CELEBRATING THE AMAZING
A lot has changed since 17-year-old Glenbard South High School student, Haley Rovansek and The Difference Dance Company of Carol Stream auditioned in September 2019 for NBCs World of Dance.
The journey began nine months ago when they flew to New York to tryout. They received the exciting news this past December that they were chosen, and 6 of the 14 team members traveled to Los Angeles to represent the dance company on NBC’s World of Dance just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown.
“It was surreal because we got to meet dancers and dance companies not only from the U.S. but also from France, Italy, Finland, Canada, Japan, Argentina, Columbia, the Philippines and the Netherlands,” Haley said. “We were in awe to be surrounded by such amazing and influential dancers from all around the world. It was the opportunity of a lifetime.”
The dance, choreographed by Melissa Lobes, the owner of the Difference Dance Company, is about finding strength to overcome a situation that you may feel stuck in and to make the change for yourself if you want to make a difference in your life.
The theme of that dance has provided the foundation for the team to push through the pandemic, finding ways to continue training via Zoom and reaching new highs such as competing virtually against teams from across the globe that would have otherwise not been possible.
The dancers also used the opportunity to help others during the time of crisis, such as collecting donations of diapers, wipes, baby food and formula to donate to the Pilsen Community Center, a neighborhood hit hard by COVID-19 due to job loss, store closures, and lack of access to public transportation due to protests and looting.
From across the country to close to home, Haley and her team are making a difference.
Don’t miss The Difference Dance Company on NBC’s World of Dance hosted by Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and NE-YO on Tuesday, June 16th at 9pm. - Kristen Kucharski
