Featured Photo: Kameron Echols and Emma Harris perform during Dancing with the Skyhawks on April 7, 2026, in the Watkins Auditorium. (Photo Credit / The University of Tennessee at Martin)

Dancing with the Skyhawks brought energy, creativity and community spirit to the University of Tennessee at Martin campus as students, faculty and staff took to the stage in a competition inspired by the popular television show “Dancing with the Stars”.

Hosted by the Student Government Association and the UTM Dance Education Program, the event aimed to create a new tradition that would bring different parts of campus together in a fun and engaging way. SGA President Bailey Parker said the idea came from a desire to try something different from the organization’s usual programming.

“Every year we host the faculty-versus-students athletics game, but I wanted to take a different approach and our SGA wanted to try something different,” said Parker. “I was a big fan of Dancing with the Stars this season, and I was like ‘why don’t we bring that to UT Martin?’”

Parker said the goal was to create an event that allowed participants to step outside of their usual roles and connect on a more personal level. By pairing students with faculty and staff, the competition encouraged collaboration and built relationships across campus.

“It was a lot of business trying to get staff involved and bring staff and students together outside of that professional environment and more into a fun sort of setting,” said Parker. “I think it was definitely a success in that aspect, and I’m very happy about the outcome.”

The competition featured multiple pairs who performed choreographed routines in front of a panel of judges and a lively audience. Each performance showcased a mix of technical skill, personality and creativity as participants worked to impress both the judges and their peers.

JC Burnett-Gordon, an assistant professor of dance in the Department of Visual and Theatre Arts, described the atmosphere of the event in three phrases: “fun”, “energetic” and “Skyhawk community.”

One anticipated performance did not take place, as Chancellor Yancy Freeman and his wife were unable to perform due to Freeman sustaining a shoulder injury in an unrelated event.

The night ultimately came down to a winning pair who stood out for their connection and stage presence. Judges emphasized that they were looking for more than just strong choreography. They focused on the chemistry between partners and the ability to engage the audience throughout the performance.

Taking home the top honor was the duo of Kameron Echols, director of Student Leadership and Campus Culture, and Emma Harris, a junior social work major from Lexington, Tennessee, whose routine captured both the energy of the event and the spirit of collaboration it was designed to promote.

Echols said winning the competition was an exciting and rewarding experience.

“Oh, it feels amazing,” said Echols. “I think the best part of it was really participating with students and enjoying and having a good time. Emma was my partner; she did a fantastic job. She brought the energy.”

For Harris, the experience was just as meaningful as the outcome. She said the opportunity to perform and connect with others made the event memorable.

“I’m so excited; I had so much fun,” said Harris.

Beyond the competition itself, the event highlighted the importance of community at UT Martin. By bringing together students, faculty and staff in a shared experience, Dancing with the Skyhawks created a sense of unity that extended beyond the stage. Judges noted that the event meant a lot to the Martin community, emphasizing how it fostered connection and school spirit. The focus on partnership and collaboration reflected the broader goal of strengthening relationships across campus.

As the music faded and the winners were announced, the success of the event was clear not just in the performances, but in the enthusiasm of those who participated and attended. With strong support and positive feedback, Dancing with the Skyhawks hopes to become a new staple of campus life, that offers a fresh way for the Skyhawk community to come together and celebrate one another.

For Parker and Burnett-Gordon, the event represents more than just a one-night competition. It serves as an example of how creativity and collaboration can bring people together in meaningful ways.

“I’m very happy about the outcome,” said Parker. “It was definitely a success.”