The lights were shining down, the performers had taken their places, and the judges waited to see the dancers who were present to try out for the Broadway Musical, Newsies. Among the dancers was junior, Jace Pauly. Pauly chose to invest his spring break in an audition for the Broadway. He travel across the country, to New York, for his audition.

While much of Wenatchee High School’s population was at home sleeping, on vacation, or working, Pauly auditioned for Newsies–based on the Newsboys Strike of 1989 in New York City. Newsies won a Tony Award for best choreography.

“It was really cool. I got an e-mail a couple of months ago about the audition and I was like ‘Hey, might as well go. It’s over Spring Break.’ And so I went,” Pauly said. “There were about 40 guys. Various dancers from New York City and other states.”

This didn’t intimidate Pauly since he has vast experience with the audition process. The group was narrowed down to eight dancers, of which Pauly was one. During the second round of auditions Pauly made the top four.

“It wasn’t that bad. I’ve gone through similar auditions not for Broadway musicals but other shows,” Pauly said. “I think the biggest difference was the amount of guys. Other auditions are 90 percent girls and 10 percent guys.”

Pauly awaits callbacks for the the final round. In a place like Broadway it is difficult to find a spot. This is just the latest event in Pauly’s evolving career in dance. Several years of preparation have gotten Pauly ready for a career in dance. He has been part of several Wenatchee High School productions, musicals and dramas.

Pauly remembers dancing in front of the mirror as a kid, “I grew up dancing. In seventh grade my distant cousin, Crash Ketcham, who is a dancer himself, got me involved at Fabulous Feet Dance Studio,” Pauly said.

The flow of the music and the use of the body to convey emotion have captured Pauly. Dance has given him a healthy outlet from the stress of contemporary life.

“Dancing is very athletic, but it includes the emotional side of it. If I am feeling a certain way or I had a bad day at school I can go to the dance studio, turn on some music and just put myself out there. It’s great,” Pauly said. “You just can’t really do that in sports or school. At least I can’t.”

Pauly has mainly practiced ballet and hip-hop, but hasn’t confined himself to these completely. He also practices other types of dance. But it’s not all is fun being a straight male dancer. Much to Pauly’s disappointment he has found prejudice along the way.

“Dancing for guys is a lot more masculine than people think,” Pauly said. “I’ve been in places where I have almost stopped. There is that stereotype that all male dancers are gay. Honestly there are more gay ballet dancers than there are football players. So I understand where it’s coming from..”

Pauly has often been confronted with this stereotype.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” the old saying goes and Pauly is an example of its meaning. Pauly has received much taunting throughout his journey, yet none has been so successful as to derail his passion for dance.

“The first time someone calls you gay or make comments about your sexuallity, it feels really weird to hear someone tell you what you are, instead of you telling them. It makes you feel really confused.”

Pauly has learned to set aside the derogatory comments that challenge his sexuality.  Although he admits the comments still affect him sometimes he has decided they won’t determine who he is.

“Sometimes I am fed up with it. I just kind of push through those times,” Pauly said. “I don’t want to say I’ve lost a lot of friends, but I’ve decided some people are not who I want to be hanging out with.”

This summer Pauly will be traveling to Massachusetts on a full scholarship to Walnut Hill School, where he will study ballet. Pauly hopes to finish his high school studies there, but if he is unable to he will graduate from WHS. Hoping for the best, but preparing for any other obstacle, Pauly will minor in business.

“Between high school and college I will take a year off and audition for all kinds of shows including Broadway,” Pauly said. “I want to do everything to do with dance.”

Wherever his path takes him, more likely than not, Pauly will be under the glare of the spotlight, his heart racing as the audience watches in fascination. The music starts and Pauly is moving. He is in his zone.

“Dancing is the closest thing I have felt to flying and being free. I love being in front of an audience. My goal is to entertain the audience,” Pauly said. “The ability of a dancer is not physical. It is about how they feel when they’re dancing. A dancer has the body of an athlete and the mind of a painter.”