Dance star Lyrik Alkema will represent Oro-Medonte at the CNE Rising Star competition next week.

Alkema, 13, started dancing at the age of three. Although her mother sent her to other activities, dancing was always her favorite.

“I just love performing,” she said. “I love being on stage. It’s just so much fun.”

Alkema doesn’t suffer from stage fright. Instead, the adrenaline makes him excited.

Although she trained at the Orillia Ballet Academy and the Prompt Dance Academy, Alkema is an independent dancer who has trained under several professionals in the industry.

“It has expanded my repertoire to include different styles,” she said.

She thrives best in acro-jazz, a style that allows her to “cross boundaries.”

“I’m just very passionate about it. I practice two hours every day,” she said.

She hopes to one day perform in Broadway shows in New York City.

“That has always been my goal. I would like to become an ensemble dancer,” she said.

Alkema, who has been touring with the Jörgen Ballet for two years, says she needs to keep auditioning for as many roles as possible if she wants to realize her dream.

“I just have to keep looking forward,” she said. “I have to keep doing my best.”

Alkema will take the stage of the CNE on Tuesday at around 7 p.m. and perform a contemporary acrobatic dance under the choreography of Africa Wagg.

“It’s a futuristic dance with a lot of stops and hard movements,” she explained. “The character I play in the dance is breaking out of government control.”

She has been practicing the dance since the beginning of summer.

“I rehearse as much as I can, but there’s no guarantee that everything will be perfect,” she said. “It’s improvisation, so if I forget something, no one will notice.”

She says the appearance at the CNE is great for her resumeit.

“It’s good to have more experience on different stages,” she said. “I’m really excited about this opportunity.”

Alkema has participated in the CNE every year for as long as she can remember, which makes this opportunity very special.

“I have always watched the different performances at the CNE. Now I am the one who gets the opportunity to do so,” she said.

She thanks her coaches Africa Wagg, Rachael Pazan and Larinee Movsessian for preparing her for this moment. She also thanks the Orillia Ballet Academy, where she practiced all summer.