Intisar Faulkner Won Top Dance Award in Columbia
The annual competition raised over $127,000 to benefit Type 1 diabetes research and community support programs.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Dance
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Intisar Faulkner secured the Best Dance title at the Dancing with the Stars of Columbia event. Participants collectively raised more than $127,000 for Type 1 diabetes research.
Why it matters
The event serves as a major fundraising initiative for Type 1 diabetes support services. The financial contributions directly bolster local and national research efforts for the condition.
Participants completed 15 practice sessions over a 90-day preparation window for the competition. The effort culminated in the record-setting fundraising total of $127,000.
The players
Intisar Faulkner
She is the winner of the Best Dance award at the Dancing with the Stars of Columbia competition.
Jake Davies
He is a dancer who partnered with Intisar Faulkner for their award-winning cha-cha and samba performance.
The details
Performing a choreographed cha-cha and samba to a Shakira mix, Faulkner and partner Jake Davies took home the top honor at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center. The pair were among several participants who dedicated three months to intensive training for the gala.
Timeline
The competition took place over October 10-11, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Local charity dance competitions have become a standardized method for community organizations to engage donors through entertainment. This event follows a pattern set by the Dancing with the Stars of Columbia event, which leverages localized interest in ballroom performance to drive philanthropic output.
The event was hosted at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center, allowing local residents to attend the performance in person. Supporters contributed to the $127,000 total through ticket purchases and direct donations during the gala.
The takeaway
Engaging in intensive 90-day training cycles helps participants build the physical stamina required for complex dance routines. Such events demonstrate how community-led initiatives can successfully convert entertainment programming into significant charitable funding.
Further reading
For more coverage of local performances and competitions, visit the Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wistv.
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