NORWICH
–
Nine
talented
local
dancers
from
Perkins
School
of
the
Arts
have
earned
the
prestigious
honor
of
representing
the
United
States
on
the
world
stage
after
being
selected
for
Team
USA
Contemporary
Dance
through
the
International
Dance
Organization
(IDO).
The
group
will
travel
to
Belgium
this
month,
where
they
will
begin
competing
on
Sunday,
November
30.
The
dancers
secured
their
spots
on
the
national
team
following
a
rigorous
selection
process
based
on
their
technical
skill,
artistry,
and
commitment.
Each
has
trained
extensively
in
contemporary
dance,
and
their
achievement
marks
a
significant
milestone
both
personally
and
for
the
local
dance
community.
The
IDO
World
Championships
bring
together
elite
performers
from
more
than
90
countries,
making
it
one
of
the
most
respected
competitions
in
the
global
dance
world.
Representing
the
U.S.
at
this
level
is
an
honor
reserved
for
only
a
small
number
of
dancers
each
year.
Coaches
Amber
Perkins,
Mikey
Perkins
and
Alexis
Race
as
well
as
families
praised
the
dancers’
dedication,
noting
the
countless
hours
spent
preparing
for
the
season.
“Their
work
ethic
is
exceptional,”
said
one
coach.
“Earning
a
place
on
Team
USA
is
a
dream
come
true,
and
they’ve
put
in
everything
it
takes
to
get
there.”
While
in
Belgium,
the
dancers
will
participate
in
rehearsals,
workshops,
and
a
series
of
competitive
rounds
showcasing
their
contemporary
choreography.
Results
will
be
announced
throughout
the
weeklong
event.
As
the
community
rallies
behind
them,
the
dancers
say
they’re
excited
not
only
to
compete
but
also
to
connect
with
performers
from
across
the
globe.
“These
girls
are
ready,”
said
a
parent.
“They’re
proud
to
represent
their
hometown
and
their
country.”
Team
USA’s
contemporary
division
will
take
the
stage
beginning
Sunday,
November
30,
with
events
running
into
the
following
week.
—Information
from
Perkins
School
of
the
Arts