Confession - I’m not one to shy away from the limelight. But when I was asked to be part of Wollongong’s version of “Dancing with the Stars”, my heart started racing and so did my mind.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Do they make shoes in a size for two left feet? Would I get sued for potentially breaking my partner’s toe during rehearsals? Would I send the 400-strong audience mad during the gala event on June 4th?
Despite my anxiety I accepted the offer from the Cancer Council and joined their line-up of 11 other Gong personalities in Dance for Cancer, with the aim to raise at least $3000 each for charity.
For the next three months i’ll be working my little bum off with partner Alex McKeon, a St George Illawarra Dragons cheerleader, to prove to the world that I do know my left from right (most of the time).
Some of the notables who may look better in sequins than I include WIN News presenter Melissa Russell, i98 Breakfast co-host Fairlie Hamilton, the University of Wollongong’s SMART Infrastructure Chief Operating Officer Tania Brown and owner of Live Committed gym Lauren Kayle.
Hours and hours spent sweating it out in dance studios across the Illawarra will culminate in a gala evening for the public at Uni Hall, at the University of Wollongong.
All proceeds from ticket sales and auctions on the night go to charity but seats are limited.
Spokeswoman for the Cancer Council NSW Caitlyn Zalewski said the organisation was 97 per cent funded by the community, so they aim to involve the community’s people as much as they can.
“Through events like [this] we raise money to help people living with cancer, their families and carers, through services like in-home help and free transport to cancer treatment, educational workshops in schools and communities as well as provide access to financial, legal and emotional support,” she said.
“Dance for Cancer allows our stars to set themselves a challenge, have some fun and share their experience with family, friends and the wider community.”
I’ll be keeping everyone up to date on my dancing progress through the Illawarra Mercury in print and online, also via Instagram @desireesavage #DanceForCancer
Please donate so I feel my burning the floor is not wasted.
You can also see the full profiles of all of my competitors by visiting: www.everydayhero.com.au/event/starsofwollongong2016
The full list of Wollongong’s Stars:
- Desirée Savage
- Melissa Russell
- Fairlie Hamilton
- Tania Brown
- Lauren Kayle
- Neil Webster
- Fabian Iacovelli
- Asim Iqbal
- Tracy Patterson
- Mark Smith
- Rob Grub
- Chase Murray