The Jewish Link of NJ and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize 12 -year-old Alex Greene as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The seventh grader at Yavneh Academy dances competitively at Progressive Dance Studio in Englewood. She is a competitive hip hop dancer. In the summer Alex trains as part of the elite upper girls hip hop crew in the dance studio at Camp Lavi. She is currently choreographing her grade-wide Daglanut (Israeli Flag Dance) for all of the seventh grade girls at Yavneh Academy. Erin Mallon, company director at Progressive Dance Studio where Alex trains, said, “We love having Alex as part of our company at Progressive Dance studio. Her passion, hard work and determination make her a joy to teach and a pleasure to watch. We’re excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Alex, congratulations on choreographing the grade-wide Daglanut and the high praise from Ms. Mallon. Who is your role model and why?
My older sister, Hayley. She is also a trained competitive dancer, and captain of the Frisch dance team and she teaches, too. She never gives up no matter what is happening around her or what other people are doing. She always stays true to herself, focused and she trains a lot.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Definitely performing on GMA Strahan and Sarah earlier this year, dancing backup for Rita Angel Taylor. My competitive dancing experience prepared me for that moment performing on network television for millions of viewers. Some of my greatest dance memories are also from competitions and conventions. There is nothing like that feeling of high marks and placing in your category after weeks of training in the studio with your team. Another favorite accomplishment of mine was being awarded MVD, most valuable dancer, at my recital last year by my studio. It is awarded each year to girls who are team players who have an overall positive attitude, selected by the teachers at the studio. It was super exciting to be given that. It meant so much to me.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Kaycee Rice. She’s so young, only 16, and has accomplished so much through her dance. She has a mantra to just be yourself and I admire that so much.
What is your pregame routine, if you have one?
I have handshakes with all of my hip hop teammates. And I also always daven before a big competition.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Taking my first classes at Progressive dance studio. I was 6 years old and I couldn’t wait to be old enough for the competition team.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I have so many, every time we go out on the road to compete against other teams. I’ve been able to connect with so many girls from different backgrounds and learn from them each time. We support each other and have really become more than a team, more like family.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
Singing and hanging out with my friends!
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I feel proud to be a Sportstar. Thank you! The greatest thing about it is that everyone will read this and see that competitive dancing is a competitive sport and dancers are athletes, too.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
