WCTE PBS is now accepting contestant applications for Let’s Dance 2027, one of the station’s signature fundraising events.
The upcoming event will be Thursday, Feb. 11, 2027, at the Putnam County Convention Center, Cookeville. The competition will once again be presented before a live audience and broadcast across WCTE’s viewing area, bringing communities together in support of public television.
Last year’s inaugural event featured 12 dance teams and raised nearly $70,000 for WCTE PBS. It became the most-streamed local event in station history.
“Let’s Dance is about much more than a dance competition,” said Avery Hutchins, president and CEO of WCTE PBS. “It’s an opportunity for communities across our region to rally behind local contestants while investing in the educational programming, local storytelling, and public service that WCTE provides every day. We hope to see representation from counties throughout our viewing area and create another unforgettable community celebration.”
Organizers are looking to make the 2027 competition even bigger by expanding participation across the Upper Cumberland. WCTE is seeking enthusiastic individuals from throughout the region who are ready to entertain, engage their communities, and help support local public media.
From the pool of applicants, 10 dance teams will be selected to compete.
Contestants will compete for four awards: Best Dance, Best Costume, Philanthropy Award, and Fan Favorite.
To be eligible, contestants must be 18 years of age or older and compete as a duet. Dancers of all experience levels and styles are encouraged to apply, and creativity is encouraged. Each team will perform one routine with a maximum performance time of three and half minutes.
A major part of the competition is community engagement and fundraising. Each dance team is expected to actively promote the event using promotional materials provided by WCTE PBS, encouraging friends, family, coworkers, and supporters to attend, watch the broadcast, and contribute to their fundraising campaign.
These efforts help determine the recipient of the Philanthropy Award, recognizing the team that generates outstanding community support through fundraising.
“Whether you’re an experienced dancer or simply looking for a fun challenge while making a difference, WCTE encourages community leaders, businesses, organizations, civic groups, first responders, health care professionals, educators, and individuals from every county in the Upper Cumberland to apply,” Hutchins said. “Join us as we dance for a purpose and help ensure that WCTE PBS continues serving families and communities throughout the Upper Cumberland and Middle Tennessee.”
Those interested in becoming contestants should contact Alicia Watson at awatson@wcte.org for additional information and how to sign up.
WCTE PBS is the public television station serving the Upper Cumberland and Middle Tennessee. Through trusted PBS programming, local productions, educational outreach, and community engagement, WCTE inspires lifelong learning and connects communities through stories that matter.
Community support and fundraising events like Let’s Dance help sustain WCTE’s mission of providing quality public media for generations to come.