HELEN Richey, a judge of TV’s Dancing with the Stars for eighteen series, has been announced as the judge for the Stars of the Coffs Coast finale on Saturday 1 April, a fundraiser for the Cancer Council.

Styled on the TV Show, the Coffs Coast event is now in its tenth successful year.

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“Helen was an elite dancer on the world stage for many years as well as one the world’s leading dance coaches and most sought-after adjudicators,” said Cancer Council NSW’s local fundraising coordinator, Christine Williams.

“Helen has danced and judged at the highest level and now we are delighted to have her at Stars of Coffs Coast.”

Since this year’s event launch in mid-October 2022, when local identities were teamed up with dance schools and teachers, the dancing pairs have been learning and then practicing their routines to be judged by Helen plus other dignitaries.

During this time these locals have also been tirelessly fundraising for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.

Our local stars are the following members of the Coffs Coast community.

Sam Hill from Woolgoolga Chamber of Commerce is dancing with Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio.

Em Pitomaki, F45 Studio Manager, is also paired with Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio.

Matt Bryant from Coffs Harbour Support Services is paired with All 4 Dance Bellingen.

Emily McIlwraith from Nolan Partners Real Estate is dancing with Coffs Latin Rhythms.

Michelle Clarke from Hair at the Promenade is paired with Pacific Dancentre.

Melissa Rullis from Victor Rullis Funerals is dancing with Hannah Johnson from Bishop Druitt College.

Victor Rullis has a dance partner at Pacific Dancentre.

Ben Bryant from Bryant McKinnon Lawyers is partnered with FirstStep Dance Academy.

Leanne Bates, personal trainer, is partnered with Coffs Coast Pole Fit.

Dance judge Helen has a formidable dance biography, including being a grand finalist in the British Open Professional Latin Championships, the world’s most prestigious Latin event, for seven consecutive years.

Helen’s competitive career also included being undefeated All England Professional Latin Champion as well as the South of England Pro Latin Champion and the Imperial Pro Latin Champion.

Stars of Coffs Coast will be held for the first time at the Coffs Harbour Education Centre (CHEC) Theatre.

The fundraiser’s tickets are now on sale at www.events.humanitix.com/stars-of-coffs-coast-2023.

By Andrea FERRARI