Presenting our

2026 JUDGES

We are grateful for their support!

ANN-MARIE KNIGHT

Ann-Marie Knight is delighted to trade boardrooms for the ballroom as a judge for this year’s First Coast Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. Full disclosure: she has never claimed to be a dancer—but she does know excellence when she sees it, and she’s not afraid to hold up a high score…or occasionally raise an eyebrow!

A retired U.S. Navy officer and healthcare executive, Ann-Marie has dedicated her career to serving others through leadership, community partnerships, and improving the health and well-being of Northeast Florida. She believes the arts have a remarkable way of bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and strengthening communities—making this year’s event a perfect blend of entertainment and purpose.

When she’s not serving on community boards or championing causes she believes in, you’ll likely find her planning her next adventure with her husband, Garfield, cheering on their two sons, or convincing herself that dancing looks much easier than it actually is.

At the gala, she’s looking for performances with heart, confidence, and maybe even a little “wow” factor. After all…if you’re going to dance like a star, you might as well shine!

MEGAN WIDRICH

My name is Megan Widrich, and it is a true honor to participate in this year’s Dancing With the Stars fundraiser as a judge. Dance has been one of the great joys of my life for the past 23 years — not only performing and teaching, but helping others discover confidence, connection, and joy through movement. From the very beginning of this fundraiser, I’ve been involved as either a teacher or a judge, and watching this event grow and inspire our community year after year has been one of my greatest privileges.

Recently, I took a leap: I launched Lemon Squeezy Event Planning, a business built around creativity, organization, and the art of crafting meaningful experiences. Turning my passion for thoughtful, memorable events into a company has been both energizing and deeply fulfilling.

Service is another cornerstone of my life. I volunteer with Mayo Clinic as a roving ambassador, supporting patients, families, and visitors during moments when a warm smile or a helping hand can make all the difference. It’s a role that reminds me daily of the impact kindness can have.

Above all, I am a wife and mother, roles that ground me, inspire me, and shape everything I do.

Being part of this fundraiser again — this time from the judge’s table — brings a fresh sense of purpose and joy. It’s a privilege to witness the courage, dedication, and heart each participant brings to the dance floor.

I’m proud to lend my time, energy, and heart to a cause that strengthens our community. Thank you for supporting this mission and for being part of a night that celebrates generosity in motion.

NORIANNE WRIGHT

Norianne grew up in Jacksonville and began dancing at age ten. Her training began at Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and character, and performed with the school’s dance troupe, the Character Dance Ensemble.

While attending Vanderbilt University, she choreographed for and performed with the Vanderbilt Dance Group. She also joined a Nashville based modern dance company, Nashville Dance Project, and worked with them for 5 seasons. Although she loved Nashville, she missed her friends and family in Florida.

Upon her return home in 2000, she developed a love for ballroom and latin dancing and began teaching, performing, and competing.  Returning to the studio where her love of dance began, Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute, for 15 years she taught many styles of dance to all ages and choreographed award-winning routines in both dance and fitness.

Norianne recently had the opportunity to choreograph a Bob Fosse-inspired group formation for the talented students at All About Ballroom and absolutely loved being back on the dance floor! She is also an experienced realtor with Momentum Realty, and is thrilled to be judging the First Coast Dancing with the Stars event and to be able to support Beaches Fine Arts Series.

Presenting our 

2026 JUDGES

We are grateful for their support!

ANN-MARIE KNIGHT

Ann-Marie Knight is delighted to trade boardrooms for the ballroom as a judge for this year’s First Coast Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. Full disclosure: she has never claimed to be a dancer—but she does know excellence when she sees it, and she’s not afraid to hold up a high score…or occasionally raise an eyebrow!

A retired U.S. Navy officer and healthcare executive, Ann-Marie has dedicated her career to serving others through leadership, community partnerships, and improving the health and well-being of Northeast Florida. She believes the arts have a remarkable way of bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and strengthening communities—making this year’s event a perfect blend of entertainment and purpose.

When she’s not serving on community boards or championing causes she believes in, you’ll likely find her planning her next adventure with her husband, Garfield, cheering on their two sons, or convincing herself that dancing looks much easier than it actually is.

At the gala, she’s looking for performances with heart, confidence, and maybe even a little “wow” factor. After all…if you’re going to dance like a star, you might as well shine!

MEGAN WIDRICH

My name is Megan Widrich, and it is a true honor to participate in this year’s Dancing With the Stars fundraiser as a judge. Dance has been one of the great joys of my life for the past 23 years — not only performing and teaching, but helping others discover confidence, connection, and joy through movement. From the very beginning of this fundraiser, I’ve been involved as either a teacher or a judge, and watching this event grow and inspire our community year after year has been one of my greatest privileges.

Recently, I took a leap: I launched Lemon Squeezy Event Planning, a business built around creativity, organization, and the art of crafting meaningful experiences. Turning my passion for thoughtful, memorable events into a company has been both energizing and deeply fulfilling.

Service is another cornerstone of my life. I volunteer with Mayo Clinic as a roving ambassador, supporting patients, families, and visitors during moments when a warm smile or a helping hand can make all the difference. It’s a role that reminds me daily of the impact kindness can have.

Above all, I am a wife and mother, roles that ground me, inspire me, and shape everything I do.

Being part of this fundraiser again — this time from the judge’s table — brings a fresh sense of purpose and joy. It’s a privilege to witness the courage, dedication, and heart each participant brings to the dance floor.

I’m proud to lend my time, energy, and heart to a cause that strengthens our community. Thank you for supporting this mission and for being part of a night that celebrates generosity in motion.

NORIANNE WRIGHT

Norianne grew up in Jacksonville and began dancing at age ten. Her training began at Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute where she studied ballet, jazz, modern, and character, and performed with the school’s dance troupe, the Character Dance Ensemble.

While attending Vanderbilt University, she choreographed for and performed with the Vanderbilt Dance Group. She also joined a Nashville based modern dance company, Nashville Dance Project, and worked with them for 5 seasons. Although she loved Nashville, she missed her friends and family in Florida.

Upon her return home in 2000, she developed a love for ballroom and latin dancing and began teaching, performing, and competing.  Returning to the studio where her love of dance began, Mark Spivak’s Dance Institute, for 15 years she taught many styles of dance to all ages and choreographed award-winning routines in both dance and fitness.

Norianne recently had the opportunity to choreograph a Bob Fosse-inspired group formation for the talented students at All About Ballroom and absolutely loved being back on the dance floor! She is also an experienced realtor with Momentum Realty, and is thrilled to be judging the First Coast Dancing with the Stars event and to be able to support Beaches Fine Arts Series.