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Dancer finds a 2nd family in Warren
By John Benson
Natalie’s Dance Company (NDC) owner Natalie Ross-Pacheco can still remember the first time she saw Megan “Megz” Alfonso perform. It was a magical moment that led to not only a unique friendship but also a special relationship between the Long Island native and Northeast Ohio.
“We saw her five years ago performing at a dance event in Youngstown,” said Ross-Pacheco, a former Cleveland Cavaliers cheerleader and choreographer who 14 years ago opened NDC in Warren. “She actually judged a dance competition that we were in. During an intermission, they asked her to come up and do a freestyle dance. Everybody was very impressed. She just had a really unique and contemporary style ... like something we haven’t seen.”
Ross-Pacheco was so impressed that after the competition she approached Alfonso about making a future studio appearance at NDC. Over the years, the dancer made so many trips to Warren that she now stays at Ross-Pacheco’s home when she visits.
In fact, the owner said it feels like Alfonso is part of the family. What makes that even more special now is the fact the hip-hop/contemporary performer recently appeared on FOX-TV reality show “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Alfonso will return to the area this week, only this time as part of the “So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 Tour,” which includes a Tuesday performance at the State Theatre in Cleveland.
“They’re coming to see me perform,” said Alfonso, calling from Durham, N.C. “I’m excited to see them. They are just funny, crazy kids. I love dancing with them.”
As you can guess, this has been quite a surreal experience for all roughly 240 NDC dancers, who have been enjoying Alfonso’s journey that ended with a sixth place finish.
“They were all just so excited for her, they kept voting for her and cheering her on,” said Ross-Pacheco, a Warren native and 1997 JFK High School graduate. “We were very excited and happy that she made it as far as she did.”