FOR a year, Danielle Coltman has been talking herself into putting her moves on the dance floor in the name of charity. Now she can hardly wait for the spotlight.
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Ms Coltman said the delayed start to Dancing with Our Stars and time in lockdowns gave her time to read-up and become more aware of where she was channelling her efforts.
"I've become more aware of what The Ballarat Foundation is doing in the community and now it's exciting to finally pop back in and get involved with that," Ms Coltman said.
"...I actually really like the L to P program. My mother-in-law's been involved as a mentor driving instructor the past couple of years. I like how it helps people develop independence to get back in the work force and is working to break the cycle of disadvantage."
This has helped calm Ms Coltman from the initial shock of uncertainty in what she might have signed up for 12 months ago.
Ms Coltman is not new to dance, but she is new to ballroom dance. Specifically, the cha-cha.
Growing up, Ms Coltman was a ballet student which she thought would set her in good stead.
"I think it's more of a hindrance," Ms Coltman said. "I have to re-learn how to count and how to turn. I have to undo all that muscle memory...and I'm dancing in heels."
The cha-cha is fast tempo and full-on, Ms Coltman said, with a lot to learn. But, her routine is now complete and remaining lessons will be on fine-tuning a solid one-minute, 50 seconds' dancing.
This has been no easy feat for Ms Coltman, who started lessons behind her rivals due to recovery for a broken ankle she sustained in October.
MORE DANCING INSPIRATION
Ms Coltman said her colleagues had been virtually supportive, as they were mostly based in Geelong and Bendigo. They keep asking for regular dance updates and there Ms Coltman was keen not to put one foot wrong with their company, Australian Building Company, her major sponsor.
To support her efforts, Ms Coltman is hosting a bottomless brunch at Moon and Mountain on March 14 with a bespoke jewellery box from Gems and Jewels up as a prize. There will also be a gin tasting and build your own cocktail event at Roy Hammond on February 21. Ms Coltman encouraged people to keep watch on their social media pages to book.
The inaugural Dancing with Our Stars in 2019 raised more than $112,000 for The Ballarat Foundation's suite of community impact programs to help break the region's cycle of disadvantage.
Dancing with Our Stars is bringing glamour back to Civic Hall on March 20. To support the stars: dancing-with-our-stars.raisely.com.