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Panoramic explosion of talent

by Jonathan Gramling

The Madison area is so blessed by its abundance of resources for youth development programs and activities. Outside of school - and oftentimes in school buildings - it seems there is always something happening to keep youth positively involved. No one has an excuse to be bored.

For the past five years, the Wisconsin Youth Company has been bringing many of these youth development programs under one roof for a day to celebrate the talent and achievement of area youth. On November 6, on four stages at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, the sixth rendition of Celebrating Youth! was an extravaganza of the multitude of cultures and traditions that compose Dane County's social fabric.

On stages ringed by the booths of many non-profit and for profit organizations, a continuous stream of groups performed for over five hours. There was the powerful African rhythms and dance of the Ton Ko-Thi Children's Dance Ensemble. At the other end of the spectrum, there was the elegant ballet of the Kehl School of Dance. Rappers from the East High School Spoken Word Club let loose with a stream of poetic consciousness. MadCAP, the Madison Creative Arts Program, led by Kweku Ananse's Djam Vivie, performed to the African beat. KOJO, the drill team from East High, was stepping high in disciplined time. Members of the Natyarpana School of Indian Dance gave a lively performance using the art form Bharatnatyam. The Kajsiab House Hmong Dancers and Qeej Players played mournfully as they executed tight spins and movements. The Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers literally spun their partners in a traditional dance. The Cherokee Middle School Drill & Dance Team showed up in force to execute their maneuvers. It seemed the Jugheads Youth Juggling Team created a mesmerizing wall of spinning batons. The Jolly Giants Stiltwalkers towered over the crowd. And members of Club TNT made their presence known.

And one of the nicest things about Celebrating Youth! is that it provides a positive environment for families to spend a relaxing afternoon at a price - free - they can afford. It is also a time for teenage friends to hang and chill together and urge each other to perform to the best of their abilities and talent. For families and youth, it doesn't get any better than this.

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