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Local dancers part of national team to compete in Poland By TED BROWN Staff Writer Two local dancers will be flying to Poland this weekend to compete in the 11th World Danceweek, sanctioned by the International Dance Organization. Last spring, Grade 12 students Zoe George, of Christ the King Secondary School, and Lauren Polaluyko, from Georgetown District High School, were chosen by the Canadian National Dance Team to represent Canada at the 2011 World Danceweek in Mikolajki, Poland They were excited to have been selected to be part of Canada's national team, which has brought together some of the best dancers from across Canada to compete in the upcoming World championships. "I'm both nervous and excited," said George. "But I know when we get there (Poland) it will be great. We've been rehearsing since August and I hope it all pays off." "I'm excited about the competition," said Polaluyko, "but I'm also excited about seeing Poland, since my family originally came from Poland. I'm also very grateful to those who took part in the fundraisers, to help us fund this trip." Fundraising was a key part of competing in the event. On average, each girl on the 16-member senior team had to pay $4,500$5,000 to be able to take part. "Our parents helped out and we had fundraisers too, so we were able to go," said Polaluyko. Organized by International Dance Organization (IDO) the girls will be competing from December 6-10 in Mikolajki. There will be two Canadian teams, a senior team in which George and Polaluyko will be competing, as well as a junior team. Both teams have about 16 members. The girls auditioned in two different locations, with George auditioning in London, and Polaluyko in Orangeville. They were selected in April and since August, they have been spending most of their Saturdays rehearsing with the rest of their team at a studio in Mississauga. "We're competing against some of the best (dancers) in the world, from countries like South Africa, Germany, Poland and lots of others," said Polaluyko. "It will be good competition-- I hope we can win." 11 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 1, 2011 Georgetown dancers Lauren Polaluyko (left) and Zoe George are competing Dec 6-10 at the 11th World Danceweek, sanctioned by the International Dance Organization in Mikolajki, Poland. Photo by Ted Brown