The Orange community is used to Relay for Life being a regular fixture for the Cancer Council, but this event at Turners Vineyard on Friday night brought quite a different feel as dancers took on all genres from jazz and contemporary to ballet, disco, Bollywood and belly dancing.

For this journalist representing the Central Western Daily at the event, the task was to unleash my inner Beyonce with a dance to Single Ladies. 

Two people made this not only easier, but a lot of fun - Dimity  Bartlett and Stephanie Sandford from Stepping Out Dance Factory choreographed the routine, taught it to me patiently during a five-week period and also completed the trio on the night.

Whatever confidence I had in the lead-up to the performance took a hit in the minutes prior to my turn as horrifying thoughts of tripping, falling off the edge of the stage and wardrobe malfunctions entered my head.

Video and photos from the night's performances

But as they say, the show must go on and I resolved to dig my heels in and deliver.

While the bright lights hid most of the audience, they could still be heard, adding fun and excitement to the atmosphere and quietening my nerves.

A few hip pops and kicks later, it was all over with a score of 16 from the judges and I was left in awe of the other performers committing completely and unashamedly to their characters and steps, no matter what their dance ability.

This experience was my first real fundraising effort, with my final total at $2507 - my appreciation for all those who donated cannot be understated because the driver behind this fun event is much more serious.

If it continues next year in the same spirit, it will be one to put on the calendar.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au