Ceramic artist dances out of comfort zone

SHELBY Sherritt has given herself over to the power of ballroom dance in order to raise funds for important causes.

The Pottage owner will compete for the Dancing With Our Stars crown on Saturday 20 June in support of the Ballarat Foundation’s programs.

Sherritt, who has a strong online community and recently moved her business to Bridge Mall, said the dance fundraiser was a fun way to get out of her comfort zone.

The ceramicist will perform the waltz with dance partner Stuart at the gala night.

“I think the hardest thing for me is running a business and doing all the things, I’m always the one that’s in control of everything,” she said.

“And with the waltz, I’ve got to let go of all control and let Stuart guide me, which I find really tricky. I keep getting told off for fighting him on the floor, fighting him in the sense of which direction we’re going when he’s the one who’s meant to be guiding me.”

Sherritt has been training twice a week as part of the competition.

She said it had been a rewarding experience that brought into reflection when she and other Pottage instructors taught ceramics at their workshops.

“It’s always a nice reminder of what it’s like to be a learner again and what it’s like to be a beginner,” she said.

Sherritt is raising money for the Ballarat Foundation to run initiatives that respond to challenges including mental health, food security, family violence and homelessness.

“I just thought it was a fun way to get involved,” she said. “It’s also been fun to reach out to the community and I guess drive support and build awareness for what they do as well as the trade-off of having to learn a dance.”

She will be running a series of DWOS events, aiming to raise $20,000 in the lead up to the gala.

The Pottage attracts people from Melbourne and interstate.

In February this year, Sherritt said the move to Bridge Mall offered her business advantages such as proximity to public transport and other cultural offerings such as cafes and restaurants.

More information about Sherritt’s fundraising events can be found and donations can be made at ballaratfoundation.org.au