News

The quality and amount of talent in East St. Louis is phenomenal, according to Homer Simmons, program director for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts (PA). 

Simmons gave high praise to the student performers throughout the PA’s Spring 2023 Dance and Music Recital on Thursday, May 17 in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. 

The students, ages 6-17, lived up to the acclaim as they danced, sang and played musical instruments for an adoring and applauding audience of family and friends. Some the selections included dance routines “Land of the Free” and “Dysfunction,” musical numbers “Sunday Morning” by the Maroons Band and Show and “Ascension” by Maxwell, and a finale that brought all ages onto the dance floor in a colorful costuming and fanciful footwork presentation to the tune of Chris Brown’s “Yeah 3X” that stimulated the audience out of their seats one last time. 

“I’ve been singing all of my life,” said Gysai Sylla. “Sometimes the only way to express yourself is through music.” Simmons asked for some insight after Coleman finished his first song, “Ascension.” 

Simmons also quizzed Yasmin Coleman after her number, “Feel No Ways” by Drake. “My life is music,” she said. “I appreciate all the love and support from everyone.” 

Other musicians performing included: Coleman’s sister Rashae Coleman, Kacien Fields, Idris Jamison, Aunya King, Sylla’s brother Khalifa Sylla and Willis Wright. 

Dancers from ages 6-12 were: Kalia Boey, Meadow Coates, Saraya Darough, Kiarse Fields, Tamani Johnson and Karlie Poey. 

Dancers from ages 13-17 included: Imani Barnes, Nia Barnes, Olivia Bell, Lauren Bell, Karenza Cox and Tealor Hannah. 

PA staff who rehearsed and guided the young talent included: Jack Williams, assistant director; Esau Toombs, music/band coach; Jay’Kayla Winford, lyrical jazz dance instructor; and McKinley Smith, HipHop dance instructor. 

“Our students are so multi-talented,” concluded Simmons. “All we can do is nurture and encourage them.” 

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 1967. At its peak in the 1990s, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided year-round instruction to more than 1,000 youth and became a training ground for professional artists of all disciplines. For decades, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided performing arts classes to students and community members to develop local talent and to cultivate a love of the arts. Classes often culminated in musical and theatrical productions. 

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts students perform their Spring 2023 Dance and Music Recital. 

L-R: Aunya King sings as Khalifa Sylla accompanies her on the guitar.