As we approach the end of the school year and the much-needed winter vacation, the students held a talent festival to showcase their abilities in music, dance, dramatic arts, and even magic. This festival was cancelled last year because of the corona-virus pandemic, so the students were exceptionally excited and eagerly looking forward to the event. I was worried that the rising COVID-19 cases would again spoil the show, but thankfully the festival was successfully held. The show must go on.
One full grade was present in the gymnasium at a time to perform or watch the performances while the other students were in their classrooms seeing it all on a livestream. Grades rotated throughout the morning. I, on the other hand, watched the entire show from the back of the gym, and I was thoroughly impressed by the students. The festival was well put on with a professional crew manning the light show and an emcee pumping up the crowd at every opportunity.
Students had been practicing for weeks, and in a few cases, such as the orchestra and dance club, had prepared for the entire school year. Knowing that the students would be very excitable, the school administration had asked the students to refrain from shouting during the performances. That directive was useless. The students clapped, cheered, shouted, and supported their classmates at every turn. They were having a lot of fun.
One third grade boy, who I know to have difficulty regulating his behaviour in my classes, drew the attention of the principal and several teachers for his raucous shouting. He was reprimanded several times where he took off his facemask. None that stopped his from hooting and hollering like a crazed fan. He was having the time of his life and nothing was going to stop him.
The first-grade students were the first to take the stage. They performed musical numbers with bells, guitars, drums, and traditional instruments. Each group performed two songs, and there was a very nice selection of Christmas carols. After each performance, the students scurried off the stage and I was there to clap and congratulate them. They looked so happy, and also relieved to be finished with their performance. They stored their instruments and took their seats to cheer on the next act.
The grade two students were equally as entertaining, putting on a short dramatic play. I couldn't understand the details, but it seemed to be about the issues and challenges faced by students at middle school. It ended with students resolving their dispute and becoming friends again.
Every grade three class (5) performed a choreographed dance routine to a medley of fun K-pop and international pop songs. I had a sneak peak of some of these performances since the students had been practicing their moves in my classes for a week or two before the talent show. What surprised me was that each class wore matching costumes for their dance, and many students got special hairstyles or wore fancy make-up. It was truly like a professional production. It was wonderful to see every student participate, even those who are a bit shy or socially awkward danced their hearts out like true pop stars.
The true show stoppers were the dance club members. They did several routines, often with just two or three members at a time. While the class dances were good, it was clear that the dance team were on another level. They were highly skilled and amazingly rehearsed. They could easily fit into any modern K-pop music video.
Individual students also put on talented routines. A pair of students bravely sang in front of the student body. Another student played the flute. A third-grade girl did a wonderfully funny magic show. The camera was brought close and the images projected onto the screen to show her impressive card tricks. She bantered with the emcee which brought out many laughs from the crowd. The showmanship was outstanding.
Everyone was in a good mood for the remainder of the morning. When the show was over, students had their school lunch and were free to go home for the rest of the day. Teachers stayed in the office to work. Merry Christmas!
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