"I am amazed by the positive feedback the song has received," Jana Burceska, Macedonia's Eurovision representative tells SBS Macedonia of her country's entry 'Dance Alone.'
Macedonia has failed to make it to the last five Eurovison finals, and has reached the top half of the finals just once in the last 20 years.
"This year is a new chapter," says Jana, who hopes that her eye-catching stage performance with big screens and thigh-high boots, combined with the retro inspired 'Dance Alone', will be the game-changer.
From Macedonian Idol to Eurovision
Eurovision will be Jana’s first experience on a big stage. Tthe 23-year-old had previously taken part in the first season of 'Macedonian Idol' in 2011 where she finished fifth.
Later that year Jana took on the role of UNICEF ambassador campaigning against violence in schools.
Now she works as a project manager in a foundation dedicated to the promotion of Macedonian cultural heritage, work that Jana says is "very fulfilling."
She is also a law student, and promises to tackle her last exam after Eurovision. But she stresses, that music has a central spot in her heart.
Jana’s debut performance at Skopje Fest 2012 - where Macedonia elected its Eurovison 2012 representative - made an immediate impact with the audience.
Since then she has collaborated with many established artists in Macedonia.
"I did not expect such an avalanche of positive reaction, the song on YouTube has over 2 million views."
"The song [Dance Alone] on YouTube has over 2 million views," says Macedonian's Eurovision 2017 representative Jana Burceska. Source: AAP
Multicultural team behind 'Dance Alone'
'Dance Alone' was chosen from over 200 songs submitted to the Macedonian Radio-Television’s competition for Eurovision.
The team behind the song is as multicultural as the country Jana represents.
Her performance has been choreographed by Ambra Succi, who also worked with Sweeden’s 2012 Eurovision winners, 'Euphoria.'
Creator and director of the video story is Sergey Zhelezko, a young and talented Russian director currently working in Sofia.
"I thank all my fans in Australia for their constant support," Jana tells SBS Macedonian.
"I thank all my fans in Australia for their constant support": Jana Burceska. Source: AAP
Jana performs in the Semi Finals on Friday 12 May, 5am, (AEST) SBS. The Grand Final is on Sunday 14 May, 5am, (AEST) SBS www.sbs.com.au/eurovision #SBSEurovision
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