Averie Ann Peruchetti dances her way to LCGT finals

WILKES-BARRE — Averie Ann Peruchetti was picked as a finalist for Luzerne County’s Got Talent even though she’s only 10 years old.

She was picked by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association to be one of the 25 finalists for the competition at the F.M. Kirby Center.

“We sent in a video to Luzerne County, and I was very honored to get picked,” said Peruchetti.

Peruchetti, who lives in Freeland, heard about this competition from her dance instructor at Faberge Follies Dance and Gymnastics Studio located on 339 W Broad St., Hazleton, Pa. 18201. She has been dancing at this dance school since she was 2 and a half.

“My mom was a dancer when she was younger, and now she’s a dance instructor at Faberge Follies,” said Peruchetti. “I’ve always loved dancing. I used to dance to music when I was little and then, I became interested in Faberge Follies.”

At the competition, Peruchetti performed a solo dance to “Shangri-La” by Wayne Newton. Not only was the performance inspired by Princess Jasmine from Aladdin but it paid homage to her mother.

“It was a dance that my mother did in a group number when she was little at a recital,” said Peruchetti.

Peruchetti enjoyed being a part of the competition and even received some positive comments from the judges.

“(The judges) said that it looked like I was having fun up there, and that’s what I like about dancing – to get up there, perform and have fun,” said Peruchetti.

Peruchetti excels at many different styles of dance, including ballet, acro-gymnastics, acrobatics and contortion. She learned these different styles while attending Faberge Follies.

“My favorite style of dance is acro-gymnastics and acrobatics,” said Peruchetti. “I love to go fast in moves, I like to do all kinds of bendy moves too. I also like contortion, which is the same as acrobatics but you do a lot of bendy moves instead of holding positions and movements.”

Aside from dancing, Peruchetti likes to read, make up her own stories, draw and do makeup. She also enjoys playing with Legos, especially her 4,080-piece Disney Lego Castle, which she has built over five times since she was gifted it at Christmas.

However, dance is her passion and if given the opportunity to perform at this competition, Peruchetti claims she will participate again.

“It was amazing to perform at the Kirby Center,” said Peruchetti. “It’s so beautiful – the whole entire place, the stage, everything.”

Lastly, Peruchetti appreciates this experience for allowing her to create precious memories.

“I haven’t done a competition in a long time so it was very fun to get up there and perform at the amazing Kirby Center,” said Peruchetti. “It was also fun to do it with all my friends.”