Area dancers to compete in Germany
Two local teen-agers will travel to Germany in November to participate in international competition that’s commonly referred to as the Olympics of dance. E.J. Ferencak, 16, of Carmichaels, Greene County, and Erica Highlands, 16, of North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County, will compete in the International Dance Organization’s world championships in Riesa, Germany. Both are students at Katy Lyon Dance Center in Uniontown.
The pair will compete in the couples category with a jazz number called “The Business of Love’ that was choreographed by Mia Faris, owner of Katy Lyon Dance Center, along with guest teachers Tara Spaw and Michael Taylor. Faris choreographed a jazz solo for Highlands called “Mink Schmink’ which she will dance in solo female competition.
“They’re a joy to teach. They’re amazing,’ commented Faris about the pair.
Bill Fowler, of Boston, who is senior vice president of the IDO, reported that representatives from 25 to 30 countries will compete in Germany. Each country is permitted to send up to five entries for each category of dance. All were selected during national competition after first qualifying at the regional level.
Ferencak and Highlands were nominated at regional dance competition in Youngstown, Ohio, in April and then qualified for world competition after enduring national competition in Norfolk, Va., in July.
“They have to be outstanding to reach that level,’ noted Fowler during a telephone interview. “When they reach the national competition, they’re competing against the best in the country.’
At the international competition, Fowler said, “There’ll be dancers from all over the world – six continents. They’re competing for medals: gold, silver and bronze. It’s very similar to the Olympics.’
Asked how well the United States is expected to do, Fowler said, “The United States usually does very well. We’re one of the top-ranked countries. Both the United States and Canada are very strong.’
Ferencak is the son of Ed and Donna Ferencak. He has two sisters: Jennifer, 13, and Kaleigh, 10. Ferencak is a sophomore at Carmichaels Area Jr.-Sr. High School and has been dancing eight years – the past two with Highlands.
“I think we have good chemistry,’ said Ferencak. “We have fun dancing together and it shows.’
Highlands is the daughter of Kevin Highlands and Lori Brown. She also has two sisters: Hollie Brown, 9, and Madison Brown, 4. She is a junior at Norwin Senior High School and has been dancing since she was 3.
Asked about dancing with Ferencak, Highlands said, “It brought us closer together as friends. It’s interesting to dance with a boy. I never danced with a boy before.’
Mrs. Brown noted her daughter qualified for the world championships last year but was unable to compete when she was placed in the wrong age category.
“When we went to Norfolk (this year), we were impressed with the talent there,’ said Mrs. Brown. “There were 26 other girls and she placed second. It was very intense. Erica was calm, but Mia and I were a wreck.’
The dancers, who have been raising funds for their trip, will leave for Germany on Nov. 10 for competition that lasts through Nov. 17.
They will travel with their mothers, who are as excited about the competition as the youths.
Said Mrs. Ferencak, “I’m just thrilled they’re going to have an opportunity like this.’