From the moment the letter arrived from MCCR – this girl (while unbelievably flattered to be asked) went into a state of pure panic. All my fears were realised when they dressed this size 14 desk bound body into a Kylie Minogue white leotard, shimmer tights and feathers. Well surely the worst is over and I am now more determined than ever to make this dance count! Andrew has promised me some serious cha-cha bootcamp, expect injuries!

As for the professional - my mystery man Andrew (aka Andy as named by the girls at Monaro Dance) - well this bit I can’t complain about. The combination of a beautiful Argentinean mother and masculine Scottish warrior – he can not only dance, he can also make words dance – majoring in Creative Writing at university. If anyone knows a film producer out there – tell them to get in touch – he has written a brilliant disaster movie and is ready to be discovered. Andrew is not only incredibly generous giving his time to this community (while living in Canberra), he also specialises in one-on-one dance lessons – but girls you are going to have to stand in line – I have him fully booked til the end of May.

As far as my dancing career – I lasted a year in ballet, jazz a little longer, however for some reason they kept putting me in the back row of all the concerts – silently I longed to be up the front with Tenille Casanova. So my overstated fringe and my understated primary school days of ‘take the pressure down’ and ‘run to paradise’ gave way to the glory days of the 90s where we hit the social school scene chasing boys to the beat of Salt and Pepper. 18 at last and time to perfect head banging techniques to ACDC at various B&S balls across the countryside........good memories – now married 10 years to Oli with two little girls – high energy dancing is contained to the kitchen, backed up by the sounds of Playschools top 100 tunes.

I have absolutely loved moving back to the Monaro and becoming part of this community through Oli’s farming and the retail business in town. We love helping to dress the girls and boys of this area. In retail therapy – you do get the opportunity to speak with lots of locals and there wouldn’t be a family that hasn’t been touched by cancer. We are so lucky to have so many passionate people in this community and I am honoured to be part of the team dancing for this fantastic cause. I am going to give it a real shot, there will be plenty of enthusiasm however not much natural rhythm!

So please get your hip pockets moving and shake out some dollars for MCCR. Vote for the one in the white leotard and the ever patient Andrew...make it worth it, PLEASE!

As a thank you - for every $1 you vote - you will go into the draw to win a Birdsnest / Mainstreet gift voucher valued at $500. So you could be off on a shopping spree for a good cause. THANKS!