Armidale locals will return to the dancefloor in April for the annual Stars of Armidale Dance for Cancer competition.
The dance extravaganza sees a new group of enthusiastic local identities donning their dancing shoes and strutting their stuff to raise funds for Cancer Council NSW.
“We’ve got nine fantastic stars lined up ready to take the dance floor. So, it’s going to be a really, really good night,” said Sarah Mayo, community fundraising coordinator for the New England Northwest region for Cancer Council.
“Two of our locals will be dancing together, so, we’ll have eight performances on the night, and we are aiming to raise $90,000 for the Cancer Council services provided to the Armidale area.”
“A percentage does go towards our cancer research, but majority of the funds that are raised from these community events go towards our transport to treatment costs, our Nala Health, free accommodation service in Tamworth for those that are travelling from Armidale to Tamworth for their treatment, as well as different programs. We do have our prevention programs that are rolled out across the New England Northwest.”
This year’s dancers have bravely stepped up to the challenge, coming from all walks of life, joining forces for one cause, and one amazing night.
“I am so excited that this brilliant group have actually said yes, to leave their comfort zones and shake off their nerves in front of a big crowd, all for a very worthwhile cause – raising funds for Cancer Council and supporting the cancer support services we offer to the local community. Each year our selected group of dancers have an amazing time and generally surprise themselves with what they achieve.”
The Dance for Cancer event is a highlight on the Armidale social calendar and is quickly sold out, last event in 2022 was a huge success raising over $75,000 for Cancer Council and organisers anticipate this year will be just as great a success.
This year’s group of ‘Stars’ will perform a variety of dance routines choreographed by the talented dance teachers & partners from Australian Dance Enterprises – Colette Brazier, Eilish Frances, Caitlin Jubb & Marsha Schaefer along with local talented Dancers Jenny & Greg Wild, Mikayla Watson and Phil Sandars.
How to get involved
Show your support by donating now and buying a ticket to the show.
“The best way to help is to jump on to the Stars of Armidale website and you can either select a star that you would like to donate to or even purchase a ticket and come along on the night.” said Mayo.
“Every ticket purchased does have a small donation included and the remainder of the ticket pricing is to cover the expenses, but you will receive a two-course dinner and a fantastic show.”
Businesses are also encouraged to come on board to show their support for a local charity and the community.
On the night the Stars will be dancing their hearts out for the chance at taking home 3 titles – Judges Choice award, Peoples Choice Award & Highest Fundraiser Award. A panel of ‘celebrity judges’ will pick the winning routine on the night and guests will have the opportunity to sms their vote for the people’s choice winner. Stars will be competing for the highest fundraiser and supporters can assist them by donating online or attending their fundraising activities around town in the lead up to the big night.
Are you ready for the night-of-nights? Saturday April 5 at the Armidale Ex Services Club and be ready to dance the night away.
Tickets will be on sale soon via the Stars Of Armidale website https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/event/stars-of-armidale/home and you can find all the Stars individual fundraising pages here.
Regular updates of the event will be posted on the Stars of Armidale Dance for Cancer Facebook group, we encourage all the community to join this group to keep up to date on ticket sales and announcements of the Stars, their fundraising events and our incredible sponsors. https://www.facebook.com/share/15sYssk7k2/.
Your 2025 Armidale dancing stars
- Oliver Olds – Partnered by ADE troupe
- Hailey Cameron – Partnered by Phil Sandars
- Darren Schaefer – Partnered by Marsha Schaefer
- Ruby Williams – Partnered by ADE troupe
- Amber Wightman – Partnered by Eilish Frances
- John Harris – Dancing with Kimaree taught by Colette Brazier
- Kimaree Drury – Dancing with John taught by Colette Brazier
- Robert Grant – Partnered by Mikayla Watson
- Melanie & William Filios – Taught by Jenny & Greg Wild
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