It's time for 10 of the Southern Highlands' local heroes to dust off the disco balls and start doing some serious stretching - including one of Southern Highland News own.
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Stars of The Highlands - Dance for Cancer is back in 2021 with the stars ready to cha cha cha on stage and raise money for cancer.
Launched on Friday February 26, the stars have been paired with a professional dancer to learn one routine over an 11-week period.
The event will be held on Friday May 14, 2021 at Mittagong RSL.
Tickets are $100 and include a two course meal, drink on arrival and entertainment by 10 local stars.
The Stars taking part are:
Vera Demertzis from Southern Highland News.
Journalist for the Southern Highland News, Vera will step away from the computer and step out on stage for a good cause.
Self-confessed to having "two left feet" Vera plans on giving the Stars of the Highlands Dance for Cancer a red hot go and is not afraid to have a laugh at herself.
You can find all her dance updates at www.southernhighlandnews.com.au. Alternatively, you can email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au for tips on how to not trip while dancing - or for any news leads.
Matt Aiken from Mittagong Lions Senior Rugby League Club
Mittagong Lions Senior Rugby League Club Matt Aiken will take to the dance floor.
A day in the life of Matty Aiken usually involves exercising, work, his kids and footy. When he is not maintaining the grounds of Chevalier College, or maintaining and landscaping properties in the Southern Highlands.
Matt does not proclaim to be a Shen Yun Dancer but this won't stop his determination and passion for the cause. Matt's life has been touched closely by cancer with the loss of his wife Karen, his Mum and two close friends to cancer.
Shane Wellings from Isolvers
Shane Wellings has a few roles in the community. He is the Co-membership director for the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and owner of Isolvers.
Shane enjoys meeting new people every day as part of his role and helping people in his community throughout the Southern Highlands with a range of different hire needs. Shane hasn't danced in a while but he's still quite flexible.
Shane is looking to raise as much money as he can to help families affected by cancer in the Southern Highlands community.
Charlie Fenton from Area Specialists
Jack of many trades, Charlie has worn many hats in his lifetime.
Charlie has been in the hotels business for more than 40 years, with hotels and motels across NSW including in the Southern Highlands and Sydney.
He currently works as an agent for Area Specialists.
Charlie is dancing for cancer to raise awareness for men's health.
Alicia Rostirolla from Lee Lee's Cupcakes
Alicia Rostirolla is the owner of Lee Lee's Cupcakes in Moss Vale.
As a Star of the Highlands 2021, Alicia is most looking forward to getting out of her comfort zone and trying something new to get behind a cause that will benefit the community.
The last time she had a good dance was at her wedding 6 years ago but she's raring to give it another crack.
Alicia's determination and diligence in everything she sets her mind to will come in handy learning her dance routine and achieving her fundraising target of $5000
Sarah Hillyer Principal of Tangara School
Sarah Hillyer is the School Principal of Tangara School and has been since 2017.
With experience in front of an audience and a good sense of humor, Sarah isn't nervous to take the stage for Stars of the Highlands 2021.
While she loves dancing, Sarah rarely has the chance to do it so she's looking forward to the challenge and raising as much money as possible in the process!
Natascha Moy from Natascha
Natascha Moy is a proud business owner and Mum. 'Natascha' is also the name of her artisan home and gift store in Berrima. She also coaches and produces podcasts as well as sits on the board of the SHCCI and Eastside Radio.
Natascha is very lucky to have the ability to dance because when she was 17 she broke her neck falling off a horse. Surviving that experience ignited a real sense of purpose in Natascha for her to make the most of her life by helping others which is a big motivation for joining the Stars of The Highlands.
Michael Stosic from Luminous Entertainment
Michael "Stosso" Stosic is the systems manager and audio engineer at Luminous Entertainment.
Luminous Entertainment is a sponsor of event so this year Michael is stepping out from behind the curtains to give it a crack. Although Michael is a bit nervous about falling over his feet or stepping on his dance partners toes, he has actually had some experience salsa dancing when he was younger.
Michael is both open minded and determined which will be an asset in aiming to raise $10,000 to help people affected by cancer in the Southern Highlands community.
David Preston from Choices Flooring
David Preston is most looking forward to creating some wonderful memories and bringing the community together for Stars of the Highlands 2021.
David loves to dance despite his limited experience and especially enjoys dancing to 'Call it a Night' by Wild Rivers.
David loves living and working in the Southern Highlands and his hobbies include hiking and motorcycle riding around the area.
David's fundraising vision is to raise $8000 to support people affected by cancer in the community and his ability to dedicate himself to a goal will help him achieve this.
Lynda Alexander from Highlands Dry Cleaners
Lynda is part of the Highlands Dry Cleaning family.
Highlands Dry Cleaners is a family owned and run business, Highlands Dry Cleaners have more than 90 years' experience in the industry.
Cancer Council NSW Community Relations Coordinator Brooke Manzione said the Stars of the Southern Highlands would be a chance for the community to have fun for a great cause.
"It has been a tough year for so many people. Putting a smile on the faces of Southern Highlands people and raising much needed funds for cancer is the vision that all our amazing local stars have for this event," she said.
"Unfortunately people still continue to be affected by cancer during COVID-19, so we are not going to stop fundraising for cancer support services in Southern Highlands. We are working close with Mittagong RSL to ensure a COVID-safe event.
"All of our Stars have a personal connection to cancer and are incredibly brave to step into the limelight and dance for cancer."
"I want to thank all of our Stars, their dance teachers and their studios, The Empire Performance Studios, Pointe Dynamic Arts, The Highlands School of Performing Arts, Angus and Lucinda Academie of Dance, Infused Fitness and Dance and DanceEd Performing Arts, Shane's Crew and generous sponsors, Mittagong RSL, Luminous Entertainment and Win TV for their support of this event."
Cancer Council NSW is a 94% community funded organisation, and only exists because of the generosity of supporters and sponsors.
To support a Star's fundraising, visit: https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/event/stars-of-the-highlands.
Tickets for the event are now on sale at Mittagong RSL.
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