“There were a few factors that got it across the line,” explains local cosmetic nurse and owner of the Cosmedic Collective Kylie Duncan as to how she came to be one of this year’s ‘Stars of Orange’.

The annual Cancer Council fundraiser Stars of Orange sees a group of business and community leaders spend ten weeks preparing a dance, with the help of local dance instructors, which they then perform at a gala function in May. This year’s goal is to raise $200,000 to support the work of the Cancer Council.

“So one of the previous contestants and my friends must have nominated me,” continues Kylie. “Usually people think that because I can talk under six feet of wet cement that means that it would be natural for me to get up and perform, but the thought of dancing makes me feel ill!”

Kylie’s first reaction was to make excuses and say no, but the mother-of-two says she knew that was taking the easy way out.

“I was turning 40. I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone. I was literally that day having a conversation with my kids about the importance of trying something you’re not good at — and I had to put my money where my mouth was,” says Kylie.

Also inspiring her to accept the challenge were thoughts of a close friend who had been undergoing treatment for Cancer. 

“I've got a really close friend, Danica Bunch, who's going through a cancer journey,” explains Kylie, unaware that Danica had also agreed to become a ‘Star’ for the Cancer Council.

“I rang her and said, ‘I'm doing this for you, lady!’ And she said, ‘I'm doing it too!’”

The Stars of Orange sees participants paired off with local dance teachers, each learning a different style of dance to perform at the gala event.

“They called me and said, ‘You’re fit, right?’ recalls Kylie, who answered in the affirmative without thinking much about it at the time.

“This is the point where I should have realised something was up and they said, ‘Good, you can do the pole dancing!’”

Learning to pole dance was certainly not what Kylie had expected when she agreed to take part in the fundraiser. But after her first class at Revolution Aerial, Kylie says she was hooked and more excited than ever to step up to the challenge.

“It's a lot harder than the girls make it look! It's probably one of the best forms of fitness I've done — and I've always been active,” says Kylie, who thinks she will continue doing it after Stars has finished.

Pole dancing unfairly carries with it a stigma, says Kylie, with many people simply equating it with stripping. It is something that has resonated with Kylie as there are negative stereotypes she faces about her own industry.

But both pole dancing and the cosmetic industry are focused on helping people feel confident and empowered, she says, and it has given her new motivation for the May performance.

“It's gone from being this is a good cause and I'll do it, to something that is turning into a bit of a passion project,” says Kylie.

“People have lots of judgements about people who take care of their appearance or do pole dancing. So we wanted to create a performance that was first and foremost, empowering and inspiring for other people to ‘have a go’ at something. To not worry about what other people think— that's probably the biggest message.”

On Saturday, March 9, Kylie is looking for other locals willing to ‘have a go’ at pole dancing to join her at Revolution Aerial for a special fundraising beginners class.

“I know a lot of people have said to me they’ve always wanted to do it, but are too frightened to go and have a try, so this is the perfect opportunity to get some friends and come together and do it!” she says.

“You get drinks, refreshments, and a lesson with your mates and all the money goes to the Cancer Council.”

Kylie and fellow participant Danica Bunch will also be having a combined Palm Springs-style fundraiser on April 7 at a location to be confirmed.

But more than just raising money for a cause or putting on a good show, Kylie believes being part of the Stars of Orange will change how she approaches challenges and difficult situations in the future.

It’s a lesson she hopes will leave a lasting impact on her and one she hopes will inspire others including her own children.

“I think it's going to completely shift the way I approach challenges or look at things that might be too hard or too scary,” says Kylie.

“If I'm ever asked to do something challenging I can think to myself I've pole danced in front of 600 people!

“It’s a message to the general public, my family, to myself and to the kids that you can do it!  Give it a go. Try your best. What's the worst that can happen? Don't worry what other people think about you.”

The Stars of Orange gala night is being held at the Orange Function Centre on May 4. For more details on all this year’s ‘Stars’ visit stars.cancercouncil.com.au/event/stars-of-orange/home

Or to support Kylie directly: stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/kylieduncan/stars-of-orange