Vanessa Hudgens Talks Cancer With Waist-Long Ponytail Extension

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Vanessa Hudgens was honored with the Breakthrough Performer Award at the 2015 Industry Dance Awards held at Avalon in Hollywood on Wednesday last week.

The event was held to benefit The Circle of Hope, which is a charity that supports dancers who have survived cancer. She gave an emotional acceptance speech, revealing the sad news that her dad, Greg, has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer.

Vanessa Hudgens with fierce makeup shared her thoughts on cancerVanessa Hudgens with fierce makeup shared her thoughts on cancer

“Last year, my boyfriend, Austin, lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. And let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being.”

She continued, “This award, it means a lot to me but I dedicate it to my boyfriend’s mom, Lori, my dad, and to all the families out there who are struggling with this because it really takes a strong person and a strong family to be able to help those who are going through this.”

Vanessa Hudgen's dress features a gold-tone harness-style breastplateVanessa Hudgen’s dress features a gold-tone harness-style breastplate

The 26-year-old actress was hard to miss in a Galia Lahav mustard gown, which flaunted not just her cleavage but also her legs and sexy back with its plunging surplice neckline, open back, and thigh-high slit.

Vanessa Hudgens rocked a Galia Lahav mustard dressVanessa Hudgens rocked a Galia Lahav mustard dress

The sexy dress’ edgy details include a gold-tone harness-style breastplate and a black leather belt wrapped around her neck.

Vanessa Hudgens' waist-long ponytail extensionVanessa Hudgens’ waist-long ponytail extension

Vanessa thought of adding more style to her already striking dress by wearing a selection of wooden bangles, some rings, and a pair of metallic heels. Her fierce makeup and waist-long ponytail extension rounded out her look.

Vanessa Hudgens at The Industry Dance Awards 2015Vanessa Hudgens at The Industry Dance Awards 2015 at The Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles on August 19, 2015

There was too much going on in Vanessa’s outfit, and perhaps it was meant to steer the attention away from her fractured finger.

Vanessa Hudgens rocked shimmering Kurt Geiger “Bond” pumpsVanessa Hudgens rocked shimmering Kurt Geiger “Bond” pumps

Featuring a d’Orsay style with pointed toes and about 4-inch metal heels, these pumps can be purchased in different versions at Nordstrom and Zappos.

Vanessa Hudgens's sexy feet in glittering shoesVanessa Hudgens’s sexy feet in glittering shoes

Although we love her shimmering Kurt Geiger “Bond” pumps, a pair of sandals could have worked better with the dress.

Kurt Geiger Bond Pumps, $415 – $550 at Nordstrom and Zappos

Kurt Geiger Bond Pumps Metallic

Kurt Geiger Bond Pumps Metallic Gold

Kurt Geiger Bond Pumps Sequins

Credit: Apega / FayesVision / Guillermo Proano / WENN