For many, the Super Bowl coming to the Detroit area meant a lot more than just football.
For Lake Orion resident Lisa Bjork, it meant the opportunity of a lifetime.
Bjork, a member of the Dancin? Feet School of Irish Dance in Ortonville, performed with her company at the Detroit Opera House, as part of a Super Bowl XL kick off celebration.
Over 1,700 attended the Jan. 28 cultural event that featured eight different groups.
‘It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity,? said Bjork. ‘I had a blast.?
The event was entitled ‘Nations in Rhythm Detroit,? and proceeds from the show will be donated to Michigan-based cultural nonprofit organizations.
Ticket prices ranged from $10-$15.
‘It was exciting because I am older in age,? said Bjork. ‘I am a teacher and a mom, but I got a chance to be on a stage with professional dancers.?
According to Bjork, each company had ten minutes to perform. Her company of 18 did three different numbers as part of their ‘Spirit of the Gaels? program.
This consisted of an interpretive Irish step dance, a traditional dance called ‘The Haymaker’s Jig,? and a party dance, which brought together a variety of different dance styles.
‘It was scary at first,? Bjork admits of the Opera House, which features the biggest stage in the state.
She credited a dress rehearsal, in which they performed in front of some 800 area students, for calming her nerves before the night of the big show.
Bjork said her company had been planning for the show for over three months.
In Ortonville, where Bjork has been doing Irish dancing for three years now, her teacher is Renee Ginell.
Though they have performed at various festivals in the area, Bjork said that this performance and the magnitude of it was like no other.
‘We do this to learn about culture and dance and heritage,? she said.
‘Being part of the Super Bowl made it even more special.?
The event was part of the National Football League’s Super Bowl multi-cultural platform, which provides education, health and leadership programs. These programs were geared towards embracing Detroit’s diversity.
The dances showcased included Celtic, Native American Powwow, Asian Indian, African American, Greek Folk, Spanish Flamenco and Middle Eastern Folk dances.
For Bjork, dancing at the Opera House meant missing the Orion Art Center’s annual Snowflake Ball, which she had helped to put on. Though the decision to miss the ball was a tough one, Bjork thinks she made the right call.
‘The Super Bowl doesn’t come around that often,? she said.