The Talent Show

We attended the elementary school talent show last night.  Max was in a dance number with two of his friends.  They danced to the song "Fireflies" under black lights with cool glow-in-the-dark painted shirts.  It was the third time I had seen the entire show this week.  I'm at a loss of what exactly to say about it.  If you've been to an elementary school talent show before, you understand my lack of words to describe it.  If you've never been, it's something you should experience at least once.  Just be sure you know at least one kid who's in the show.  You'll understand once you're there.
The acts ranged from kids playing piano pieces to numerous dance numbers to solos of Celine Dion classics.  I didn't realize kids in the 21st century listened to Celine Dion, but they still do.  (Nothing like resurrecting Titanic, the movie that won't stay dead.)  There was even a drum and piano duet.  They played the music for the game Tetris.  You may not be able to recall the music in your mind but if you heard it, you'd know it right away.  Talk about creative!  Some kids did skits while others played violins.  There was a host of young talent to be experienced, and I got to experience it not once, not twice, but three times - this week.  I wish I was the doting, sentimental type who just adores such displays by children, I really do.  But I'm not, so I'll just keep some of my comments to myself.  Okay, most of my comments...

I will tell you that I was extremely impressed by the courage many of these kids had to get out in front of their classmates and perform. I was supposed to sing "Against All Odds" in the elementary school talent show when I was in 1st or 3rd grade (I can't remember) and I totally chickened out.  I made up a sore throat and said I couldn't do it the morning of the show.  I was too afraid to do it and I knew if I tried I'd choke.  Story of my life.  So I was taken by the bravado many of the children had in their talents.  I was also very encouraged by the enthusiastic responses given by the audience of peers to each act, regardless of it's merit.  I have seen elementary aged children be severe in their actions and reactions at times, but this was not one of those times.  They embraced their classmates and celebrated their efforts, even the ones that were not necessarily worthy of celebration.
So way to go, kids, for being brave enough to put yourselves out there.  And bravo to the audience for encouraging them.  Hopefully we can help shape and mold their "talents", and like the audience at the show, give them the encouragement they need to keep stepping out on the stage.