“It was my first time performing on stage,” Franciszek Balwicki said. He is an exchange student from Poland who had the experience of a lifetime at the Academy Awards.

“We don’t have anything similar in Poland,” Balwicki said. The Academy Awards were introduced in the 90s and it has been an anticipated event ever since.

Balwicki performed in James Flanigan’s act as his opponent in the boxing ring. Flanigan’s act had him and Balwicki walk down either side of the aisles to walk up on stage.

“That was the best part! When people were cheering for us when we walked down the aisle,” said Balwicki.

Balwicki spent three or four hours practicing with Flanagan and perfecting the act. When Balwicki revealed himself in the ring, he was wearing a muscle suit which got many laughs from the crowd. 

“I’m really glad James had me in his act, but I’m not sure if I would want to be a contestant,” Balwicki said. He goes on to explain that he saw how much work each contestant put into their act.

Balwicki compliments all the contestants on their hard work and dedication to their acts. –Ryah Wasilkoff

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Franciszek Balwicki is a foreign exchange student from Poland and was asked to be in James Flanigan’s parody of “Rocky IV” for the NDA Academy Awards.

Balwicki and Flanigan met through football. Balwicki was asked to play the role of Ivan Drago, the Soviet fighter, but they decided to mix it up a bit. 

“James asked me to play the role because of my accent,” said Balwicki. Before the fight, Balwicki said Ivan Drago’s famous quote, “I must break you.”

“My favorite part was walking on stage to the entrance music,” said Balwicki. He walked on stage with a boxer robe, and a muscle suit underneath his shirt to represent Drago. Balwicki added he had never been on a stage before, so this was very new and exciting for him. 

“Choreographing the punches was the hardest part,” said Balwicki. He shared that he and Flanigan spent about four hours getting the moves right. 

“I didn’t have anything similar in Poland,” said Balwicki. “It was a very nice show. I am very glad James invited me to be in his act.”–Nicholas Felker