They’re Orange Bowl bound

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- They were not figured into the Bowl Championship Series

rankings and have no win-loss record to speak of. But a Costa Mesa team

has received an invitation to the FedEx Orange Bowl just the same.

Dancers in Motion, a Mesa Verde-based performing group, was invited to

be part of the college bowl halftime show, along side 29 other performing

companies. Dressed in hip hop gear, 14 girls from the Costa Mesa studio

will perform on Dec. 2 to songs by a variety of popular artists,

including R&B; group Jagged Edge.

While each girl is an accomplished dancer -- winning various accolades

from previous dance competitions -- nothing prepared them for the

exciting chance to perform at a national event.

“It’s the best thing ever. It’s going to be so fun,” said Rebecca

Zussman, 16, who said she was screaming and hugging her fellow dancers

when she heard the news.

Jean Savopolos-Dean, director of the dance studio, said she sent a

performance tape and a resume to a talent scout for the Orange Bowl. A

few weeks later, she received a letter inviting the group to perform in

Pro Player Stadium in Miami.

The work has just begun. The dancers, who range in age from 8 to 18,

not only have to raise enough money to get to Florida, they must also

choreograph a dance.

Savopolos-Dean said she just received the CD with the music they will

be performing to. She is confident in her group’s ability to pull it off.

“They’ll rise to the challenge. They wouldn’t have chosen us if they

didn’t think we could do it,” she said.

Motivation to dance is never a problem but the large scale of this

performance makes it that much easier to learn, Savopolos-Dean said.

The Orange Bowl is a 66-year-old football tradition, a showdown of the

some of the best teams in college football. This year the University of

Florida Gators (9-2) will play the Maryland Terrapins (10-1).

While most men would have their eye on Bruce Perry, Maryland’s lead

rusher -- or Florida wide receiver Jabar Gaffney -- Bill Lindburg is

keeping his eyes glued to the halftime show.

“I hope they pan them on TV,” said Lindburg, whose 12-year-old

daughter Courtney will be performing in front of about 100,000 people --

not to mention those watching at home.

When asked if she gets nervous performing in front of large crowds,

Courtney said, “I’ve done recitals before and I’ve danced at the Orange

County Fair and other competitions.”

What about 100,000 people?

“Wow,” she said.

FYI

For more information, call Dancer in Motion at (714)434-7677.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .