The Dancing Experience
Fall 2026
Behind the Scenes photos like these examples will be the first asset you will receive to share on social media and elsewhere.
Teaser Film created and delivered. Another great asset to share with your audience, friends and supporters
Event Film Completed. This is a deeper dive into your dancing experience.
January 2027
Post Event
Photo and Video content created just for you!
You will be contacted by the Dancing with the STL Stars media team to schedule your interview to create your promotional video/photo content. If you are concerned about what questions will be discussed, you can scroll to the bottom of the page to see a full list of what will be asked.
From your interview, we will create a short 30-60 second video that you can share on social media to create buzz and inform your friends on this event. You can see an example above.
We will create a longer version of your interview that will air the night of Dancing with the St. Louis Stars right before you take the stage. This is a fun way to get the audience excited! This film can also be shared after the event to continue to grow awareness and support for the Independence Center.
Dancing Event
On the night of Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, we will capture video of your dance and put together an edit like the one above. We will also be on-site taking photos that we will send to you after the event.
Share, Share, Share!
You will receive photo and video content from Route 3 Films that we encourage you to continue to share. Fundraising post event happens often. And this is a great opportunity for dancer recruitment! Keep in mind, all of this fun content is yours to download and keep after the event to share with family and friends and help others learn about the important mission of the Independence Center!
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Below are some questions/talking points for tonight. We’ll keep it conversational and light but have a look if you want to prep a response or two. You can dress biz casual or casual but I would recommend a top with a collar or lapel since we use a lavalier microphone
What is your name, where do you work, what do you do?
Tell us about yourself, brief backstory (with dance) up to now?
How did you become part of Dancing with the St. Louis Stars?
- Have you visited the clubhouse or do you have an early or favorite memory of Independence center in general?
Why is the Indepence Center or their mission important to you?
Do you have a mental illness, mental health or wellness story that you would like to share with us?
Dancing Alumni
2025
Jennifer Bardot – G.R.I.T.
Lauren DeSantis-Then – Polsinelli Law Firm
Sean Freeman – GadellNet
Claire Flanagan – Independence Center
Sekhar Prabhakar – CEdge
Mary Sigurdson – Philanthropist
Kristin Tucker – TDK Technologies
2024
Sara Yang Bosco – Emerson
Matt Slater – St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Sebek – STL CITY SC
Carmen Fronczak – Friendship Village
Kelly Whittenbrink – Thompson Street Capital Partners
Gannesh Iyeerr – Independence Center
2023
Dan Guirl – GAT Finishing Systems
Nick and Tyan Ragone – Ascension
Barbara Archer – Hightower Wealth Advisors
Tyler Johns – Edward Jones
Danielle Rose – Independence Center
2022
Abbey Eilermann – Daily Disco
Kevin Travers – Premium Retail Services
Jim Turley – Ernst & Young
Gilberto Pinela – Cortex Innovation Community
George Brooks – Independence Center
2021
2020
Nancy Stoudt – Washington University
James Craven – Wells Fargo Advisors
Angelleen Peters-Lewis – Barnes Jewish Hospital
Laurie Phillips – TerraSource Global
Lynn Ann Vogel – Vogel Law Office
Chris Hampel – Independence Center
2019
Ally and Lisa Nichols – Technology Partners
Matt Bukhshtaber – CBRE
Kristin Johnson – Edward Jones
Fred Kostecki – RubinBrown
Elizabeth Mannen – Mannen Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Lisa Rodgers – Independence Center
2018
Mark Bulanda – Emerson
Matt Geekie – Graybar
Nancy Gilbride – Centene Corporation
Lauren Herring – IMPACT Group
Dan Rothery – BJC Home Care and Community Services
Deandra Smith– Independence Center
2017
Maureen Borkowski – Ameren
Jim Brennan – McKelvey Homes
Ron Daugherty – Daugherty Business Solutions
Marcela Manjarrez Hawn – Centene Corporation
Bob Tomaso – Husch Blackwell
Sandra Van Trease – BJC Healthcare
Brittny Adams – Independence Center
2016
Todd Bastean – Bunge North America
Penny Pennington – Edward Jones
Tom O-Meara – Moneta Group
Tim Wentworth – Express Scripts
Ed Monser – Emerson
Julie Van Etten – Scottrade
Marco Mino – Independence Center
2015
Mark Trudeau – Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Tishaura Jones – City of St. Louis
Dr. Benjamin Akande – Westminister College
Norma McGehee – Glady’s Manion Real Estate
Terri Hodges – Independence Center
2014
Sue McCollum – Major Brands Premium Beverage Distributors
Warner Baxter – Ameren
Tom Minogue– Thompson Coburn
Cynthia Mercer – Mercy
Nicole Genovese – Genovese Jewelers
David Diener – The Private Client Reserve
Sheila Young – Independence Center
2013
Joe Brinker – Bethesda
Steve Lipstein – BJC Healthcare
Laura Kathleen Planck – Fashion Designer
Suzanne Sitherwood – Spire
Mary Ann Srenco – Kranzberg Family Foundation
2012
Ron Kruszewski – Stifel
Kent Christian – Wells Fargo Advisors
Pat Whitaker – Arcturis
Ann Marr – World Wide Technology
Melanie Moon – KPLR 11
Steve Name – Independence Center
2011
Arnold Donald – Carnival Cruise Line
Claire Kellent – KMOV News 4
Craig Schnuck – Schnucks
Jim Castellano – RubinBrown
Monica Adams – Fox 2 News/KMOX Radio
Stephanie Riven – The Riven Company
Michelle Tibbs – Independence Center
2009
Dick Schul – Emerson
Vicki Newton – KMOV News 4
Kim Tucci – The Pasta House Co.
Jeanne Roberts Johnson – Armstrong Teasdale
Ann Jennings DiFranco – Community Volunteer
Tim Jacobs – Independence Center
2007
Debra Bass – St. Louis Post Dispatch
Cindy Brinkley – Centene Corporation
Becky – Queen of Carpet
McGraw Milhaven – KTRS Radio
Virginia Kerr – KMOV News 4
Jack Buck, Jr. – Cornerstone Mortgage
Ralph Butler – Ralph Butler Band
Bruce Shelton – Independence Center