How Rodeo Stars are Prepping for the Big Night, ft. Callie Adams

The voting has started for favorite Western personalities set to take the stage in Fort Worth ahead of The American Rodeo. Rodeo stars will be dancing the night away, all while raising money for the Western Sports Foundation. Don't miss the first-ever "Dancin' with Rodeo Stars" happening March 7.

As if you needed another excuse to visit the iconic Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas, the Western Sports Foundation is hosting its inaugural “Dancin’ with the Rodeo Stars” ahead of The American Rodeo this coming weekend.

The fundraising event, which is the lead-in to The American Western Weekend at Globe Life Field March 8-9, will feature notable celebrities, Western lifestyle personalities, and rodeo legends as dancers.

One of the esteemed dancers for this year’s lineup is Callie Adams, who serves as the Director of Events with Montana Silversmiths. Her routine has been practicing in Missoula, Mont, for 2-3 hours every Friday and Saturday for the past four weeks, which is roughly four hours from the Montana Silversmiths headquarters in Columbus, Mont.

“And that’s about as much as you can dance... Because at that point, our coach said we were getting mushy."

Adams is partnered with 12-time Montana Pro Rodeo Finals Bullfighter Kaleb Barrett. As of this week, they've taken the leaderboard. 

Headed into the final week, they are on their own now as far as practicing. Adams said she’s been spending her evenings in front of the mirror with her costume on, trying to perfect all the nuances.

Those who know the Montana native know she’s sure to bring some competition to the stage with her charismatic personality. The attention that has been brought to the foundation, though, is what Adams says she’s really excited about.

“This whole thing has completely caught fire and it’s just been really amazing to be a part of. I mean who knew dancing could have such an impact and we really have gotten into it.”

“Can you give us any hints on the costume you’ve chosen?”

“I can tell you that it is on brand. So if you know anything about Montana Silversmiths, the signature color, you can figure that out..”

While Adams can’t quite give away her costume or what song Barrett and she will be taking the stage to, she admits many of the contestants, including herself, are getting excited and might even be a ‘little bit too competitive.’

She says it’s all out of good spirit to raise money for the foundation, which is near and dear to her and the folks at Montana Silversmiths.

“The time commitment is tricky because most of these couples in these teams are not even in the same state. They have hectic rodeo schedules and demanding full-time jobs.”

Upping the stakes on social media, Adams has made the fundraising leaderboard for the past five weeks they’ve been practicing. She’s been sitting a close second behind four-time World Champion Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel and five-time World Champion Steer Wrestler Luke Branquinho, both on-air personalities for Teton Ridge Plus.

Those who have been following both Branquinho’s and Adam’s posts may have witnessed some smack-talking recently. 

"The exposure has been phenomenal,” according to Adams. With support pouring in, the leaderboard could see a switch at any moment. She says people are stepping up ‘out of the woodwork’, and she is confident it's going to be a great turnout.

“My family in Montana and Montana Silversmiths have stepped up to be big supporters. I have aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends coming out of the woodwork who might not have even heard of Western Sports Foundation, but they are wanting to support Kaleb and I in this crazy dance journey and they’re learning about Western Sports Foundation through that.”

Dancers will include:

• Hailey Kinsel (Four-time World Champion Barrel Racers)

• Flint Rasmussen (Legendary PBR Exclusive Entertainer & Broadcaster)

• Shelby Rasmussen (Learfield College Rodeo)

• Gary Hawkes (VP of Marketing – NHSRA)

• Tina Battock (GM of Nashville Stampede in PBR Team League)

• Ashley and Cody Webster (Professional Bull Fighter)

• Mercedes Maddox (American Hat Company)

• Jake Bloomer (Bloomer Trailers)

• Claudia Medina (Director of Stetson, Resistol, Charlie1 Horse, and Dobbs 1908)

• Callie Adams (Director of Events, Montana Silversmiths)

• Kaleb Barrett (Bullfighter)

The standout “rodeo stars” of the evening will be dancing in front of esteemed judges, including Teton Ridge CEO Deirdre Lester, Western lifestyle entrepreneur Kaitlyn Davis, Arizona Ridge Riders Head Coach, former PBR Rider Colby Yates, and others. Emceeing the night will be Western lifestyle host and key personality of FarmHer Kirbe Schnoor.

“Dancin’ With the Rodeo Stars” takes place Thursday, March 7, at the Tannahill Music Hall located at the Fort Worth Stockyards at 7 p.m. CST.

Tickets are $30, or a VIP experience can be purchased for $100. They can be purchased online here.

Western Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers little-to-no-cost services to Western athletes of all ages, affiliations, and disciplines. These services include financial assistance, scholarships, life skills, physical and mental wellness, and much more.  

Western Sports Foundation