Student dances off with key to city

     GONZALES – It has been quite a few years since 17-year-old Matthew Deloch danced into the hearts of the City of Gonzales. This week he danced off with the key to the city and a mayoral proclamation calling Dec. 14, 2015 Matthew Cole Deloch Day in the City of Gonzales. 

     According to the proclamation, read by city clerk Clay Stafford at the Gonzales City Council meeting, Deloch’s accomplishments range from back-to-back wins at East Ascension High School’s talent show to multiple regional and national competitive dance titles, along with nationally acclaimed praise.

     Deloch began his training at Center Stage Performing Arts Academy at the age of 8 in 2007. He has danced competitively, both regionally and nationally, and has earned the titles Best Dancer (Access Broadway Regionals, 2013; 2015; Nationals, 2014), Mr. Star Power (2013-2015), Mr. Superstar (2015), Mr. Revolution (2015) and Mr. Bravo (2014).

     Mayor Barney Arceneaux, who has made no surprise of how he likes to brag on accomplished Gonzales residents, called Deloch a great citizen.

     “Personally I’ve watched this young man dance and it’s amazing to watch him,” Arceneaux said. “This young man is not only a great dancer, but he is a good student.”

     Good may be an understatement as the EAHS junior maintains a 4.2 GPA while balancing a pre-professional dance career that has taken across country, including a tour with the Tremaine Dance Company, won by outscoring more than 100 competitors in California.

     While Deloch has proven his dance ability, the proclamation made mention of his other exceptional qualities.

     “Whereas Matthew’s greatest asset is not his dancing ability, but his humble nature, disciplined work ethic, positive attitude and the way he inspires others around him,” Stafford read.

     Present at the meeting in support of Deloch were his family members and staff of Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, including owner Linda Schexnaydre who raved about Deloch during the presentation.

     “We have so many kids who come through the doors of Center Stage and Matthew is just truly a remarkable young man,” Schexnaydre said. “He does inspire the youngest of children at Center Stage – he’s a great kid, he’s a hard worker – he’s not just talented, he’s an extremely hard worker. Everybody does look up to him and we have just enjoyed this journey with him and we cannot wait to see where he lands because I know he’ll be successful in all that he chooses to do.”

     As far as Deloch is concerned, he was just thankful.

    “I just want to thank everybody for supporting me for 15 years,” Deloch said. “Mr. Larry Schexnaydre for providing this incredible space for me to practice every day. Whenever I need to get into the studio, they go unlock it for me, if I want to go practice by myself. And, my family, for paying a lot for me to do this and travel. I just want to thank everybody.”