As sophomore Olivia Lang dances with senior Brady Fritz to the rhythm of a fast Latin song, she gets a burst of nerves thinking about the competition that is a month away.

As Lang focuses on their competition, Fritz is focusing on what his next dance move is. “Okay what step do I take now? But really, what’s my next step? I really try to focus on my body and posture. Posture is a big thing, and I always try to keep that in mind,” Fritz said.

Lang and Fritz will be competing in Dancing for the Arts on Nov. 15 from 6:30-11:30 p.m. at Maryland Golf and Country Club. Dancing for the Arts is a competition not only to raise funds for the Center for the Arts but also to showcase talent in the community.

“The Center will provide professional training, arts appreciation events, and continuing arts and humanities education in group classes and individual instruction for students ranging in age from early childhood to senior citizens,” according to the Center of the Arts’ mission.

Chairwoman of the Center for the Arts Dr. Mary Teddy Wray met with Head of the Theater Dept. Kim Brueggemann last year to find potential dancers for this year’s gala. Wray, a host parent for an alumna, was familiar with the theater department and wanted to expand the Center’s dancers from the usual local business owners to high school students.

“Right away I suggested [Fritz] and [Lang] to be in the competition. They’re both very talented and have dance backgrounds,” Brueggemann said. Once she discussed the competition with Lang and Fritz, she handed them over to the professionals.

Lang and Fritz’s first meeting was held in July at Dancing with Friends Dance Studio, where they met their competitors. Lang and Fritz were assigned to dance the samba, a fast Brazilian dance, with Natasha Pollock as their professional trainer.

“Oh my gosh, I love [Pollock]. Like, I want to be her,” Lang said.

Lang and Fritz have been meeting for an hour once a week for the past three months. The gala ticket is $185.00 per person, but new this year is a Dress Rehearsal Concert on Oct. 14. Tickets are $25 per person for ages 11 and up, while ages 11 and younger are $13.

Looney’s Pub is supporting Lang and Fritz in their goal to raise money for the center. Looney’s Pub will donate 10 percent of the bill on Oct. 22 when the flyer is presented to the server. Another way to help Lang and Fritz is to donate money under their personal profiles on the Dancing for the Arts website. Each dollar you donate signifies one vote. The most votes names the top fundraiser. Help support not only JC students, but the Harford Community.

Sydney Kirwin is an In-Depth Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.