Cancer Council community relations coordinator Bree Kelly said the money raised would go towards cancer research and contestants would be judged on technique and entertainment value.

“It’s a gala fundraising event. We’ve engaged high-profile locals to get involved in the name of fundraising, put their dignity on the line and dance with their professional dance teachers to put on a show at our wonderful gala night,” she said.

Dance teachers from Stepping Out Dance Factory, Dance Theatre of Orange, Essence Tribal Belly Dance and Central West Performing Arts have come on board to teach technique and routines to the 11 contestants.

Among those who will hit the dance floor will be Justin Cantelo from Housing Plus and Ronny Leonard from Orange Aboriginal Medical Centre, who will don pink tutus and put newly-discovered ballet skills to the test when they dance to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. 

“It’s been challenging, perfecting the moves that’s the hardest part,” Mr Cantelo said.

“It has been good I suppose, learning a new skill and learning how hard it is to be a ballerina.”

Central Western Daily journalist Danielle Cetinski will perform a modern dance with two of the choreographers from Stepping Out Dance Factory. 

All dancers are fundraising in the lead-up to the event and gathering sponsorship, with the aim of raising $2500 each before the event.

Tickets for Stars of Orange Dance for Cancer cost $50 per person and are available online at 123tix.com.au. Doors open at 6pm and entertainment, a light supper and bar facilities will be available. 

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au