Kicking off with a launch party at Congress Pizzas on Jan. 22, the Upper Peninsula Hospice Foundation announced their “All-Star Party” theme and welcomed back eight returning pairs to participate in this year’s fundraiser.

“Participating in this event that’s so loved by the community, it’s exciting, but it’s also (going to be) nerve-wracking at the same time, I’m not going to lie,” said Julie Hartung, one half of the Hartung pair who’s returned for this season. She and her partner Ty competed in 2018, winning the Congeniality Award that year.

“It’s always nice to see everyone too, the people that were in our year and (other) years, we know most of the people. It’s just nice to reconnect with them all,” Ty added.

The event first started in 2015, and pairs are randomly assigned a style of dance and specific theme based on the general theme. They’re also assigned Dance Pros to help them choreograph and practice their numbers up until the big show, which will be in May.

Right now, anyone can vote for their favorite contestants by donating $10 or more to the pair’s fundraising page on the DWOS website

One hundred percent of the proceeds go towards the families in the care of the Hospice Foundation.

The competitors for this year’s Mirror Ball trophy are:

≤ Melodie and Travis Alexander

≤ Kaylee and Taylor Birmann

≤ Alyssa and Pat Digneit

≤ Julie and Ty Hartung

≤ Stacy and Jared Haughey

≤ Karen and Ryan Kovacs

≤ Mariel Morton and John Cappoferri

≤ Shawn and Chris Owsley

The competition will be held on May 21 and 22 at the Forest Roberts Theater on Northern Michigan University’s campus, with opening night giving the judges a chance to share their initial thoughts and for the audience to cast their votes.

The grand finale will include a red carpet event in NMU’s Hedgcock Building with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and the final show will tally votes from the judges, online donations and opening night audience to determine the winner of the Mirror Ball trophy.

Tickets for both opening night and the finale night can be purchased on the DWOS website once made available.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it’s year 10,” said Jill Grundstrom, director of dance for the competition. “I think it’s a testament to this community and this organization that it has enough support to have been able to get to ten years.”

Those wanting to cast their votes and learn more about the competition can visit the DWOS website at dwos.uphomehealth.org.

Anyone looking for more information on the event, or who want to sponsor DWOS can contact Kori Bjorne by calling 906-225-4545 or emailing korit@uphomehealth.org.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is