While NBA players like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce dominate Boston basketball courts, our own Amelia Thelen was there too, but she brought a different kind of game.
On Feb. 4, Thelen performed twice with her dance group Contemporarily Out Of Order with both the Junior Company and Adult Company during the Celtics’ pre-game show.
Thelen started dancing in sixth grade because her neighbor, an older role model, suggested it.
“I kind of kept quitting everything that I did, so it was just another thing I was trying, and then, I just stuck with it,” said Thelen.
Thelen initially started with a ballet class but, as a high school junior, she mostly focuses on contemporary and modern dance.
She decided to pursue dance because she was able to see herself improving over time. “It wasn’t like scoring a goal,” said Thelen. “I could see in my exhibitions myself getting better. I could literally see my progress. Also, I think dance is really pretty, and it’s fun to be a part of something as beautiful as dance and be able to perform on stage. It’s really something to strive for.”
In addition to four practices a week in school, Thelen also practices four times a week outside of school, each practice lasting for at least two hours.
She had to audition for both of the dance companies she is with right now, and enjoys being a part of both.
“With the Adult Company, the dancers can really pick up the choreography quickly, so it’s more difficult, but both of the groups are challenging and I’ve had great experiences.”
Junior Sarah Kahl, one of Thelen’s closest friends, focuses on the diligence and effort that Thelen routinely puts into her dancing.
“She will basically jump through hoops to make sure everything is up to par with her dance,” said Kahl.
Kahl added that the hard work pays off because Contemporarily Out of Order is taken really seriously, “and for some, it’s basically a profession.”
Thelen might have shows all weekend long and rehearsals for up to six hours in one day. Thelen’s current focus is the showcase by the Adult Company on Feb. 12.
“Since the Adult Company is a new company, it’s kind of our coming out performance,” said Thelen. “It’s our chance to show Boston that we are here to show off our talent. We’ve been mostly working on that show.”
In the future, dancing is something Thelen looks forward to continuing but not on a professional level.
“I want to do it for fun. It’s an extremely competitive field, and I started late. I would like to continue dancing, just for me.”
Anita Knopov can be contacted at [email protected]
