Young Audiences’ Spring Spotlight to be held on March 12

Over 200 students from eight area schools and community centers have been selected to perform at the Young Audiences’ Spring Spotlight on Thursday, March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Tulane's McAlister Auditorium in New Orleans.  The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first served basis.
 
The students will perform African drum and dance, modern and hip-hop dance, and ballet.  There will also be marching bands, dramatic performances, and a steel pan ensemble. The performances will showcase what students have learned in Young Audiences’ after-school programs.

“The children in Young Audiences programs across the city are extremely talented. Our programs provide a safe haven for students and an affirmative way of expression, surrounding and engaging them in positive arts education. The Spring Spotlight allows our city to see the amazing things our children are doing,” said Jon Cosper, Young Audiences Director of Extended Learning.
 
The one-night only performance will feature student performances from eight Young Audiences after school programs in Orleans and Jefferson Parish and one community center.   Featured schools include: Mahalia Jackson Elementary, Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy, West Jefferson High School, Morris Jeff Community School, Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center, Lincoln Elementary School, Bethune Elementary and Young Audiences Charter School.
 
Since 1962, Young Audiences, a non-profit, arts-in-education organization, has brought art and learning to more than 2,500 students free-of-charge in the greater New Orleans area.  The students enrolled in Young Audiences after-school sites have shown improved test scores, fewer absences, and a significant decrease in disciplinary actions. Through over 50 years of experience, Young Audiences has adapted and evolved to serve the ever-changing needs of students in the community. Today they employ over 220 local artists who reach over 100,000 students in Louisiana through performances, residencies, and extended learning programming.

For video of performances:
African Drum and Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HzHv6Wg3L4
Marching Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YngT6-e_IRo
Ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMcyoo89K28
Modern Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4wbkqUhjvU
Overview of Services
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vj6SN76oTI&feature=youtu.be
Jazz Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twP-6TIXcIU
Liturgical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42-any4Udrg