By E.G. Merkel
All great teachers want to show off their talented students. So, when instructor Daisy Ellis came to JOY program coordinator Maria Uribe suggesting a showcase night involving JOY’s performance classes, she couldn’t say “no.”
While the students were excited, too, many weren’t quite sure they were ready for “prime time.” A performance night for friends and family was a great solution. As the performances would highlight the many cultures that contribute to the various styles, “Captains of the Cultural Ports of Call” became the show’s theme.
On Dec. 3, the lights went up on the Murray Nelson Government Center stage and the fun began. The pride of the instructors was palpable as their students shared their talents. The audience clapped along and cheered; the students’ joy in performing shone through.
Thanks to Uribe; Jonelle Kop, technical director; Stephanie Freeman, greeter; Naomi Pagidas, raffle basket designer; Sammy Bleser and all the instructors; family, friends, volunteers and students. Much JOY was shared that night.
