Our Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte Gala is back on Saturday, March 7! This year, we’re excited to bring on another incredible panel of judges as well as a fantastic emcee to take you through the evening. Keep reading to meet your 2026 judges and emcee, and visit gala.charlotteballet.org to cast your votes for our Star Dancer Pairs!
A celebrated South African choreographer and dancer, November is known for his signature style that masterfully blends classical ballet with African dance. In 2025, he received the prestigious Benois de la Danse Award for Best Choreography for his work Chapter 2, which he created for Cape Ballet Africa. The Paris Opera Ballet’s 2025 season saw his piece Rhapsodies enter the company’s repertoire, and he also created the work Fools for Northern Ballet.
In 2025, Mthuthuzeli was appointed Resident Choreographer for Charlotte Ballet, where he has already premiered three world premieres: From Africa with Love (2023), Vibes and Variations (2024), and the upcoming As I Am (premiering in October 2025).
Sherrard tries to find the joy and swish and sway of each day. She dresses ladies of all ages in her private wardrobe studio called Sherrard Style, going for WOW on a daily basis!
Sherrard has a playful and positive spirit, loving time with family and friends most of all. Her husband of 32 years, Johnny, keeps her smiling, along with their two beautiful girls, Amelia and Lucy… and giant doodle, Copper.
She loved a winning day on the Wheel of Fortune..: but the thrill of taking the stage for the Charlotte Ballet and Good Friends Charlotte was a big highlight in her life, too!
Ana Ogbueze (pronounced Ah-na Oh-Boy-Zee) is a former NBA dancer and audacious multi-hyphenate—choreographer, director, producer, and award-winning entrepreneur—based in Charlotte, NC. Known for her high-energy moves, infectious personality, and passion for people, Ana has transformed Charlotte’s creative landscape through NC Dance District, providing a safe space for adults seeking both artistic expression and alternative wellness. Her nonprofit, Project: FULL OUT, expands this mission by offering a performance platform for “second-chance dancers.” The program highlights the therapeutic benefits of dance and welcomes individuals from all walks of life.
At the heart of Ana’s work is a mission: “To create countless opportunities for local dancers to train, perform, and live out their dreams.” Today, she continues to lead with authenticity and intention as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets Honeybees dance team.
Frenchie Brown is a Business Engagement Manager for Bank of America in Consumer AML. A Winston Salem native, she moved to Charlotte in 1987, where she currently resides with her husband, Ryan. Frenchie continues to be an advocate for community outreach. She currently serves as a mentor and motivational speaker at churches, social groups and campus outreach programs. We’re thrilled to have Frenchie back for a second year of Gala fun!
