Inspirational Brooklyn Teen Makes Nets Dance Team
Here’s the most heartwarming story you’re likely to hear this week. Vako Gvelesiani, a 13-year old Brooklynite from Bensonhurst, recently beat out 500 other kids to make the Brooklyn Nets Kids dance team.
The kicker? Gvelesiani is hearing impaired.
Photo Credit: New York Daily News
Gvelesiani’s story was the subject of a recent New York Daily News feature, which you can read in its entirety here: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/hearing-impaired-brooklyn-teen-spot-nets-dance-team-article-1.1770374. Gvelesiani’s father Mike revealed to the Daily News that Vako lost half his hearing at age 2 due to a very bad fever. He didn’t start talking until he was 5 years old, and now his teachers wear special microphones so that Vako can hear them.
Gvelesiani’s parents did not tell the Nets that Vako is hearing impaired until after he made the team, not wanting any special consideration. Despite his partial hearing loss, Gvelesiani made it through three rounds of cuts to make the squad of only 17 kids.
Gvelesiani is trained at Horizons Dance School in Bensonhurst and Mark Twain Intermediate School 239 for the Gifted and Talented. He now dreams of attending Julliard and dancing on Broadway.
Gvelesiani will be on the court with the Nets Kids tomorrow night when the Nets face off against the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of their playoff series at Barclays Center. The Nets lead the series 2-1.
