By Hannah Rose Williams
If they gave an award for the most unusual act, Allison Chong almost certainly would claim the prize at this week’s Morristown Onstage talent show.
The Morristown High School student will combine acrobatics and aerial dancing when she competes against a dozen other amateur finalists at the Mayo Performing Arts Center this Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, in a fundraiser for programs in the Morris School District.
Chong calls her discipline acro dance. She hopes to impress viewers with her tricks and turns. Different from most acts who are singing, she provides an element of surprise, and plans to shock the audience.
“Every opportunity I get to perform, I jump on it!” said Chong, 17.
The Morris Township resident has been entering acrobatic dance competitions since she was 6 six years old.
As a 2018 finalist at Morristown Onstage, she contorted herself to the beat of Madonna’s Frozen, prompting show judge and Broadway producer William Franzblau to predict that Chong someday will dance for Cirque du Soleil.
About four years ago Chong also began exploring the world of aerial dance. On Wednesday she will soar to a cover of Come Fly With Me by Ruelle.
“This is the perfect song for me,” said Chong, who has been preparing for the contest since October with her choreographers, Mr. Nick and Mr. J.
Her complex routine requires plenty of stretching, and practices can feel long and intense.
“Sometimes there’s yelling, and they have to put up with me,” Chong said of her team. “However, I work with them, and they work with me.”
She is sure the sacrifices are worthwhile.
“Performing is something that I’ve always loved from a really young age,” Chong expressed.
Prepare to be surprised.
MORE COVERAGE OF MORRISTOWN ONSTAGE 2022
The Morris Educational Foundation presents the 15th anniversary edition of Morristown Onstage, a benefit for the Morris School District, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on Feb. 23, 2022. Tickets are $35-$85. New this year: A raffle with $30,000 in cash prizes.
