The second touring show of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith’s Season of Entertainment 34 isn’t a Tony Award-winning musical or performance by a musical artist -- instead, it’s a live dancing competition.

 

“Dancing Pros Live” will offer an interactive experience to the Fort Smith community at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, located at 55 S. 7th St.

 

Professional dancers from popular dance shows including “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dance Champions” will compete against each other during the live performance, and the audience will decide the winner at the end of the night using electronic voting remotes.

 

The star-studded cast includes Edyta Sliwinksa and Karina Smirnoffas guest judges, and vocalists Joanna Pacitti from “American Idol” and Angel Taylor from “The Voice” will provide musical entertainment between dance numbers. Actor Alan Thicke will serve as the guest host.  

 

Stacey Jones of Fort Smith, associate vice chancellor of campus and community events, said the show provides a unique entertainment opportunity to the Fort Smith area.

 

“We’ve had dance shows in the past, but this is very unique, primarily because it’s current with stars from television,” Jones said. “The show has younger people the younger generation will know. It’s going to be a great evening of dance and fun.”

 

Jones added the competition appeals to a broad range of demographics.  

 

“I love dance shows, and I’m glad we’re able to present something that’s current and a lot of people are going to like, young and old,” Jones said. “This show will be a sellout, I have no doubt.”

 

"Dancing Pros Live" is part of Season of Entertainment 34, a yearlong lineup of entertainment sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. The season features a variety of plays, musicals and symphonic performances, including “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Stomp” and “Julius Caesar.”  

 

Tickets are $45 for first-tier seating and $42 for second-tier. To purchase tickets, call the UAFS Box Office at 479-788-7300 or visit http://uafs.universitytickets.com.