Having fun with the foxtrot to fundraise

LEARNING to foxtrot is something entirely new for real estate agent Jesse Manton.

Mastering the steps is also rising to something of a family challenge set by his dance-devoted young daughter, who had urged her dad to be part of the annual Dancing With Our Stars fundraising gala.

When Manton recently received an invitation to participate in the event that raises money for the Ballarat Foundation’s work, his fate was sealed and the selling agent with Buxton Ballarat now finds himself several weeks into dance lessons.

Initially out of his comfort zone, he is enjoying the challenge.

“I’m on the phone for a lot of the day so it’s good just being able to put the phone down and have some extracurricular activity to focus on after work,” Manton said.

“It’s also good just to be able to give back to the Ballarat community and I particularly like that the money goes local.

“I’m not a dancer, but I’ve had plenty of encouragement from my 11-year-old daughter who is a very good dancer and dances six days a week.”

Manton has been learning his foxtrot routine from Shelly Ross at The Dance Studio.

“It’s been a bit of fun,” he said, several lessons down and many weeks of classes yet to go.

“To start with, you’re learning something from scratch. I’ve done three classes so far and it’s going really well.

“I’m lucky because the dancer I’m partnered with, Annie Alexander, was part of it two years ago which is really good because she’s been in my footsteps before.

“The foxtrot, its quite quick. Apparently, it’s one of the hardest dances to learn. I’ve got a long road ahead of me but it’s a good laugh too. Shelly’s quite strict and knows what she wants.”

Manton resides in Ballarat with his wife and their two children and has proudly called the city home since 2002.

As a selling agent, he aims to help families buy and sell homes across the region.

He is aiming to raise $20,000 for the Ballarat Foundation’s work supporting local people and initiatives, and donations can be made at ballaratfoundation.org.au

The gala event happens Saturday 20 June, with residents encouraged to support their favourite star.