After a one year hiatus, the Stars of the Highlands have cha cha cha'd their way to more than $70,000 for the Cancer Council.
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Held at the Mittagong RSL on May 15, 11 stars danced a storm to help raise much-needed funds for cancer research.
Despite 11 well-choreographed routines, there could only be one winner on the night.
Mittagong Lions president Matt Aiken took out the Judge's Choice award for his routine with Emily Turland from Empire Performance Studios and was shocked at his win.
" At first, I honestly thought it was a gee-up when they announced us as the winner," he said.
"And that's no disrespect to Emily or our routine. I just thought we had done enough; we rehearsed, we turned up and had a crack amongst some quality competition.
"The night was littered with amazing acts. When they announced the winner I think I said 'are you serious' a dozen times. Emily had to convince me that we had won.
While the win was the cherry on top for Matt, it wasn't about first place.
"It was more about making my kids proud, teaching them to step out of their comfort zone now and then in life," he said.
"Everyone who competed is a winner in my eyes. It was a gutsy thing to do. I had a tonne of support from family and friends which I appreciate.
"Kudos to everyone involved; to the judges, the MC, sponsors, Mittagong RSL, and Brooke Manzione who organised the night and to everyone who came along.
"It was an amazing night."
Matt was partnered with the 2019 Stars of the Highland champion Emily Turland from Empire Performance Studio for the big night.
"Emily is amazing. She had her work cut out for her with me from the get-go," he said.
"Em has a cool studio out there in Braemar called the Empire and dancing with her was lots of fun...we might have even laughed more than we practised but who cares, we had a blast.
"I got myself a friend for life out of it. I wish Em every happiness in life. She seriously is a champion."
While Matt danced like a pro on stage, he said the hardest part was dancing in front of everyone.
"The hardest part was going from doing the routine in front of the mirrors to the real deal. Just knowing when I had to do lifts etc but Emily had me covered there," he said.
"I actually loved the whole routine.
"Emily chopped and changed it along the way. At one stage, she had me trying to do a cartwheel but thank god we canned that I looked like a pretzel.
"My favourite part was definitely the first song when we danced to Blinding Lights. It was heaps of fun."
As for any advice for the next lot of stars, Matt said they had no choice to do it if they got asked.
"Like any opportunity to raise money and awareness for such a great cause, you have to take it," he said.
"I'm sorry but you have no choice if you get asked, plus you'll be surprised how much fun you will have."
Runners up for the night included David Preston from Carpet Call and Ariane Dobler. Charlie Fenton took out the People's Choice award.
Lynda Alexander from Highlands Dry Cleaning raised the most money, bringing in $10,000 for the Cancer Council.
"I felt good about it," she said.
"I asked all my friends and family. I put it on social media to raise money.
"It was my goal to be the highest fundraiser and I'm happy I was able to achieve it."
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
