Mia Inez Adams represents Stacy’s @ Melrose in “Dancing for one•n•ten 2025”
A long-standing LGBTQ+ fan favorite event in Phoenix is “Dancing for one•n•ten” held every summer at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Eleven contestants of the Valley’s crème-de-la-crème from all walks of life trip the light fantastic to raise valuable funds for one•n•ten, improving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, ages 11-24, by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. And this time the dance competition is fierce!
This year’s event theme is “Anthems.” Stacy’s @ Melrose star diva Mia Inez Adams is the most senior dancer to shimmy and shake in the event’s spotlight since it began in 2008 as “Dancing with the Bars.” Now she’s polishing up her dancing shoes and ready to twirl and tear up the stage with a rhythm busting rhumba along with her partner, Alexander Patrick-Rolando, who performs with CaZo Dance company.
Nathan Rhoton, the CEO of one•n•ten, is enthusiastic to have Mia’s participation. “Mia is a force,” he said. “I was so excited when she agreed to compete this year, she brings more than just incredible talent to the stage; she brings wit, comedy, lived experience in our community and the decades of experience fighting for our rights. She deserves to be celebrated in so many ways and I hope she truly feels the love on the big stage on August 17.”
Mia has called Phoenix “home” since 2010. She’s lived all over the world, has three university degrees and speaks seven languages. She created and hosts the annual “Rising Star” and “All Stars” competition at Stacy’s, now in its third year, with 15-18 contestants in each cycle. Over 128 hopefuls have competed so far. The seasonal contest is staged Tuesday nights from 8-11 p.m. at Stacy’s @ Melrose.
We chatted with Mia about the upcoming “Dancing for one•n•ten” and her background and thoughts about the glam, star-studded event.
So, Mia, when did you first catch the “show biz bug” and doing drag?
Mia: I grew up watching Milton Berle, Flip Wilson doing drag on TV and it fascinated me. When I went to college in Florida I discovered the gay scene and met drag queens — they terrified me! But I made sure I went to every show and became enamored with it. Drag was a real sorority back then; if you couldn’t go or afford to see Liza or Diana Ross performs, you could see impersonators at a nightclub. They did shows all over the South. I started when I was 23, and that was 44 years ago.
Are you excited to perform at “Dancing for one•n•ten”?
Mia: Excited? I’m scared! When they asked me I was surprised, flattered and in awe! It’s been a learning experience dancing with a partner – usually I’m on stage alone, dancing and creating my own choreography as I go along, but like Ginger Rogers said about dancing with Fred Astaire, ‘I do everything he does, but backwards and in high heels.’ We’re working on some stunts and surprises, but I’m at a particular age where if he drops me something could break! (laughs) I’m a lot more limber than before I started!
Tell us about your partner, Alexander Patrick-Rolando, and your routine.
Mia: I don’t want to give too much away, but we’re performing a rhumba to an anthem by Danielle Brooks. I really wanted the process to be very organic. There’s a very real yin and yang between me and Alexander. He has blessed me by taking into account my limitations; I have exceeded them because he really forced me.
Who is your biggest competition?
Mia: I’m not necessarily ‘in it to win it.’ Outside of the dance itself, fundraising and gathering support has been my greatest challenge. My reason for competing is to meet people outside of the drag scene, but also it’s also mostly for representation for the Black, elder, and trans communities. When the audience hears the song and they see the imagery we’ve chosen they’ll understand.
So, Mia … with all of your talents you’ll be bringing to the stage, what’s your “secret weapon” you’ll be bringing to the event?
Mia: Really, the only ‘weapon’ is our connection with each other and what we’re trying to convey with the dance.
What would you like people to know about you that might surprise them?
Mia: I’m extremely introverted. I hide behind “Mia,” the character I’ve created, when I’m on stage.
What’s your favorite part of the event?
Mia: Raising money for one•n•ten. If I had an organization like this to turn to when I was a youth it would’ve made such a difference. When I was three-years-old grown ups asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I said, “I want to be a mommy.” Today ,thanks to one•n•ten, they can decide who they are.
Stacy’s @ Melrose co-owner (and past “Dancing for one•n•ten” contestant) Christopher Tong shared this enthusiasm. “Seeing Mia’s dedication, larger than life personality, rhythm, and outstanding stage presence every week at Stacy’s @ Melrose we know she is going to create a number that will wow the audience and be talked about for years to come,” he said. “Mia always has her eyes on the community and knows how to raise money like no one else. We know she will do Stacy’s proud and there is no one else we can imagine representing us! GO MIA!”
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Join Mia on Sunday, June 29 at Stacy’s@Melrose when she hosts her own fundraiser for “Dancing for one•n•ten” with a delicious and delightful “Dinner and a Show.” The evening’s mouthwatering menu will be prepared by “Chef Mia” herself – you won’t want to miss this! Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. $20.00 is the minimum suggested donation. Showtime is at 8 p.m. with a $10.00 suggested donation. “There will be a cavalcade of entertainers, raffles and more,” Mia said. “Please help me reach my 10k goal!”
ALL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Don’t miss “Dancing for one•n•ten” at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy on Sunday, August 17 at 12 noon.
This year’s event is focused on raising critical funds for their Identity Specific Programs for BIPOC and Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, and Gender Expansive Youth.
Get your tickets at OneNTen.org