by Kelly Martinsen
A local from Coram, Megan “Megz” Alfonso, of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) fame, grew up on Long Island and was always dancing. She danced for 23 years at her cousin’s studio, Michelle Ferraro’s Dance USA, in Coram, and is a Long Wood High School graduate. She describes herself as a “real geek” and a “12-year-old at heart.” Alfonso’s carefree spirit and determination are what make her unique style of dance so enthralling.
Interestingly, one may be inspired by Alfonso not because she did make it on SYTYCD but because of the times she tried out and didn’t. When asked how she felt that first season after being cut from the TV show, she answered, “I just figured it was not my time; I wasn’t negative.” Alfonso auditioned again for the second season, and again she was cut. At that point, she says: “I figured, okay, I need to work out more. I was still confident; I just figured I needed more strength in different styles.” She didn’t try out again until season five, and that season she made it to the all-important Vegas Week, where, unfortunately, she was again cut.
During these audition years, Alfonso started college; however, after a year, she felt it was not for her, so she continued to dance and tour, joining Deca Dance, a hip-hop crew that tours internationally. This upcoming holiday season, the eclectic and inspired dance crew will be performing a hip-hop version of The Nutcracker. Alfonso says that bringing the famous ballet to life using hip-hop allows the beautiful story to be relatable to people of all ages and cultures. Unfortunately, Alfonso will be unable to take part in the performances because she is currently on tour with SYTYCD. “Touring is fun,” shares Alfonso, who says that she needs to be consistent to remain healthy on tour by “eating the same foods over and over, lots of water and vitamin C, resting whenever [she]can and eating healthy.”
That’s right, she didn’t give up after being cut, not once, not twice but three times. She chose to tryout one last time for this past season, season 12. “When they announced the season’s focus,” says Alfonso with a grin, “it seemed they were looking for a more unique ‘street style.’” She couldn’t help but think, “Maybe NOW is my time.” And it was! She not only made it to the formidable Vegas Week but got through it and was a participant on the live shows. Even more exciting than making the live shows was her top 12 finish on them, which secured her a spot on the live tour. Her most memorable dance of the season was a beautiful contemporary piece that she performed with Edson Juarez.
During the years between auditioning for season five and season 12, Alfonso dedicated her time to taking and teaching dance classes. She enjoyed teaching her own choreography at workshops and conventions and loved meeting fellow dancers, especially children. “Kids can do anything!” exclaims Alfonso. And when asked what a parent might do to support his/her child’s dance dreams, she answers, “If a parent has a kid that wants to dance, get them out there to learn different styles and remain open to what may come to them.”
Determination and tenacity are huge factors in Alfonso’s dancing career and in her life in general. Each time she was cut, there existed a choice—she could give up or become negative or she could use the constructive criticism she received each season and get better. She chose the latter; she dug deeper and became stronger in other dance disciplines—and after many years, many disappointments and heartbreaks, she is exactly where she dreamed she would be.
Megan “Megz” Alfonso can be seen onstage with the rest of the touring So You Think You Can Dance finalists at The Paramount, in Huntington, NY, on November 7. For more information, visit ParamountNY.com.
