An Interview with Giovanna DeBourbon and Owen Leubbers
Last Tuesday night, an audition by two irish dancers from
the An Comisiun organization was aired on America’s Got Talent. They stunned
the judges with their fast footwork and unique rhythm. Owen Luebbers, who is 16
years old and ranked second in the world, and his partner, Giovanna DeBourbon,
who is 17 years old and ranked fifth in the world, put together 90 seconds of
great choreography. The judges were in awe and the pair received four yeses,
sending them through to the next round. One of our reporters was lucky enough
to get an interview with the two after their audition aired.
Reporter: What was it like seeing yourself on television? Owen: It seemed surreal! It was like it wasn’t even us up there. Reporter: What was auditioning in front of a life audience and judges like? Giovanna: Well we have performed many times in front of an audience, but never one as big as that. It was definitely nerve-racking! Reporter: You sure didn’t look nervous! So what can the audience expect for your next performance? Owen: We’re going to try to make it bigger, and more modern. Maybe incorporate some more arm movements and move around the stage more. |
Giovanna: Since the judges are looking for acts that can entertain for a whole hour and a half show, we have to show them we can change it up. There are so many different styles we can try; even just changing the music can change the feel of it completely.
Reporter: That sounds amazing – you certainly know what you’re talking about! What are your goals for the show? Owen: Of course the goal would be to win the million dollars, but our goal going in was to make it to the live shows. If we can do that, we will have made it farther than any other Irish dance group on America’s Got Talent. Reporter: You both are quite ambitious! In comparison, what is the competitive world of Irish dance like? Giovanna: It’s totally different! Girls wear big curly wigs and these fancy looking dresses. We don’t use our arms at all, and we dance to accordion mostly. Instead of our performance, we are judged on our technique: things like turnout, and pointing your toes. Owen: As a boy, I wear black pants and a vest. Like the dresses we can personalize our vests, so everyone has a different look. Reporter: Sounds incredible! Do you have a competition coming up soon? Owen: The North American Championships are the first week of July, and they will be held in Providence, Rhode Island. Reporter: Good luck to the both of you, on your journey in America’s Got Talent and your competition! To watch a clip of the dancers on the show, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLM1wmKKxKo |