Soles of the Flathead · A Dance Gala for the Flathead Warming Center
Soles of the Flathead, a dance gala to support the Flathead Warming Center

5th Annual · Saturday, January 30, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.

Wachholz College Center at FVCC

Ways to take part Tickets on sale late October
Last year, in 90 seconds

This is what you are signing up for.

The night

Part dance competition. All heart.

Every couple is a pair of local community members, matched with a professional instructor who teaches them a routine from the ground up. On gala night they take the floor in costume in front of a packed house. Our judges name Best of Show, and the crowd crowns People's Choice with their votes. Last year more than 500 people filled the room, and every ticket and every vote turned into warmth for a neighbor who needed it.

Now Casting · Dance Couples Wanted

The stars of the show are our dancers.

Could that be you? No experience needed, just an appetite for fun and community. Here is everything the role involves.

Why say yes

You bring the courage. We bring the rest.

A pro in your corner

You will not learn alone

Every couple is paired with a professional instructor who picks a style that fits you and helps you choose your music. Six to twelve free lessons get you ready for the big night.

A room that roars

Five hundred people, cheering

Last year more than 500 guests packed the house to cheer the dancers on. That kind of crowd has a way of turning nerves into a rush you will not forget.

Your own hype squad

A cheerleader who has your back

Each couple names a Cheerleader who rallies your crowd, runs the noisemakers, and keeps the votes coming. You get to focus on the dance floor.

Something on the line

Trophies and bragging rights

Our judges name Best of Show. The crowd names People's Choice with their votes. The competition is friendly. The bragging rights are real.

From yes to showtime

Here is how the season goes.

Say yes

Read the Dance Couple Agreement so you know what you are signing up for, then register online or on paper. Whichever is easier.

Meet your instructor

Early October. We host a Meet and Greet at the Warming Center, where you find out who you are dancing with and start dreaming up your number.

Learn your dance

Six to twelve free lessons at a pace that fits your life. Your instructor sets the length of your performance and helps you look like you have done this before.

Dress rehearsal

Friday, January 29, 2027. A full run in costume under the lights, and one of the most fun nights of the whole experience. It is where the nerves give way to excitement.

Gala night

Saturday, January 30, 2027. Lights up at the Wachholz College Center. Your video plays, the crowd rises, and you take the floor.

Every step you take across that dance floor helps a neighbor take a step toward home.

The floor is open

Ready to say yes?

Register online in a few minutes, or ask for a paper form. We will make it easy either way.

Questions? Reach Tonya Horn, Executive Director, at 406-250-8652.

Calling dance instructors

Share your craft for a cause.

We pair each dance couple with a professional instructor who brings their routine to life. If you teach, choreograph, or run a studio, we would love to have you shape one of this year's performances and put your talent behind the Warming Center's mission.

The role

Choreograph your couple

Assess your dance couple, choose a style and music that fit them, and prepare a 1.5 to 2 minute routine for gala night. Style, music, costuming, and props are a collaboration between you, your couple, and the Program Director.

The commitment

Six to twelve practices

Schedule no fewer than six one-hour practices per couple, up to twelve at your discretion. Once couples are assigned, you set the schedule. Bring any scheduling snags to the Program Director.

Mandatory

Dress rehearsal, January 29

A full-costume dress rehearsal at the Wachholz College Center on Friday, January 29, 2027, anticipated 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. Attendance is required.

On us

Two tickets, plus a spotlight

Each instructor receives two tickets, for yourself and a guest, with more available for immediate family by advance request. Your bio, studio info, or ad is featured alongside every couple you instruct.

Instructor kickoff
October 25, 20262:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Warming Center. Meet your couple, tour, and set the first practice.
Music due
By November 1, 2026Share your music selections with Dance Director Chelsea Speer for final approval.
Gala night
January 30, 2027Soles of the Flathead at the Wachholz College Center.
Why it matters

The Warming Center exists to save lives, link people to resources, and encourage dignity through low-barrier access to a warm, safe place for those in need.

We take care of each other in the Flathead.

The archive

Relive the last few years.

Browse the photo galleries from the last two galas, or watch the 2025 highlight reel.

Event photography by Thewmatt Photography.

Get involved

Four ways to be part of the night.

Attend

Fill a seat and cheer

Bring your people and make the room roar. Your ticket is a direct gift to the Warming Center, and the evening is worth every minute.

Tickets on sale early October
Vote

Back your favorite couple

Every vote is a $5 donation, and the couple with the most votes takes home People's Choice. Vote once or vote a hundred times. It all goes to the mission.

Voting opens soon
Dance

Be one of the stars

No experience needed. A pro instructor gets you ready over six to twelve free lessons, and you take the floor on gala night. Couples are forming now.

Become a dance couple
Sponsor

Put your name behind it

Sponsorship keeps the event costs low so more of every dollar reaches our neighbors. We will build a package that fits your business.

Talk sponsorship
When
Saturday, January 30, 2027Doors and dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Where
Wachholz College Centerat Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell
Tickets
On sale early October[Confirm price and link before launch]
The tradition

Past champions of Soles of the Flathead.

Best of Show

Chosen by our panel of judges
  • 2026Kelly and Shelby Olivier
  • 2025Dorothy Drury and Tom Hollo
  • 2023Luke and Unique Heffernan
  • 2022Sheriff Brian and Brandy Heino

People's Choice

Decided by the most $5 votes
  • 2026Jack and Anita Lavin
  • 2025Paul and Kelly Berkram
  • 2023Bonni and Rob Quist
  • 2022Nick and Jacque’ Aemisegger
Tickets on sale late October
Save the date

Mark January 30 and watch this space.

Tickets go live in late October.

It all starts with relationships.
Flathead Warming Center · Kalispell, Montana
Questions? Reach Tonya Horn at 406-250-8652.