Oh, what a night!
25 July 2022
A night of sequins, music and dance steps collided with fundraising and philanthropy, at Dancing With Our Stars 2022. With over $200,000 raised, hosted by Jules Zass and Tim Bone, the fundraising gala event was full of glittering fun and dazzling entertainment.
Once again, the Ballarat Foundation took ten local identities, and with the help of The Dance Studio Ballarat, transformed them into Ballroom Dancing Superstars! After weeks of lessons, rehearsals and fundraising events, the night kicked off at the Mercure Ballarat, with Ewen Fletcher dancing the Cha Cha. Emily Sweet took to the dance floor next and said she was relieved to be finished her dance with no errors or mishaps.
Belinda Pilcher wowed everyone with a dramatic Tango, followed by Randhir Sewgolam, partnered by 2021 alumni, Alicia Wang Sheludko, dancing a spectacular Viennese Waltz. The approach to teamwork was amplified by Rhandir and Alicia, who won the People’s Choice award.
Andrew Eales, Ballarat Foundation CEO, said of the power came from people pulling together, "We've still got significant challenges in our community from the pandemic, but what you're seeing is everyone pulling in the right direction, and those that have the capability to support those struggling is a great indication of the power of the Ballarat community when people come together like that."
Judging for this year’s event was performed by Connie Coward Lemke, Mark Nunn and Mary Paterson, their eagle eyes not missing a thing. Next to dance was Fhil Villa who brought the party to the room with The Samba. Fhil, partnered by Emma Learmonth, won the Judges Choice for the evening. Larna Gull set the floor on fire with the Quickstep and also set her fundraising goals high. Larna won the overall award of the Dancing With Our Stars Champion for her all-in effort to this event.
Breakfast radio host, Jack Van Der Heyden was next up followed by a beautiful Swing Waltz by Ellen Jackson. Natalie Dickinson burst onto the dancefloor next dancing the Foxtrot, and finally Sein Weir, partnered by last year’s winner, Rochelle Kirkham, took to the floor with the Jive.
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The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
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