Madisyn Vazquez, Karielys Rivera, Thea Cosgrove and Paige Bordeau receive certificates of achievement from Mayor John Vieau and the city of Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — On Sept. 17, Mayor John Vieau presented Thea Cosgrove, Karielys Rivera, Madisyn Vazquez and Paige Bordeau with certificates of achievement after being chosen to represent Team USA at the International Dance Organization World Championship.
All four dancers will represent Team USA at the International Dance Organization Championships in Kielce, Poland.
These four dancers will be the sole representatives from Western Massachusetts, including Bordeau who is from Chicopee. All four competitors train at Dazzle Studio of Dance in Agawam.
The International Dance Organization World Championship will feature over 70,000 athletes from 70 countries. The four dancers from Western Mass. are set to take part in the Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Acro events.
Vieau said he wanted to recognize not only Bordeau since she is from Chicopee, but also each dancer for this prestigious honor.
He said, “This is the exciting part because they are proudly representing USA in Poland. We’re very excited for them and I wanted to make sure that they were recognized here before they leave. I want to thank your family and your friends and everyone on your support team because first you have to raise money, and many communities helped out so I’m thankful for them to give you this opportunity.”
Vieau also mentioned that this experience is great for the dancers regardless of if they get a medal or not. He added that he knows they will be striving for gold.
He said, “It’s about experiences so I’m excited for you that you all get to go to Poland for the first time. The city of Chicopee wants to recognize all four of you. Your achievement reflects great pride on both your community and the Dazzle Studio of Dance on Agawam.”
All four dancers were shocked to find out they made the team after trying out in front of a panel of judges.
Cosgrove said, “I was mind blown by it. I never thought that I’d be able to do anything this big with dance so I’m super excited to go. It’s a great opportunity. I think it’s a great thing for us as dancers to be able to go and do events like this and represent America.”
Since being chosen for the dance team, each dancer has been honored by different communities and focused on fundraising for this great opportunity.
Bordeau talked about all the recognition and help from the communities.
She said, “I’m very appreciative for Mayor Vieau for doing this for us, especially because I’m from Chicopee. I think we’re all just excited to go to Poland. We have a great support system which is definitely making it a lot easier. Everyone who has even donated the smallest amount is helping us get there and our dance teachers for helping us continue training before we go.”
Vazquez, Rivera, Bordeau and Cosgrove have all be dancing together for 10-plus years which they said makes this experience more exciting and memorable.
Vazquez said, “It’s very exciting especially because these girls feel like family to me so it’s going to be a very great opportunity for us together. It’s a big opportunity and I’m happy to do it with them, so I’m not all alone, so it makes it even more exciting for me.”
Rivera said, “I’m even more excited than I would be originally because now I get to experience it with people that I love experiencing things and have grown up with. I feel proud of myself and my friends for us to be representing USA all together in a different country and hopefully bringing back the gold medal.
Each dancer also had a message for those chasing their dreams as dancers to keep training and chasing your goals because hard work pays off.
Rivera said, “What I’d say for other generations of dancers and people younger than me, I’d say always work hard and try reach for your dreams and one day you will achieve those dreams.”
Bordeau said, “I think that for all of us it’s taken a lot of time and dedication so, definitely for aspiring dancers, stay dedicated, stay focused and just keep pushing towards your goals and dreams.”
Each girl acknowledged that they wouldn’t be here without the help of their families and those who participated in their fundraisers.
Cosgrove said, “A big thank you to all the communities. They’re really helping us from where we’re all from. We really couldn’t do it without them and without their recognition just like we’re doing today.”
