Time for young talent to shine | PHOTOS

The enthusiastic audience was treated to an inspiring, mixed program of performances in three age groups: Under 7’s, Under 12’s and Under 18’s.

The line-up included a variety of dance pieces, some awesome singing, live balloon-animal making and a live science experiment. Add to that a little magic conjuring and some speed skipping and you get a sense of what a talented bunch of kids the Braidwood District can proudly boast.

The audience clearly appreciated the creativity and courage the children demonstrated in getting up before the bright lights to share their evident joy in entertaining family and friends. After the show, some audience members were heard to remark in surprise at the quality of performance demonstrated by the children. Others were moved by the supportive ethos on display, as the kids stepped in to help each other overcome stage fright and other such momentary lapses.  For many, that was an unanticipated highlight of the night, which helps to demonstrate how important the performing arts can be to foster friendship and building self-confidence. As Elisa James, one of the Judges on the night explained, “the more opportunities for kids in small communities to experience performing arts, the better".

It is exactly this realisation that led to the formation earlier this year of the Braidwood Youth Performing Arts Association (BYPAA) to expand and support performing arts opportunities for youth in Braidwood.

Shows like this and the annual Braidwood Dance Studio Concert, coming up in early December, are one way to meet this goal. Another is to provide holiday workshop programs and BYPAA will run the first of these in January 2018, so stay tuned for more information about this coming soon.

Results of the night were: U7’s winner – Skelton, highly commended - River and Ben; U12’s winner – Chelsea, highly commended – Taylor; U18’s winner – Morgan, and highly commended – Laynee. The Special Prize went to Brodie and Elanor for their awesome Magic Show. Every performer received a prize for participating.

The raffle of the spectacular decorated “BYPAA” cake, made by Jarrah, was won by Morgan Berry and the giant bear, named Let’s Dance, went home with Taylor.

Thanks to all the sponsors especially Model Cars of Braidwood and to Woden Hoyts for donating movie tickets as the Special Prize and to the Services Club for the use of the hall. Great appreciation to Elisa James, Erika Mordek and Holly Downes, who took on the challenge of judging, and to Morgan who did a fantastic job MC-ing the show.

Well done to everyone, especially the performers, for a fun, uplifting and inspiring night that raised over $500 to help cover costume costs for this year’s Dance Concert, “Willie Wonka and the Dance Factory”, scheduled for Saturday the 9th December at 6.30pm and Sunday 10th of December at 2.30pm.

For more information or to join BYPAA email: braidwoodperforming@gmail.com