DANCING couples for the Glass Slipper Ball were revealed on Thursday evening kicking off the voting period before they perform next month.
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The ball, held by the Community Foundation for Bendigo and Central Victoria on October 4, raises money for projects and programs that provide services and support to children and young people at risk.
Similar to the TV show, Dancing with the Stars, the public is invited to vote for their favourite pair by making a donation via the Glass Slipper Ball website.
The star couples are Kirrily and Glen Careedy, Terry and Tania Pearse, Lisa and Ash McAuliffe, Betty and Barry Lyons, Leonie and Mark Weragoda, Darshi and Buddhi Wickramasinghe, Sue Masters and Geoff Baldwin, Nicole and Greg Peel, Nicole and Jason Wallace and Jessica Edgar and Rory Somerville.
They have already had six weeks of rehearsals with half learning swing and the other half, quickstep.
Previous dance training is not a prerequisite and some will be gracing the stage for the first time.
Novice dancer Greg Peel said, ironically, the dance classes at Marshere Dance Studios in East Bendigo were the best he had ever been to.
He and wife Nicole have not danced together since their wedding 22 years ago.
They said dance training was challenging but they were a good team.
"We haven't killed each other yet," Mr Peel said.
Sue Masters said she was scared to perform in front of 400 guests.
"This is pay back from my boss because he did it last year, so he's dropped me in it," Ms Masters said.
The women agreed it was a challenge allowing their men to lead them around the dance floor, especially when they didn't know what they were doing.
Among the performers will be City of Greater Bendigo major Barry Lyons and wife Betty.
Cr Lyons said they had made "a lot of progress" in their dance lessons.
Mrs Lyons was not as optimistic.
"We'll fumble around on the night," she said.
Community Foundation for Bendigo and Central Victoria executive director Cheryl Hardie said she hoped ticket sales for the ball would increase now that the dancers were known.
The ball will be at the My Jet Hangar at Bendigo Airport on October 4. Melbourne-based swing band, Be Sharp Big Band, will provide the music.
To buy tickets to the ball, vote for the dancers and donate, visit glassslipperball.com.au.
