WCTE PBS is now accepting applications for the 2027 Let’s Dance competition!

After a show-stopping debut in 2026, WCTE PBS is excited to bring Let’s Dance back to the Upper Cumberland on Thursday, February 11, 2027, and we’re looking for the next Let’s Dance champion.

Inspired by the excitement of Dancing with the Stars, this signature event brings together local dance teams, community supporters, and viewers from across the region for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, friendly competition, and fundraising.

WCTE PBS is seeking eight passionate teams from across the Upper Cumberland who are ready to bring creativity, energy, community support, and plenty of personality to the dance floor. The ideal contestants will have a heart for the community, a willingness to charm the crowd, and a desire to give their all in support of this exciting, mission-driven event.

Save the date for Let’s Dance 2027, and stay tuned for more details about contestant applications, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, voting, and ways to watch.

In its first year, Let’s Dance featured 12 teams representing eight Upper Cumberland counties, drew WCTE’s largest streaming audience to date, and raised nearly $70,000 in support of public media.

Whether you plan to attend, tune in, vote for your favorite team, apply to perform, or support the event as a sponsor, Let’s Dance is a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of public media.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Let’s Dance offers premium exposure for businesses and organizations looking to align their brand with one of the Upper Cumberland’s most exciting community events. Sponsors will be part of a highly anticipated event promoted across broadcast, streaming, print, digital, and social media platforms in the months leading up to the 2027 competition.

2026 Champion 

Runner-up - Dr. Dennis Cosgrove & Dr. Pamela Cosgrove

People's Choice

Runner-up - Kosta Yepifantsev & Tracey Franklin

Best Dressed

Runner-up - Dr. Dennis Cosgrove & Dr. Pamela Cosgrove

Impact Award (*Most funds raised for WCTE PBS)

Runner-up - Dr. Dennis Cosgrove & Dr. Pamela Cosgrove

A huge congratulations to all dance teams! Each and every contestant brought their all to the inaugural Let's Dance contest. We couldn't be prouder of ALL OF YOU! 

We'd also like to thank the team sponsors for their generous support. Let’s Dance is more than entertainment, it’s a fundraiser for WCTE PBS, helping ensure educational programs, inspiring stories, and vital resources continue to reach homes across our community.

Thank you for being part of the magic, the fun, and the community excitement of Let’s Dance!

Let’s Dance! is an evening of dazzling moves, incredible costumes, and a celebration of our vibrant Upper Cumberland community! Dancers from Dekalb, Fentress, Jackson, Overton, White, Cumberland, Coffee, Warren, Putnam, Picket, and Wilson counties will take the stage, and viewers are sure to see some familiar local faces competing for the coveted titles of Fan Favorite, Best Dance, Best Costume, and the Philanthropic Award.

Whether you're warming up for the spotlight or just love the art of movement, WCTE PBS brings the magic of dance to your screen through WCTE PBS Passport. As we celebrate dance in the Upper Cumberland, enjoy these inspiring performances that showcase the beauty, emotion, and storytelling of dance from around the world.

From Broadway-style productions to world-class ballet, these featured programs are just a click away for WCTE Passport members—reminding us all why dance moves us.