ALEX Cassegrain from Cassegrain Wines and dance partner Breanna Maghazey-Hayes impressed the judges in a hotly contested Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer.
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The duo won the judges' choice with a theatrical jazz routine and Alex showing strong technique with difficult lifts.
Jane Hillsdon from Dragonfly Marketing and dance partner and Vanessa Gill took out the people's choice award with their Bollywood routine, which brought the house down.
Alex said the dance experience was nerve-racking but gratifying.
"I found this more unsettling than jumping out of a plane because it was really unknown," he said.
"Once I got out there and enjoyed it, I found it was a very gratifying experience."
Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer raises money for Cancer Council NSW to support local people and their families.
Alex praised the community support, the organising committee headed up by Louise Beaumont from Focus, and Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator Sarah Rogers.
Choreographers, dancer, vocalist, actor and writer Kurt Phelan joined last year's dance champion Barbara Smith and Port News reporter and thespian Vickii Byram at the judges' table during the gala event on Friday night at Rydges Port Macquarie.
Nine hardworking stars and their dance partners took to the stage after months of preparation.
Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer raised just over $62,000 for Cancer Council NSW.
Alex Cassegrain was the highest fundraiser with a total of more than $15,000.