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

“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.

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