Tim Farrelly realised this unfortunate truth as the Albury gym owner began rehearsing for Stars of the Border Dance for Cancer.

"I went in pretty confident into my first session and I was quickly given a reality check on where I'm at," he said.

"I'm going to have to give 125 per cent to match what the guys did last year."

Guided by instructor Paula Thompson, Mr Farrelly will present a Latin routine at the NSW Cancer Council fundraiser's gala night on May 1.

His wife Amy has danced since childhood and owned a dance school for 11 years.

"Not a lot of that rubbed off on me," he admitted.

"Thinking back, I should have gone in and learned some dancing. I had my own sort of style that I don't think went into any category at all."

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Two of his F45 Training gym members, Drew Cameron and Bron Daniel, took part in the 2019 Dance for Cancer and he suspects they could be responsible for his nomination this year.

"I took my time on the answer for a little while," he said. "It was a big commitment and I wanted to make sure I could give it the time and effort that it deserved."

But the chance to raise money and awareness to support those who have been affected by cancer convinced him.

"You know you're helping out the right people when you do something like this," he said.

An electrician by trade, Mr Farrelly grew up in Yarrawonga and moved to the Border with his wife and family less than three years ago.

The couple has three young sons, with a daughter due in July, and the boys are looking forward to seeing Dad dance.

"They thought (at first) I was on the real Dancing with the Stars on TV," Mr Farrelly said. "The ads came on TV and they asked where I was.

"I think my oldest one wants to see what I'm made of, he's got plenty of advice for me."

His own gala night at SS&A Albury on April 18 will be his major money maker, with the all-inclusive event to feature live bands, auctions, comedy and basketball champion Lauren Jackson as special guest.

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Mr Farrelly said he had received great support from friends and gym members.

"They're all pretty excited, I think they want to see me make a fool of myself more than anything, some of them," he said with a laugh.