With the 2012 Summer Olympics in London approaching, one local dance team is preparing for the performance of a lifetime. The Pottstown Dance Theatre is set to perform at the Olympics. While the games begin on July 27, their Olympic performance is scheduled during the closing ceremonies on August 12. They’re leaving for London in 40 days.
“It means a lot,” said Kelsey Nieckoski, 17, who will be a senior in High School. “It’s pretty much my life. I’ve been dancing since I was 3-years-old. I’m very passionate about it.”
Studio owner and director Michelle Jones-Wurtz is confident in her group.
“If we had to perform it tomorrow I would not be nervous,” said Michelle. “We’re ready.”
The company was chosen by the American Alliance of Performing Arts Educators to take part in the performance along London’s Thames River.
“We’re going to be right in the heart of the Olympic Village on the day of the closing ceremony, performing that morning,” said Michelle.
The performance, titled “The Evolution of Dance,” includes everything from African dance, to ballet, hip hop, jazz and break dancing.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said 10-year-old Makena Lurie, the youngest member of the dance company. “A lot of people will never get to do this.”
“I’m just psyched right now,” said member Max Neilson. “But closer to the date we’re going to be getting pretty nervous.”
“Dancers are athletes,” said Michelle. “It requires the same amount of discipline, same amount of body training and the same amount of ‘I’m tired today, I don’t want to do it but I’m going to have to if I’m going to make this work.’”
The dance company doesn’t know yet whether or not their London performance will be televised. If you can’t see their Olympic performance however, you can see them perform the same show for free on July 21 at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Pottstown.
“These are moments that we’re going to treasure,” said Makena. “We’re never going to forget them.”
