One of the cool things about living on a military base overseas is that we get all sorts of entertainers from the US come visit us to make us feel like home. This time, The Young Americans were performing for the first time at RAF Alconbury. The Young Americans is a group of young adults ages 18-23 who love performing arts—dancing, singing, acting. A lot of them join this group after graduating high school to gain more experience in stage performance. They travel all over the world—several groups at the same time in different regions—and organize workshops with kids ages 9-18. Basically, in two days, they teach the kids dances, songs, and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, until they are ready to show off what they prepared to the parents and guests.
When I first found out about it, the age group that they were asking for was 6th grade and above. Since Katya was not old enough, I didn’t pay much attention. As the date for the event was coming closer, our Force Support Squadron, who was sponsoring the Young Americans, announced the change for the age limit to 4th grade and older. Moreover, they found funds in the Squadron’s budget to make this workshop free for all children, as originally it was $45 per student!
Katya got really excited about the idea, and we decided to go ahead and sign her up, although that meant she had to miss a whole day of school (Friday), plus practice all afternoon on Thursday and Saturday.
The organizers were also asking for families who would be willing to host a couple of students for three nights. So we volunteered and got two wonderful girls—Jenny (pictured below) and Courtney (whose picture I failed to take!!).
They were wonderful fun guest and really easy to accommodate. The girls were vegetarian, and I actually requested them since many families shy away from cooking healthy vegetarian meals. I am not scared any more of vegetarian food-haha (I WAS six-seven years ago though).
Jenny and Courtney went along with all our regular weekend events such as partying outside with our street neighbors, making s’mores and hot cocoa, and just chatting with so many other Americans (by then they had been travelling Europe for three months, so they were definitely excited to feel a bit of home away from home).
Oh yes, and the performance of course. The show was held at our high school’s gym. And it was packed!
This is Katya and I right before the show.
The youngest-blue group, kids from the elementary school, before the show.
The Young Americans performed their regular show for an hour at first. They danced, and sang, and sang some more. They went through different hits from all eras of the last century.
They had a short showcase of popular boy bands…
…and most famous female artists.
They gave tribute to Japan (as they go there on tours regularly and a group of the YA was there when THE earthquake happened). And their finale number was all about Lion King.
During the second hour, our school kids joined them. I believe a total of 178 children participated. They danced A LOT.
Kids had an opportunity to volunteer and be picked for some solo parts as well—for some it was dancing, for others a few lines of singing. Katya said she raised her hand when the elementary school kids were asked if anyone wants to audition. She sang a quick part from “Popular” from Wicked with all her acting and singing. And she got picked to sing a short expert from “Annie” the musical.
She did great (although forgot a few words-haha)!
All children had a blast!! It was an evening they will never forget because each of them felt like a performer.
Alex was jealous, of course. This is all right up his alley as well. I am glad though we did something that just Katya could participate, as that made her feel extra special. Now I just need to find a performing summer camp or something for her.
Hope The Young Americans can come to our base again! They were so warmly welcomed here and did a great teaching our kids how to perform. Grateful that our Force Support Squadron organizes these events for us.
All right, off to bed now.
Lyana.
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