One in two Australians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Stars of the East, run by Cancer Council NSW, hosts Dance for Cancer. Just like the TV show, Stars of the East pairs up ultra-professional dancers with willing Eastern Suburbs participants, to learn a ballroom dance. Contestants have just 8 weeks to learn how to flamenco, samba, shuffle, jive or hip hop their way through to the judging night on 5 November. The monies raised go towards cancer research, cancer prevention programs, advocacy and support services to help all those affected by cancer at any stage in their journey.

When BresicWhitney first approached Anji Lake about Stars of the East, Anji had a vision in her mind. She immediately saw feathers, glitter and a whole lot of sequins. “Hello Rio!” she thought, as she quickly filled out the form and agreed to the gruelling 8 week dance schedule. After all, what better opportunity for Anji, a brand new sales agent on the Balmain team, to show-off her altruistic side and prove she had a winning spirit. Anji thought to herself: “I’ve got this!”.

To her credit, when she signed up, she has some solid acting and singing experience under her belt. She had studied acting at NIDA and worked in fashion for years. Still nothing could have quite prepared her for what came next. Very quickly she found herself immersed in an eight week training program to learn to samba. Sweating as she worked out with a male dance partner, she started to master some of the moves. Training was fast-paced and unforgiving. At home, practicing in the mirror was a non-negotiable.

Then upon reaching week six, a critical stage in dance routine development, a her training partner quit. He exited stage left quite literally, leaving Anji without a dance, without a partner and without a clear vision of her costume! Most people would have cried foul and run for the hills, but as we quickly found out, Anji is no quitter.

“Now I’m doing the Brazilian samba with a female dance partner, Kaila,” explains Anji with a calm expression. “This is a Brazilian style of dance that originated in Africa. It’s a completely different dance to the samba I was learning before, but who knew there were two! Just picture feathers, sequins and a whole bag of fun energy!” says Anji. “I only have two-and-a-half weeks to train now with my new partner so, really, it’s game on!” says Anji.

This self-confessed sporty type is onward and upwards and is clearly not letting her detour mess with her winning psychology. “I know so many people in my life who have somehow, very sadly, been touched by cancer. I think that this is something nice that I am able to do for them. It is definitely challenging. It’s a lot harder than I ever expected but I think it’s good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while,” Anji says.

Before starting in real estate, Anji worked in marketing for fashion label. She also worked as a fashion stylist and as a couture milliner running her own label. She is well versed in the glamorous ways of media and also knows a thing or two about prepping for a big fashion show. But the kittens she feels this week, are something very different.

Anji describes ballroom dancing as ‘another world’, one she says is far away from the jazz and classical she was schooled in at NIDA. While Anji might be seen hitting the gym every night til 8pm and loves to spend her weekends doing pilates, hiking or jogging – the controlled, disciplined dance of Brazilian samba has the ability to make her a bit cray.

Fortunately, her friends and family are rallying behind her. “My partner Christian is so supportive. He commends me for taking part. And so do my friends and family. They just think it is so cool that I put up my hand in the first place, but I can’t say they are really surprised. When I was younger I just loved being the centre of attention!”.

Despite the dreams of Rio Carnival style costumes and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Anji is not letting the potential for fame or fortune go to her head. In fact, her dancing feet are firmly planted on the ground.

With 1 in 2 Australians diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, Stars of the East is an incredibly fun and entertaining fundraiser run by Cancer Council NSW to raise critical funds to find a cure. Stars of the East has already successfully raised $49,000.

To show your support, visit Go Fundraise developed by Cancer Council of NSW.