Talent Show Round-Up

At Pres, there is plenty of “aptitude” or talent within the students that many did not know existed amongst their peers, waiting to be discovered. The annual talent show at  Pres allows students to unleash their talents in front of the whole school and this year it was held on a rainy February 17, less than a day before the much anticipated winter break. Students were itching to begin the break and the talent show really kicked it off with everybody filing into the gym during collaboration to watch their fellow classmates exhibit their talents.

Everybody pushed and shoved their way into the crowded gym, with students spilling from the bleachers onto the floor, and lining the sides of the gym in front of the faculty. When order had been restored, hostesses Sarah Khasrovi and Jennifer O’Brien introduced the show. The two  seniors commanded the audience between acts with their spicy dialogue and voices that changed with each act that performed. There was always a joke passed between them about the previous act or as the introduction for the next one. For example, after junior Megan Going sang “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera, Khasrovi attempted to sing opera, which sounded horrible but make the audience laugh.

This year the talents consisted mostly a wide variety of singing and dancing, but there were also musical instruments and theater. The types of songs that singers sang (say that ten times fast) ranged from sophomore Haley Henson’s performance of “In His Eyes” by Jeykll and Hyde to junior Emily Griffith playing the piano while singing” Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk.

Dances also came in the variety pack as sophomore Shivali Tandon paid a tribute to Michael Jackson with a dance combining three of his hit songs. Sophomore Caroline Ledna and freshman Christina Tobias tapped away to Give up the Funk. Both Pres’ dance team and their captains performed as well. For a second year in a row sophomores Dani Gnibus and Kristy Charron and Chloe Townsan, a 8th grade girl from Britton Middle School performed a jazz number to Telephone by Lady Gaga and Beyonce.

Overall, the attitude towards the Talent Show showed positive results. When asked to name her favorite part of the show, senior Elizabeth Edwards replied that Mary Morgan’s Samson by Regina Spektor moved her because “most of the seniors didn’t know that she sang and it was so beautiful and her heart and soul was totally in it and it blew me away.” Pres’ talent show opens up hidden pools of talent many do not know exist in their fellow classmates and participants can grasp the attention of the school on them for a day.

Dancing Queen: Jackie Lee

The adrenaline rushes, center stage spotlights, makeup, spandex and sequins galore. The fabulous life of a dancer sounds so glamorous and girlie to the outside eye. But the life of a Presentation High School Dance Team dancer is not just about the sparkles and sunshine. Imagine practicing for hours on end, stretching and pushing your body to run choreography over and over almost every day all year round, including summer. These girls are amazingly tough but still remain outstandingly graceful and poised.

Though every dancer on the team contributes something unique, appreciated and valued, one dancer in particular has awed audiences across the United States. Like a typical Pres girl, she watches One Tree Hill, eats chicken nuggets, and loves her photography class. But unlike most of us, Jackie Lee been dancing for nearly 14 years and has won a numerous amount of prestigious dance titles.

Recently she’s claimed the title of Miss Dance of California 2009 and this year alone won first place at all USA regional competitions for her solo, fifth place for her solo at the Contest of Champion Nationals in Florida, and placed top 10 in solos at USA Nationals in Los Angeles.

She says, “Whenever I perform, I’m always nervous but really happy to just be on stage. Dancing and performing is my outlet. My favorite part about dancing is going on stage and just forgetting about everything.  Whenever I dance, I completely forget about all my problems and fears.”

But unlike an attention seeking diva, Jackie remains true to her Pres team. When asked how she would describe Pres dance she simply stated “Fun. Family. Dedication.”

“My favorite part about dancing at Pres is being a part of a family.  The dance team is so tight knit and close, it makes dancing that much more special and enjoyable.”

As a dedicated part of the team, she works hard as part of the captain team with seniors Courtney Quinn, Erin Kelm, and Nicole Olerich. “We’ve grown so close over the past few months and I know I can go to them for anything.”

Jackie has decided to continue dancing after high school. “I’m hoping to go to a college that has a really good competitive dance team, but if that doesn’t happen I’ll probably just take classes at a studio wherever I am,” Lee said, ”I do plan to try out for So You Think You Can Dance next year when I’m 18 though!”

So girls, this isn’t the last you’ll see of this stellar senior. Watch out for Jackie Lee because one day you just might see her name in the spotlight!