Dancing stars to shine for charity

Bust a move: The Ballarat Foundation's Dancing With Our Stars gala night will see 10 new participants perform with trained partners in support of community programs. Photo: SUPPLIED

A NEW troupe of dancers have been stretching their limbs, rehearsing choreography, and most importantly, pointing their toes, ahead of the Ballarat Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser.

Gala night, Dancing With Our Stars is returning on Saturday 22 June at the Mercure Ballarat, and a group of 10 community members have volunteered to take part.

On behalf of the businesses and organisations they represent, the dancers, and their trained partners, are learning ballroom and Latin routines at The Dance Studio.

Each participant will seek fundraising sponsorship over the next two months and perform their routine at the gala night which is set to run much like an episode of the television show, Dancing with the Stars.

“Being able to work with the Ballarat Foundation in giving back to our own community through the joy of dance is a perfect combination and honour,” said The Dance Studio’s owner and choreographer, Shelley Ross.

This year’s dancing stars include Alexander Racing’s Annie Alexander, Community Bank Buninyong’s Kelly Bevan, Power FM’s Lara Jean Marshall, Zumba Ballarat’s Erin Harris and Royal South Street’s Judy-Ann Quilliam.

Ballarat Blogger Charlie Begelhole, Passive Builders’ Mitch Dower, Buxton Real Estate’s Paul McGourlay, Victoria Police’s Stephen Armati, and Aunty Jacks’ Matt Ives are also set to shine on stage.

Dancing With Our Stars began five years ago and since then, $600,000 has been raised by The Ballarat Foundation through the creative campaign.

Local beneficiary programs include the TAC L2P learner driver program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Back to School vouchers initiative, Volunteering Ballarat, and the Foundation’s community grants.

“We are exceptionally grateful for the support of our stars and The Dance Studio in giving back to the Ballarat community again this year,” said Ballarat Foundation CEO, Andrew Eales.

“Dancing with our Stars is such a positive way to help those in need and we can’t wait to see this year’s performances.”

Visit ballaratfoundation.org.au to support a dancer.