It takes eight co-ordinated steps to complete a synchronised line dancing square, 12 women to become calendar girls and a shared interest to raise money for charity.

Whether it was the boot-scooting beats or the merriment of the approaching festive season, members of the Dancing Boots line dancing club, in Boksburg, surrendered their Stetsons and tasseled vests to create a risqué calendar in aid of East Rand Palliative Care (ERPC), formerly known as Hospice East Rand.

Having ERPC personal care volunteers in their midst, the dancing damsels soon learnt about the practical challenges these individuals, who offer bathing services to those registered for palliative care, often face.

“We started dancing together in 2021 and have become close friends,” said instructor Debbie Botha.

“In an effort to offer assistance to the ERPC volunteers, we decided to create a tasteful and discreet nude calendar.”

In 2013, one of the line dancer’s life was irrevocably changed when sudden weight loss led to a cancer diagnosis.

“I battled through the diagnosis, faced a double mastectomy as bravely as I could and am grateful to be in remission,” said Louise Agiolitti, of Bonaero Park.

“When Debbie asked for ‘models’ for the calendar I jumped at the opportunity.”

Armed with a pair of pink boxing gloves and ballet shoes, Louise said that the experience was freeing.

“Your body should be celebrated and bear testament to the battles you have faced,” said the bubbly blonde.

“Our line dancing group carried me as I was rebuilding my life but being part of the calendar was the greatest celebration of an emotional war I have overcome.”

Taking a leisurely sip of her tea, Louise Kruger, of Sunward Park, said forming part of the project was south of her comfort zone, but that she wanted to show her support to those battling life-changing and life-limiting diseases.

“It was an empowering experience! Little did I know that only a couple of months later, I would be the recipient of a life-altering diagnosis. I am currently undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.”

Dabbing tears from eyes, Lea Kirsten, also of Sunward Park, said dancing and ultimately becoming a ‘calendar girl’ has given her the strength to continue her fight against stage four pancreatic cancer.

“Friendship lives within our group, the steps and paces weaving together women with heart and unwavering care,” she said, a smile bursting through the tears.

Photographer and project co-ordinator Jacqui Fernandez, of Libradene, said the experience not only gave the models a confidence boost but freed them from the shackles of conformity.

“Whether spoken or not, every single one of them had to steel themselves to appear in front of a camera naked and vulnerable,” said the Mrs South Africa 2015 semi-finalist.

“Stepping in front of the lens, they had to fight their own demons. The burning desire to selflessly stand united with others, willed them to shine bright beyond their uncertainties.”

Sales of the calendar raised R5 500. Funds were used to create handy care kits for the four teams of ERPC personal care volunteers.

The kits include inflatable basins for ease when washing the hair of a patient who is confined to their beds, as well as implements that will assist in comfortably moving patients.

Isabella Pretorius, ERPC volunteer co-ordinator, said the well thought-out kits will greatly assist volunteers to offer dignified and gentle care, in the comfort of their patients’ homes.

For more information about ERPC, its services and how you can get involved call 011 422 1531.