The Sunday Telegraph’s Prue Lewington frocked up for her starring role in Dirty Dancing the musical. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

For the part, I would play a guest at the Kellerman resort during the big dance scenes.

Fantastic I thought. Here’s my chance to dress up like a 1960s glamour girl and sing the Kellerman anthem. A tune I have been belting out since I was a teenager.

Now, I’ve been on stage before. By memory, they were two unremarkable performances in the high school productions of Julius Caesar and Sweet Charity.

This time the stakes were higher because people had paid money. Our lives are made up of defining moments that shape who we are.

This simple walk-on role was a personal challenge. It will prove I don’t buckle under pressure.

After a meeting with wardrobe it is clear I am not to wear the biggest, brightest, loudest dress.

Prue Lewington getting made up before the show. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

Dressed up and ready to go. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

It’s a subtle way of saying I am to blend into the background. Not a problem I thought – I don’t want to be famous. As a fashion editor I am used to answering all kinds of sartorial questions but for this one I called on the experts at Newtown’s vintage boutique, Retrospec’d. Owners, Sharon Hanley and Teena Borg showed me hundreds of fit ‘n flare dresses with satin petticoats, matching brooches, earrings and handbags.

It was in heaven.

We quickly decided on the navy velvet number because it instantly made me feel like a retro goddess.

Back in the dressing rooms my hair was teased to within an inch of its life. The French twist was the finishing touch – the look was complete. For someone that rarely puts on make-up, the liquid eyeliner and false eyelashes put me out of my comfort zone. I kept reminding myself it’s part of the job.

Prue as she is about to go on stage. Picture: Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

Kirby Burgess and Kurt Phelan in production shots from Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story On Stage. Source: News Corp Australia

I was ushered to the wings but moments before going on my heart pounded and palms began to sweat.

The stage manager instructed me not to sing, hum or improvise while on stage.

“But I know the words,” I pleaded. “We think it is best you just tap your hand on the table,” he said firmly.

As my partner and I walked arm-in-arm on stage, he whispered in my ear. “Ok now, we’re having a great time at this party — let’s have fun.” I swanned on, feeling a million bucks.

The nerves disappeared as my waspy alter ego kicked in.

I was tapping the table in rhythm to the music, nibbling on the plastic bread sitting on our table, and cheering like a maniac as ‘Baby’ and ‘Johnny’ did the famous lift.

It seemed I had fooled everyone – no one in the audience knew I was an imposter. And the experience reignited my love of vintage frocks.