their families, and their supporters, this event represents a shining moment of solidarity—a reminder that even in the darkest times, the dance community stands together.
