Catching the (Bieber) fever

A Washington County seventh-grader will get the chance of a lifetime today when he performs with an internationally known pop performer in front of almost 20,000 people.

Rueben Brock II will dance onstage with Justin Bieber during his Purpose World Tour concert at Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh.

Rueben, 11, found out last week he was selected from his father, also Rueben Brock, of Pittsburgh.

"I kind of forgot about it," said the elder Brock. "Then, last week, I read the email (that he was chosen.) I was excited, but the real excitement was when I told him."

Rueben was away at a summer dance intensive at Point Park University, so Brock set up a conference call with Rueben's mom, Cortney, and his stepmother, Darra, to give him the news.

"I had as good as a chance as anyone else," young Rueben said. "I just hoped for the best."

A contest was announced in March, asking young dancers to perform a 30-second routine for "Children," a song from Bieber's new album. Rueben and other contestants had to film themselves performing specific choreography, and some improvisation, and upload it to a website.

"It wasn't easy but it wasn't difficult, either," Rueben said of the routine.

As a student enrolled in numerous dance classes, he has mastered learning choreography quickly.

Rueben, who finished sixth grade at Washington Park and will start this school year in the Canon-McMillan School District, has been dancing since he was a toddler. But he didn't start formal training until he was 7, when his family enrolled him at Synergy Performing Arts Academy, Canonsburg. His aunt, Rosalynn Miller, is the owner.

"I've got videos of him at 3 years old on the back porch dancing. He has loved dancing forever," said Brock. "We wholeheartedly support him to follow his dream."

Miller said Rueben has been a featured company dancer at the studio.

"Not only is Rueben a strong technical dancer but it's his dedication and passion that set him apart from the crowd," said Miller. "He takes his work seriously, not only in the studio but in school and in life. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. This opportunity to dance with Justin Bieber is just the beginning of what I anticipate will be a long and successful career."

Rueben and his family planned to make the nearly five-hour drive from a dance competition in Pocono Manor to Pittsburgh Wednesday morning for an all-day rehearsal at Consol. A tour manager hasn't revealed many details to the family about preparations for the concert, but Brock is hoping they'll get to watch when Rueben performs.

The younger Brock is taking it all in stride.

"I don't really know what's going to happen," he said. "I'll just have to wait and see."

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