10/16/2026
Meet Debra VanDusen!
At 56 years young, Debra VanDusen is ready to trade in her everyday shoes for dancing shoes and take center stage for Tioga United Way’s Dancing United with the Starz!
Originally from Cortland, NY, Debra has proudly called Owego home for the past nine years. She is a proud mother of three and a graduate of Tompkins Cortland Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Debra spent many years working as a recreational therapist at Cortland Hospital before retiring and starting a new chapter as the owner of her own hair salon.
Of course, retirement didn’t exactly mean slowing down for Debra! She still keeps busy with daycare, landscaping and cleaning services. When she does find some downtime, she enjoys antiquing, rummage sales, kayaking, fashion, and spending time with her beloved dog, Hunter. She has also shared the past nine years with her partner, Dale, who has been there for all of her adventures—including this one!
Debra has always believed in giving back to the community. She currently serves as a board member of The Joshua House in Owego, and when the opportunity came to dance for Tioga United Way, she knew it was a chance to combine two things she loves: supporting her community and having a REALLY good time!
Now, Debra is stepping way outside her comfort zone and onto the dance floor. There will be music, costumes, choreography, nerves, laughter—and hopefully a few dance moves that actually make it into the routine! At this point, she’s not promising perfection. She’s promising enthusiasm, determination, and the possibility of some moves that may require a little explanation afterward!
For Debra, Dancing United with the Starz is about much more than learning a dance. It’s about bringing people together, raising money for Tioga United Way, supporting local families, and having a whole lot of fun while doing it.
So get ready, Tioga County! Debra is ready to dance for a cause, shake things up, and prove that 56 is just the beginning!
She’s got the heart, the personality, and the courage to take the stage. Now all she needs is for the music to start—and maybe a little help remembering the choreography!
Let’s dance, Debra! 💃✨