Meet Our Dancers!
VOTE Through 9pm on 10/4 By Making a PLEDGE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DANCER BELOW!
Simply Select Your Dancer(s) from the dropdown arrow under "Credit a Team" below.
Cobb Police Officer Miaja Mitchell
Miaja (my-juh) Mitchell is a dedicated officer with the Cobb County Police Department, currently serving in the Community Affairs Unit. A wife and proud mother of two, she is deeply committed to uplifting youth and giving back to her community. She is the Step Team Coordinator for the Cobb PAL Athletic League and an active mentor with the Cobb County School District, Cobb Juvenile Court, and the Power of the Peace Project.
Miaja is dancing to raise funds for the Community Affairs Unit. Among other community driven projects, this unit provides holiday gifts to less fortunate families in Cobb County. Her passion for mentorship and community service continues to make a lasting impact throughout the county she proudly serves.
Professional Partner
Charles Jones
Charles Jones began his dance journey while serving in the Air Force and found the world of competitive dancing with the UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council).
In 1994, Charles made his debut at the London Classic in 1995. After 22 years of service and retiring from the Airforce, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the dance community, achieving significant accolades that highlight his dedication and talent.
He is a four-time UCWDC World Champion and 3-time top pro points Champion. He has also secured three National titles at the ACDA (American Country Dance Association) National Championships. His passion for dance, coupled with his competitive spirit, has not only earned him numerous awards but has also inspired many aspiring dancers in the country western dance scene. Charles continues to be an influential presence, sharing his expertise and love for dance with others.
Cobb Sheriff's Office
Deputy Diane Watts
My name is Deputy Diane Watts, and I was born in Brooklyn New York.  I am 60 years old and have been employed with the Cobb County Sheriff Office for the last Seventeen plus years.  Currently I am assigned to the Community Engagement Unit which is an absolute joy for me.  I am able to enhance the relationships between the Sheriff Office and the community. I work directly with seniors, school age kids, mentoring programs and community-based organizations.
This opportunity has not only allowed me to grow professionally, but to serve the Sheriff’s Office and the community.  During my tenure I have received multiple awards - The Heart Felt Hero Award, Medal of Merit, Law Enforcement Impact Award, and Commendation of Excellence Award just to name a few.   
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 The most valuable reward for me is serving the community and being a part of the Cobb County Sheriff Office Community Engagement Team.  Outside of my work, I have a passion for dancing, fashion shows, exercising and staying fit.  I developed a love for dance at the age of 12 and participated in neighborhood dance groups. Since that time, I have developed a love for music Hip Hop, House, R&B, Reggae and Gospel.   
I am excited to be involved with Dancing with the Heroes. It is a great opportunity to support a great cause. I am dancing to raise funds for the community engagement unit.
Professional Partner
Rachel Champion
Rachel Champion is a 4 time UCWDC World Champion Top Teacher, Master Level Dancer, judge, certified ballroom dance instructor, co-owner of Christmas in Dixie and Colorado Country Classic, and a former Rhythm Champion.
She is the current owner of Atlanta Dance Studio and a music streaming service called Ballroom Beats.
Rachel is also co-owner of Atlanta Dance Ballroom Studio in Marietta.
Paulding Fire & Rescue
LT. Joey Quadagno
For over 20 years, Joey has answered the call as a firefighter - running towards things that most people run from. Now proudly serving as a Lieutenant for Paulding County Fire, he leads with steady hands, a cool head, and a heart for helping. Whether it's fighting fires or guiding his crew through high-stake situations, he's built a career on courage, dedication, and a few strong cups of station coffee.
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When he hangs up his uniform, he trades in his fire boots for flip flops and spends time with his favorite people: His wife, Kaleigh, and their kids: Cameron, Carson, Caden, and Kinsley.
This year, Joey is stepping (and maybe tripping) into unfamiliar territory - his first ever dance competition! - He is dancing to raise funds for the Paulding County Fire and Rescue's Honor Guard! - Known for their sharp uniforms, flawless formations, and unwavering dedication they serve in several arenas across the state and beyond! Your pledges will help fund uniforms, equipment, travel, and training - so your Honor Guard can continue showing up with the precision, professionalism, and the passion they're well known for.
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For this event, Joey has swapped fire drills for dance drills and is putting his best foot forward, literally, to help others again. He may not win…but with his heart in the right place and some solid moves, he's sure to win a few dollars, several laughs, and lots of votes.
Professional Partner
Melissa Jones
Melissa Jones is a seasoned Commercial Sales Executive at True Natural Gas, where she has been serving residential and commercial users since 2013. With a focus on helping commercial clients. Melissa specializes in managing natural gas accounts and rate plans to support operational efficiency and savings.
In addition to her business career, Melissa is deeply immersed in the world of dance. She is a co-owner of Atlanta Dance, located on Roswell Road in Marietta, where she helps offer group classes, private instruction, social parties, and event rentals in ballroom, Latin, swing, and more. She currently dances with two professional partners, Charles Jones and Lance Berry.
Melissa holds four world titles in the UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) organization in both partner and line dance. Most recently, she and her partner Lance Berry earned their first world title as a couple in their division in January of this year. A former co-owner of Fit U, a Zumba studio in Dallas, Georgia, Melissa continues to blend her professional expertise, passion for dance, and commitment to community in everything she does—making an impact both in business and on the dance floor.
Paulding Sheriff Office
LT. Rickey Waters
Lt. Rickey Waters has proudly served the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office 23 years. Throughout his career, he has worked in multiple divisions, including the K9 Unit, and currently serves in the Community Relations Unit, where he helps build bridges between law enforcement and the community.
But Rickey is more than his badge. Anyone who knows him will tell you he is one of the nicest and most helpful people you’ll ever meet. He’s known for his big heart, quick wit, and sense of humor that can light up any room. A lifelong resident of South Paulding, Rickey treasures spending time with his family, especially fishing trips with his kids. His happiest place is at the beach, where the sound of the waves recharges his spirit.
Rickey is honored to bring humor, heart, and a dash of “Mania” to the dance floor in support of the Paulding Sheriff’s Foundation.
Professional Partner
Angie McCanham
Angie McCanham is a local realtor, certified residential appraiser, and the visionary behind the Mosaic Heart Club, a movement dedicated to transforming life’s broken pieces into something beautifully whole. She also serves as the Engagement Assistant for the Lumina of Hope Foundation, which offers encouragement and retreats for women, especially moms of children with special needs, as they navigate the unique challenges of life and motherhood.
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With more than 20 years of experience as a youth dance teacher and 10 years as a licensed Zumba and fitness instructor, Angie believes in the power of movement to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether she’s guiding clients through real estate transactions, supporting women through Lumina of Hope, or creating safe spaces for community connection, Angie shows up with heart, purpose, and just the right amount of sparkle.
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Her favorite job of all, though, is being mom to her three children—Drake, Luke, and Sophie—and her German Shepherd, Blue. Angie lives in Paulding County with her husband, Rodney, and her favorite place to be is at the lake, where the sun’s sparkles on the water fill her soul and recharge her spirit
Paulding Sheriff Office
DCF Craig Cross
DFC Cross started his career in Law Enforcement in 2009 as a Detention Officer with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office. He worked his way to Uniform Patrol, joined the SWAT Team, where he was assigned to the Sniper element. During Cross’s 10 years at Paulding County Sheriff’s Office he has worked Uniform Patrol, Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic H.E.A.T. , SWAT (Assistant Sniper Team Leader), Juvenile Division School Resource Deputy (SRD) as a Corporal, and has recently been assigned to the K9 Division.
DFC Cross was recognized for his work in the schools where he assisted a young kindergarten student in adjusting to school by walking him to class in the mornings. He was also TIKTOK famous when he assisted another student’s Elf on A shelf find her way home.
Craig is dancing to raise funds for the PCSO K9 Unit.
Dancing with
Ainsley Cross
Father-Daughter Dance Performance
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Closing out our competition with a performance that’s sure to get the whole crowd on their feet, Craig and his daughter Ainsley are bringing the energy, the moves, and the heart to the dance floor!
This dynamic duo will deliver a fun-filled routine full of flair and family spirit — a perfect finale to an unforgettable event!
