Olympic dancer won’t forget opening ceremonies

February 24, 2010
By: Sarah Junkin
Print This Post

Mackenzie Greenwell

MacKenzie Greenwell

Calling it a “life- changing experience” Cochrane’s MacKenzie Greenwell said he’ll never forget the experience of dancing in the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies.

“It was absolutely incredible,” he said. “I’ve never felt anything like it before.”

Greenwell, who’s been dancing at Dance Debut, since he was an infant and more recently teaching there, was picked after an audition last fall to be part of Tap Dogs, an Australian tap group comprising 26 dancers.

“I knew some of them from before, but now all 26 feel like my family.”

Greenwell said Tap Dogs performed as part of the Rhythms of the Fall section of the program, a six-minute piece  accompanied by the Vancouver Olympic Orchestra.

MacKenzie Greenwell, far right in the red flannel, with his dance troupe before they took centre stage at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Photo submitted

MacKenzie Greenwell, far right in the red flannel, with his dance troupe before they took centre stage at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Photo submitted

“When we walked out on the stage it was incredible,” he said of the 60,000 spectators assembled in BC Place Feb. 12.

“With all the energy you’re giving and they’re giving it back and more. Even at the dress rehearsal there were 45,000 people there.”

Although Greenwell didn’t get to see any of the Olympic events, he stayed on in Vancouver for a week to soak in the flavour of the Games.

“I wanted to be part of it all,” he said.

“There were so many people all over the place, fireworks, it was fantastic.”

Greenwell is now preparing for a five-month North American tour with Tap Dogs beginning in May.

No related stories.

  • Filed under Community | Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed.

Editor's Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of the Cochrane Eagle, but only of the comment writer. The Cochrane Eagle appreciates your comments, but keep 'em clean. Foul language and defamatory statements will not be permitted. The Eagle reserves the right to edit or delete the comments, which are intended to be a vehicle for community discussion. We also require that you share your name with Eagle readers.