Dancing for the Stars Program 2026 by Cincinnati Arts Association

A Benefit for Cincinnati Arts Association’s Overture Awards and Arts Education Programs

Season 18

present

9:45 PM Awards Ceremony

8:00 PM Celebrity Dance Competition

Music Hall Ballroom

10:00 PM Dance the Night Away

6:30 PM Dancing, Dinner-by-the-Bite, Open Bar

Saturday, April 25, 2026

9:30 PM Overture Awards Vocal Music Performance

Dinner-by-the-Bite presented by:

Baru · DelightMore · eat well celebrations and feasts · Prime Cincinnati

Sebastian Bakehouse · Skyline Chili · Street City Pub · Vintage on Race

Bourbon Tasting by Willow Run Custom Bourbon

Hosts: Chris O'Brien & Janeen Coyle

DJ: JD Hughes – 103.5 WGRR

All proceeds benefit Cincinnati Arts Association's Overture Awards and arts education programs.

Every eﬀort has been made to assure the information and exposure contained in this program is accurate as of April 1, 2026. We apologize for any omissions.

CHRIS O'BRIEN & JANEEN COYLE

After all or part of four decades on 103.5 WGRR’s “Married with Microphones,” Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle retired from their morning show at the beginning of 2024. Mayor Aftab Pureval proclaimed their last day on the air as “Chris & Janeen Day” and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, phoned into their show with congratulations and an oﬃcial state proclamation. Married for thirty-eight years and in Cincinnati radio since the ‘70s, Chris & Janeen remain an integral part of the community, with activities such as the DAV 5K, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Chris was LLS Man of the Year in 2019 for money raised), and SPCA Cincinnati, where they were recipients of the P.B. Johnson Humanitarian Award. In 2022, the couple was presented the prestigious Marconi Award by the National Association of Broadcasters as America’s Large Market Personalities of the Year. Chris & Janeen are also ardent supporters of the Cincinnati Arts Association, having recently emceed the 2025 Overture Awards competition, and have been hosts of the annual Dancing for the Stars since its inception.

THE HOSTS THE STARS

ALEX BEACH

Director, Lifetime Engagements, Fidelity Investments

Alex is an Avondale resident and fourteen-year associate at Fidelity Investments, where he helps improve the experience of customers navigating the loss of a loved one. Despite having no dance experience background, Alex fell in love with this event after attending the past two years and felt inspired to step onto the stage himself, hoping to support the organization and maybe even top his friend Zack Thornton’s 2024 score.

Alex’s appreciation for the arts stems from his family: a grandmother, Evelyn, who regularly competed in round dancing, and a great-grandmother, Wilhelmina “Bill” Butcher, who served as art director for Gay Fad Studios in the 1950s. Their creativity inspires him as he trains with his dance professional, Bonita Brockert.

A dedicated community volunteer, Alex supports ﬁnancial education through Junior Achievement and received the Fidelity Cares Circle of Service Award in 2025. His favorite role, though, is being dad to his ﬁve-year-old daughter, Phoebe.

NICHOLAS DUNIGAN

Associate Wealth Management Advisor, Fifth Third Bank

Nicholas has been at Fifth Third Bank since 2019. He spent the first two years of his career in Private Client Services (PCS) and with the Investment Management Group (IMG) diving into portfolio management and equity research to establish a strong investment baseline of knowledge. Upon Nicholas’ third year at the bank, he transitioned to the Kentucky region, where his primary focus was to lead holistic planning and wealth strategizing for the region. Nicholas is currently a Wealth Management Advisor, in the Cincinnati footprint. He is responsible for assisting in both the daily and long-term financial planning needs of his clients. Nicholas’ client base consists of highnet-worth business owners, retired executives, and other affluent individuals. Nicholas is passionate about strategically planning the transfer of wealth, philanthropic giving, and working with the younger generation coming into either “new” or “seasoned” wealth.

When not working, Nicholas can either be found enjoying various bike rides throughout the city, doing CrossFit, or vacationing with his mother around the world. He is passionate about going to the gym, mental health, and spending time with his family located in his hometown of Nashville, TN. Nicholas received his B.B.A, Cum Laude in Economics & Finance from Tennessee State University.

THE STARS

DR. MONA FOAD

Founder & CEO, Mona Dermatology

Dr. Foad is a board-certiﬁed dermatologist who has been in private practice in her hometown of Cincinnati since 2002. She attended Johns Hopkins University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history as well as a Master's degree in Epidemiology from the school of Public Health. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and ﬁnishing her residency in Washington, D.C., she moved back to her hometown of Cincinnati to provide dermatology care to the city that she loves.

Dr. Foad opened MONA Dermatology in 2006 with the vision that she wanted to create a place where she could provide innovative health care in a nurturing environment, focusing on the well-being of her patients. With an all-female staﬀ of over forty-ﬁve women, she is so proud of the team and how they have grown and evolved over the years, bringing the vision of what health care should become to life.

On a more personal note, Dr. Foad is the proud mom of two amazing, smart, funny, and independent young ladies named Miranda and Laila who are the loves of her life. She is blessed to be surrounded by her parents, Drs. Salem and Wafaa Foad, her brothers and their families, Drs. Mohab and Tim Foad, as well as her partner and better half, Mr. Gary Simon.

Dr. Foad believes that anything is possible in the amazing country we live in, and she is excited to support other people reaching for their dreams.

In business and in life, she believes: “Juntos Brillamos Más.” – “Together We Shine Brighter.”

FELISA INSIGNARES

Owner, Designer Items and More Boutique

Felisa is the founder of ELEVATI – Elevated Essentials, a growing name in international luxury retail, recently selected by the Italian Trade Agency in recognition of her expanding inﬂuence in global fashion sourcing and luxury merchandising. She also owns Designer Items & More Boutique, repeatedly awarded Best Luxury Boutique in Cincinnati.

Before building her fashion brand, Felisa spent ﬁfteen years at Procter & Gamble in Public Relations, leading global brand awareness for some of the world’s most recognized brands.

A proud Latina entrepreneur and longtime member of LULAC, she has supported scholarship initiatives for more than twenty years. Felisa is passionate about empowering women, uplifting small businesses, and strengthening cultural and artistic communities. She loves her familia, friends, clients, and the vibrant community that surrounds her.

MEEKA OWENS

Cincinnati City Councilwoman

Meeka was born and raised in Avondale and is a graduate of Purcell Marian High School, Miami University, and Xavier University, and is a three-time elected member of Cincinnati City Council. On Council, she serves as Chair of the Climate, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee and sits on the Budget & Finance and Equitable Growth & Housing Committees. Her leadership reﬂects both her lived experience and her deep belief that democracy works best when communities are meaningfully included in it.

In 2020, she co-founded the Greater Cincinnati Voter Collaborative to strengthen civic participation across Hamilton County, a continuation of her long-standing commitment to expanding access to democracy. Meeka’s commitment to authentic civic engagement was shaped by her early work as an organizer in 2016, where she registered hundreds of voters and saw ﬁrsthand the gaps between institutions and the communities they aim to serve, particularly Black and Brown communities.

Beyond her work, Meeka is a mother, an organizer, and a dancer. Fun fact: Meeka is a black-belt in Karate!

THE STARS

ROB WARFEL

Public Safety and Law Enforcement Executive

Robert is a distinguished Public Safety and Law Enforcement Executive with twenty-eight plus years of comprehensive experience delivering transformational leadership in federal and local law enforcement, public safety administration, and higher education. Renowned for driving innovative safety strategies, operational excellence, and community-focused initiatives, he leverages expertise in enterprise risk management, crisis response, and policy development to protect communities and advance organizational goals.

Many would not likely believe he attended Butler University on a combined Academic and Vocal Performance scholarship, because he transitioned from undergrad directly to law school at Ohio Northern University. While he is not known for dancing, his love for the arts began early and was also carried on by his three boys. With tremendous support and partnership with his wife Arianna, they have raised all three to also embrace and include ﬁne arts as an integral part of their lives.

Rob’s professional career started as an attorney here in Cincinnati, then shifted to service as a Special Agent for the FBI over twenty-two plus years before transitioning to the Director of Public Safety (20192024) at Xavier University, Rob now serves on the Indian Hill Exempted Village Board of Education and also provides insight to the Risk Management Board for Dan Beard Council of Scouting America. Recognized for his decisive leadership and strategic acumen, Robert excels in addressing complex public safety challenges with practical and results-driven solutions, but his skills on the dance ﬂoor are yet to be determined. Rob will soon embark on a new chapter after Dancing for the Stars as he will begin working for Disney Cruise Line as an Investigations Manager. He is grateful for the support of friends and family and all of the fellow participants in this year’s event!

THE PROS

JAMES BRANHAM

Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Dayton

James has been an instructor with Arthur Murray West Chester since July 2023. He teaches many styles of social dance, but is drawn to many of the Latin club styles and their free, fun nature. Before he found himself teaching ballroom dance, he grew up in and around the Dayton area before moving to Illinois to study music, receiving a B.M. in Commercial Music from Millikin University. James loves using his formal music training in order to help aid his students with the mastery of complex rhythms in dances and the expression of themselves to the music.

BONITA BROCKERT Independent Dance Instructor

Bonita is a Fellow National Championship Adjudicator and three-time United States ﬁnalist in multiple divisions, Vice Champion in American Ballroom. She has choreographed for PBS, Columbus Foundation, and American Express, and has performed with the Chicago Symphony and Joﬀrey Ballet, Cincinnati Pops, Spoleto Festival, and in the international tour of Dancing Nights. She is the former coach of The Ohio State University Dance Team and served on the Arthur Murray International Dance Board as Region Four Dance Chair. Her work with youth dancing includes coaching the Ohio State University Dancesport Team, Ballroom Director for Columbus Youth Dancesport, teaching the Young Marines, and teaching artist in Cincinnati public schools.

She has been part of Dancing for the Stars since its inception and may be best known for getting Sheriﬀ Simon Leis arrested by his own deputies.

THE PROS

DESIREÉ MAINOUS

Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery

Desireé began her dancing career at the ripe age of two years old at the Bonnie Williams Dance Studio. She started in the competition circuit when she was seven, and it was then that she realized she wanted dance to be a part of her life forever. At the age of ﬁfteen, she won the title of Ms. Ohio Tap and started touring the country as a tap dancer. In 2000, she danced professionally in Dayton, Ohio as a tap dancer with Rhythm in Shoes. In 2004, she started taking lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Center in downtown Cincinnati, became a teacher in 2005, and opened her own Arthur Murray Franchise in 2010 with her business partner, Jeremy. In 2015, she opened her nonproﬁt, Dance With Your Heart, whose mission is to empower people through the awesomeness of dance! Desireé is also the proud mother of her wonderful son, Jameson Styles, who is the love of her life!

JOZSEF PARRAGH

Independent Dance Instructor

Jozsef started dancing acrobatic rock ‘n' roll in Budapest, Hungary, at age seventeen. As he continued to dance, he discovered ballroom dancing and realized he had found his passion. Jozsef began training in his home country and then moved to Italy, where he trained for two years. His teachers include professionals from not only Hungary and Italy, but also from Russia, Germany, and North America.

Jozsef participated in numerous Hungarian Championships and won the Hungarian title thirteen times. He was also proud and honored to represent his home country by placing seventh in the World Amateur 10-Dance Championships.

Today, Jozsef enjoys teaching people of all ages to become better quality dancers by connecting with and expressing the best parts of themselves.

ALYENENDROV TSOROKEAN

Phoenix Rising Ballroom

Alyenendrov loves all styles of dance and actively trains in all styles of partnerbased dance. What many do not know about him is that he is more than just a dancer and a set of muscles. He loves to read. He writes poetry and music. He is a clothing designer as well as a seamster. More than likely, both his dance outfits and formal wear will have been designed and sewn by him!

Alyenendrov is the World Latin Dance Cup Stage Tango Champion, International Hustle Salsa Competition Cabaret Champion, two-time Ohio Star Ball Cabaret Champion, six- time US Open Swing Dance Cabaret Champion, six-time US Grand National Swing Dance Cabaret Champion, two-time World Exhibition Champion, 2022 British Open Professional Exhibition Champion, and The OPEN Worlds Exhibition Champion. In addition, he has appeared on World of Dance and America's Got Talent.

MELISSA VAUGHN

Independent Dance Instructor

Melissa started dancing at age three and has an expansive performing arts background. She is celebrating her seventh year at Arthur Murray – Montgomery and enjoys watching her students’ love of dance continue to grow. She thanks everyone for their continued support of the arts.

THE JUDGES

DOUGLAS BEAL

Independent Dance Instructor | Pro Dancer, Dancing for the Stars

Douglas is a Northern Kentucky native who began dancing over thirty years ago. His initial training and his ﬁrst position as an instructor were with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Erlanger, where he taught full time for three years. A move to the West Coast followed, as did a teaching position in Santa Cruz, California and later Seattle, Washington.

When an opportunity came to head East, he found his next instructorship at StepN-Out Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Moving ever closer to where it all began, Douglas headed for Columbus, Ohio and a teaching position at Dance Plus Studio. For the last twenty years, he has been back in his home in Northern Kentucky, where he has been teaching as an independent instructor and participating in dance events. He specializes in American ballroom, Latin, and swing dances.

Douglas is pleased to be making his thirteenth appearance as a Dancing for the Stars judge.

DOREEN BEATRICE

Owner, Step-N-Out Dance Studio | Pro Dancer, Dancing for the Stars

Doreen is a Professional Ballroom Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer, and Certiﬁed Judge. She has been teaching Ballroom Dancing for more than three decades and was owner of the Step-N-Out Dance Studio in Covington, Kentucky for seventeen years. She has been certiﬁed to teach all Ballroom styles (American and International) and has competed nationally and internationally in the Professional International Standard Division, making it all the way to the Blackpool Dance Festival in U.K. She retired from Pro-Am Dance Competition in 2019, but still teaches all styles today.

She was the co-organizer of the Special Ballroom Festival (a ballroom dance competition for individuals with special needs) for six years, and was the founder and co-organizer of NDCA recognized competition, Riverfront Dancesport Festival, for three years. She has produced and directed numerous local dance shows including the Annual Dance Galas and the Argentine Tango show, Tango Des-parada, at The Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky, all beneﬁting children and education.

Doreen has danced in performances of stage shows including The Boyfriend, The Tragedy of Dr. Faust, and Ballroom. She has choreographed numbers for local productions of Oklahoma and A Stop in Paris This will be her eighteenth season participating in CAA's Dancing for The Stars fundraiser, dancing for thirteen years of those years. She is the only pro dancer to take home the championship trophy four times.

KARLA BOLDRY

Business Advisor ‒ Ohio SBDC, Miami University Regionals; Founder, Latina Entrepreneur Academy Cincinnati; Local Sales Manager ‒ La Mega | Urban 1

Karla is a dedicated advocate for small businesses, women, and the Hispanic community. With a passion for empowering entrepreneurs, she works tirelessly to create opportunities that foster economic growth and sustainability.

Karla is committed to supporting women in business, helping them navigate challenges and maximize their potential. As a champion for the Hispanic community, she strives to create connections, resources, and visibility for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

A mother of three and grandmother of four, she balances her love for family with her dedication to making a lasting impact. Tonight, she’s taking on a new challenge by stepping onto the dance ﬂoor in support of arts education and the next generation of talent.

PAM KRAVETZ

Nationally-recognized Artist and Arts Educator

Pam is a mural makin’, street paintin’, quilt sewin’, yarnbombin’, ﬂashmobin’, tutu wearin’ art monster. A regionally and nationally recognized visual artist, she has created more than ﬁfty exhibits and installations. She holds a BFA from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning and taught high school art for thirty years.

(Pam Kravetz continued)

For Pam, contemporary art isn’t a spectator sport—it’s accessible, interactive, and rooted in community. Her work spans street art, installations at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and monumental Memory Quilts at the Contemporary Arts Center. She served as Artistic Director for the inaugural Blink Parade and has held leadership roles with ArtWorks and the CAC.

A CityBeat Best Artist (2022, 2025) and Enquirer Woman of the Year (2017), Pam continues creating bold, personal work – and is thrilled to return as a Dancing for the Stars judge after competing as a Celebrity Dancer in 2018.

OVERTURE AWARDS 2026 WINNERS

CREATIVE WRITING

Olivia Landry, grade 11, Villa Madonna Academy DANCE

Nora Doyle, grade 11, School for Creative and Performing Arts / Studies with Just Oﬀ Broadway

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Mario Agustín Ynga Orellana, grade 10, Walnut Hills High School / Studies with Dr. Laura Sabo THEATER

Jai’Den Pritchett, grade 11, Sycamore High School / Studies with Musical Arts Center

VISUAL ART

Edie Anderson, grade 12, School for Creative and Performing Arts

VOCAL MUSIC

William Wittekind, grade 12, Saint Xavier High School / Studies with Musical Arts Center

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

CAA's Education Department promotes life-long learning through its programs, which are diverse, multidisciplinary, and accessible to all ages and cultural groups. SchoolTime presents a series of programs that feature nationally-recognized artists at CAA's two venues (the Aronoﬀ Center and Music Hall), and Artists On Tour brings the ﬁnest local artists in the region to Tri-state schools for interactive arts experiences aligned with the curriculum.

The Overture Awards Scholarship Competition is the largest locally run arts scholarship competition in the country. The program annually provides a $5,000 scholarship to six area high school students for education and training, with eighteen ﬁnalists each winning a $2,000 scholarship. Each year, nearly four-hundred students are nominated by their schools to compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, or Vocal Music. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Finals, and Final.

The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tristate students in grades 9-12. It also provides students an opportunity to share their talents and interests among their peers in a supportive environment outside of their individual schools. Now in its twenty-ninth year, the Overture Awards was launched by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber program).

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of two of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 700,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than 2.1 million students and adults.

For more information about CAA’s Education & Community Engagement programs, visit cincinnatiarts.org/education-community.

VOCAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE

WILLIAM WITTEKIND

Grade 12, Saint Xavier High School / Studies with Musical Arts Center

William has had a deep love of studying and performing classical music since the 7th grade. William recently placed first in the Matinee Musicale Competition. He was a finalist in the Overture Awards in 2025 and a semifinalist in 2024. William is excited to keep performing in his future!