2nd Annual Glenkirk Talent Show Wows Audience

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DancingBobbleheads Fifth-grade boys performed as bobbleheads. (Photo by Misty Rodda)

By Marianne E. Weaver 

The stars came out to perform at Glenkirk Elementary School’s Second Annual Talent Show, Thursday, March 10, sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO.) The two-hour show featured third, fourth and fifth-grade singers, musicians, dancers, performers and a special appearance by the dancing bobblehead faculty.

“As someone with a strong theatre background, I know firsthand the benefit to a kid of overcoming nerves and wowing a live audience,” said co-chair Samantha Fulda, who led the student stage crew of 15. “I wanted that experience for our Glenkirk students. A talent show is the best way for a school without a drama department to offer that opportunity to a wide group of kids.”

And “wow” they did.

The night kicked off with fifth-graders Cheyenne Davidson and Lynzie Bonilla exploding onto the stage with their hula-hoop performance to the Cupid Shuffle. Within minutes, all of the kids in the audience shuffled their way to sit on the floor in front of the stage. From there, they attentively watched and cheered for their classmates’ performances.

The standing-room-only auditorium was filled with song. Third grader Dexter Corcoran made her public debut singing “Shake It Off.”

“It was fun, but it was also a little scary,” said Corcoran. “I would probably do it again.”

The fifth-grade Kartik twins, Ahalya and Atreyi, who made their debut last year, returned this year, pulling the crowd into their powerful rendition of “Fight Song.” Fifth grader Cruise Campbell added guitar to his vocals in his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph.”

“The Glenkirk Talent Show has become a great event for students to share their talents with the Glenkirk community,” said art teacher and judge Courtney Forget. “I loved watching the more quiet and reserved children come out of their shell and perform in front of a cheering crowd. That's a moment that will stay with them for a lifetime!”

Cheyenne Davidson and Lynzie Bonilla hula-hoop to the Cupid Shuffle. Cheyenne Davidson and Lynzie Bonilla hula-hoop to the Cupid Shuffle. (Photo by Misty Rodda.)

A mini piano recital featured four students of varying years of instruction, starting with Jake Mitchell. With only eight piano lessons under his belt, he earned his shot on stage by playing Katy Perry’s “Roar” at his audition. The recital continued with pianists with increasing years of experience: Sharon Wilfred, Cailey Choi and Janice Wong.

Students demonstrated their dancing skills, showcasing various styles of dance. Fifth-graders Sidney Stith and Janelle Novitsky danced to the popular tune “Hang in There;” a group of three girls lip synced to “Happy,” spreading smiles as threw beach balls and streamers to the front rows of kids, still sitting as close to the stage as allowed. Anna Weaver performed a traditional Irish Treble Jig, and Kevin Minor showed his skills in a Tae Kwon Do demonstration.

Then the curtains closed and feet shuffled. A group of fifth-grade boys, wearing jeans and white T-shirts, lined the stage, with their backs turned to the audience. When Adele’s “Hello” sounded (followed by Lionel Richie’s “Hello”) they turned around, revealing over-sized cardboard cutouts of their teachers smiling faces. The bobbleheads danced to a selection of songs including the “Whip and Nae,” YMCA and "Na Na Na, Hey Hey, Goodbye." The audience roared with laughter.

“I love the entire process from auditions, practice, dress rehearsal, to seeing the child on stage shining,” said co-chair Stacie Campbell. “It's making memories that will last a lifetime.”

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