News

There were no time capsules or machines, only talented bodies twirling, singing and playing to the beat and rhythm that brought back ancient Africa then catapulted the audience to the 70s, 80s and 90s – in living color on stage Friday, July 15 at the East St. Louis High School Auditorium in East St. Louis. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) Performing Arts students performed the summer showcase, “A Blast from the Past,” to a full house of family and friends. 

“The music and artists selected for the showcase were foreign to many of our students, but we knew mom and dad and older family members would enjoy hearing it,” said Visual and Performing Arts Director Homer Simmons. 

“We only had six weeks to organize this show,” Simmons said addressing the crowd, “but the students will display tremendous talent tonight. We want you to encourage them, because you will be amazed by what they have to offer.” 

Some of the presentations included:

• African Drums, choreographed by Gerald “Babatunde” Williams, with the African Drum and Dance Ensemble
• “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and choreographed by JayKayla Winford, with students ages 6-8
• “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John and choreographed by Shaquira Sylvester, with students ages 9-12
• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston and choreographed by Winford, with students ages13-17
• P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson, Oh Happy Day by Edwin Hawkins Singers and Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, played and directed by Esau Toombs and the Band Ensemble 

One highlight of the show occurred when Program Coordinator Jack Williams was called on stage for recognition. 

“Mr. Williams has been part of the program for almost 40 years,” said Simmons. “He’s taught and danced almost everywhere. We’re so appreciative of him. We wanted to make sure that the parents understood and connected to the ‘Blast from the Past.’ Could you give us a demonstration, Mr. Williams?” 

Although Williams said he no longer danced, he took to the stage like the veteran he is, and it showed inquick fashion. He demonstrated why he remains anexpert dance teacher. Williams was joined by a group of students, ages 9-12. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program will continue with its After-School Program. The program runs from 4-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Tuesday, Sept. 6-Thursday, May 18, 2023. Students will experience dance, music and art classes. Registration is free.  

The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts has a long, rich history. The legendary dancer, anthropologist, and social activist Katherine Dunham founded the Center for Performing Arts at the SIUE East St. Louis Center in 1964. The program serves children ages 7-17. Students study beginning piano and guitar, drums, bass guitar, West African drumming and multiple styles of dance. 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.  

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts students performed in their summer showcase, “A Blast from the Past.”