WEEKS of rehearsal, a belly full of butterflies and some head-turning moves have earned Belinda Johnson the queen of the dance floor crown at the 2019 Hastings Stars Dance for Cancer.
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This year's event on April 5 raised a whopping $100,000 for the Cancer Council to help fund treatment, support and research for local families impacted by the disease.
A packed house at Rydges cheered on as 10 local 'stars' shook a tail feather at the annual charity dance-off which has become one of the region's biggest, and most loved, fundraising events.
Belinda Johnson from SMART Coaching and her partner Elouise Baker from La Vive Studios had the entire crowd on their feet to take out the judge's choice award.
Joining the competition one month in after another competitor pulled out, Belinda mastered her hip hop routine, complete with cartwheels, while also raising $10,000.
People's choice went to Vanessa Lawrence from The Style Vibe and her partner Kate Maggs from All Stars Studios with an Egyptian-style jazz infused hip hop routine, complete with a pyramid and gold stairs.
The highest fundraiser, with $14,000 in the kitty, was Lach Falvey from Falvey Kay Lawyers.
"The 2019 Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer was an amazingly uplifting and entertaining evening. The level of dancing was incredibly high, with each of the 10 couples wowing the crowd with their moves, lifts, costumes and personality," Cancer Council NSW community relations co-ordinator Lauren Fraser said.
"A highlight of the night was when MC Michael Crossland announced the total funds raised as $98,800.
"Being so close to six figures spurred Ross Cargill from Men at Work into action. He spontaneously jumped onto the stage offering an additional $1,200 to bring the night's total to $100,000.
"The Cancer Council would like to thank everyone involved in creating such a successful event and contributing towards the services we are able to provide to those diagnosed with cancer in the Hastings."
Across the Hastings, around 838 people each year are diagnosed with cancer.
Fundraising events help the Cancer Council provide local services to support patients including access to the Transport to Treatment program, to cancer specialists via the 13 11 20 information support line, support groups, financial and legal aid, counselling and accommodation services.
It also support funds world-class research, helping to improve outcomes for cancer patients.
The Cancer Council's next event is the Hastings Relay for Life on November 2-3.
For more information contact Lauren Fraser on lauren.fraser@nswcc.org.au or phone 02 6659 8400.
