The 2026 Life’s A Dance Pensacola’s Benefit Dance Showcase is having trouble booking talent for its fundraiser. Michael Capps, the general manager of the Pensacola Bay Center, told Inweekly that he won’t put them on the facility’s calendar of events until the artists have signed a contract to appear.
In April, the Pulse reported the fundraiser would be held June 13. The article stated Tristan MacManus, Artem Chigvintsev, and Sharna Burgess would take the stage. Melanie Luna wrote: “Every ticket, every cheer, every standing ovation supports Capstone of Pensacola and the year-long giving of Life’s A Dance. It is a night where fun meets purpose, and where a community shows up for something bigger than itself.”
- The Life’s A Dance Facebook page says it will be on June 19. We have been told that local dancers have been told the event has been moved to August, and Capps said a potential date has been discussed
IRS Problem
The Internal Revenue Service put Life’s A Dance on its Auto Revocation List last summer for failure to file Form 990 tax returns for three consecutive years.
Inweekly emailed the co-founders of Life’s A Dance, Victor and Melanie Luna, and asked whether they had filed the forms and paid the fee to reinstate their 501(c)(3) status. We also asked for copies of the reinstatement forms and the organization’s Form 990 returns for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Victor Luna replied: “Regarding the IRS matter, Lifes A Dance was advised by the IRS to file Form 1023-EZ, which was submitted on November 20, 2025. The organization subsequently received reinstatement of its public charity status effective July 15, 2025. You will find the IRS determination letter attached.”
I called the IRS Customer Service Center to verify the letter. I was told that “We are having to delay their reinstatement because additional research had been needed, but they should be tax-exempt.” She admitted that the department has had “issues,” adding “our research department is trying to update the account.”
I asked if Life’s A Dance had filed its past 990 forms. She couldn’t tell me. However, once the research department has updated all the information, we should be able to view the forms online.
Background: Life’s A Dance received its 501(c)3 status in 2023—See FinalLetter_92-2438761_LIFESADANCE_03222023_00.
In 2025, the Lunas used the website Givebutter.com to raise funds for the 2025 showcase, raising $1,376 of its $120,000 goal. The site stated it had verified the 501(c) (3) status of Life’s A Dance.
The description stated:
Life’s A Dance Pensacola’s Benefit Dance Showcase is more than dazzling performances and sparkling costumes — it’s a movement to uplift our community’s children.
This year, we’re raising funds to support the Escambia County Public School lunch program for the next two years, ensuring no child goes hungry at school. Any additional funds will go to the incredible Backpack Program USA, helping kids beyond the classroom.
Join us in making a lasting impact — support your favorite dancer and, most importantly, the children, by donating today.
In May 2025, the Pulse reported: “This annual event has become one of Pensacola’s most anticipated nights of entertainment, bringing together local celebrities, spirited dance ensembles, and passionate supporters to raise critical funds for the Escambia County Public School Lunch Program.”
Eight days before the event, Melanie Luna wrote for the Pulse:
- “At its core, Life’s A Dance 2025 is more than a performance. It’s a joyful, soulful, and powerful act of giving. It’s movement that matters. Each dance routine, every standing ovation, and all the glitz and glamour are woven together with a purpose: to ensure that no child in Escambia County goes hungry. Not during the school year, and not during the summer. This year’s showcase will help fund two full years of meals for local students, offering not just nourishment, but consistency, care, and dignity.”
No Check Written
I checked with the Escambia County Public School District and its foundation. Neither has any record of Life’s A Dance or the Lunas sending them a check last year.
- We asked the Lunas what happened. Victor wrote, “Regarding the Escambia County Public School lunch program, we were advised that funding for the 2025-2026 school year had already been secured and that it would be beneficial to revisit support for the 2026-2027 school year once funding needs and program requirements could be more accurately assessed. Our intention remains to support the lunch program.”
He added, “Life’s A Dance has proudly served Pensacola for 15 years, formerly as Fred Astaire Pensacola, bringing ballroom dance and the arts to our community while supporting numerous charitable initiatives.”
Dig Deeper: I called the School District again and was told the district doesn’t have a system-wide program for people to contribute to lunch programs. No child goes without food. Some schools may have ways for individuals to pay for unpaid lunch fees at the end of the school year, but that’s on a school-by-school basis. No child is held back a grade or is not allowed to graduate because of unpaid lunch fees.
- One official was stunned to hear the Lunas kept the money and didn’t give it to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation or the Backpack program.