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Talent shines at PS 81

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Tangible excitement filled the lunchroom at the Robert J. Christen School (P.S. 81) the day before its annual show last week. Students were in the dress rehearsal for their musical review “P.S. 81 Rocks and Pops Through the Decades,” in kindergarten through fifth-grade students danced and sang some of the most popular songs from the 1960s until the 2010s. 

In one corner, fourth graders were dressed in bright yellow T-shirts and huddled together chatting away before it was time for them to perform “Happy,” by Pharrell Williams. Second-grade boys were so caught up in their conversation at the lunch table that they almost missed lining up to go to the auditorium to practice their number, “Jail House Rock.” For the Elvis Pressley hit, they wore white T-shirts with black duct tape on top, to resemble prison uniforms.

In another part of the lunchroom, a mother adjusted the bright green head wrap and African-print sarong skirt for a third-grade girl who was going to perform the Nico & Vinz song “Am I Wrong?” with her classmates.

The show took place on Saturday. In it, every student had the chance to be a star as they sang and danced alongside classmates. No matter their level of skill, each student from kindergarten to fifth grade seemed to be part of the team. All they had to do was have fun, sing and dance their hearts out and learn new songs from past decades. 

“It’s my favorite thing that I do in the building. I love it. I love how excited the kids are,” said Nina Velazquez, P.S. 81’s parent coordinator. “I just wanted them to feel good about the work that they did… I want them to be empowered, to be confident. There are kids who are not necessarily going to be recognized for academics, but a lot of times, those are the kids that get up and do an incredible performance so I feel like we’re giving something to everybody.”

This year’s performance was a special one for Ms. Velazquez. It was the last one in which one of her own children would be in the show.

“I’ve been a parent here for 22 years,” she said. “This was my last of six children to come through the building… So it was huge.”

“It’s wonderful to be a part of creating something that these kids are going to remember forever,” parents’ association president Lauren Carmona said in a phone interview. “They get a chance to hear songs that they normally would not hear… and otherwise not be exposed to.”

The show was also a learning experience for parents, who took on the roles of choreographer, musical director, lighting team member and sound director. They also helped design costumes and make props.

“I never had a kid who did not absolutely love the show,” said Ms. Velazquez.

Students seemed to agree.

“I get to dance next to my best friend and I get to wear an awesome [costume],” said first-grade student Grayson Fella.

“It’s fun rehearsing ’cause you are with your friends the whole time… You see the lights and it’s kind of thrilling,” said Grace Spence, a  third grader.

Most of the students first took part in the show in kindergarten, returning to perform every year. One third-grade student shared a lesson learned over the years.

“If you are nervous, don’t be nervous because your parents will be there,” said Isabella Dimola. 

“They’ll be cheering you.”

PS 81, School desk, Lisa Herndon

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