Debbie Duro and dance partner Matt Haugh learn the steps ahead of the Second Chance debutante ball.
WHEN Debbie Duro was 17, she baulked at taking part in her school’s debutante ball at Timboon.
Now 45, Mrs Duro has realised she has not had many opportunities since to dance.
She aims to remedy that by taking part in the Second Chance debutante ball, a fund-raiser for the kristengem team in the Corangamite Relay for Life, on September 14.
Mrs Duro said her first dance lesson on Sunday tested out her knees but was fun.
While Mrs Duro’s husband did not share the same desire to take part in a formal dance, good friend Matt Haugh has stepped in to be her partner for the evening.
“My husband is not a dancer but he will be there on the night,” Mrs Duro said.
Couples will be presented to Corangamite Shire’s 2012 citizen of the year Peter Pope and his wife Sam and Corangamite Relay for Life chairperson Trish Wynd and her husband Tony, before taking to the dance floor at the Timboon hall.
Mrs Duro said she was having a dress made for the night and getting new shoes.
“It’s just a bit of fun. I might never have another chance,” she said.
The kristengem team is headed by Kristin Pickford, who has twice battled malignant melanoma.
Her mother, Cheryl Miller, said about 12 debutantes had so far expressed interest in taking part in the ball and more were wanted.
The debutantes’ ages ranged from 40 to 70 years.
“There are some married couples and there are some women with partners other than their husbands because their husbands did not want to do it,” Mrs Miller said.
Music on the night will be provided by the Frank Lawrence Band and the dance is open to the public.
People interested in taking part as debutantes or wanting to book a table can ring Mrs Miller on 0437 668 575.
ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au
