Summer Arts Workshop 2007

This month I had the privilege of going to a Summer Arts Workshop put on by our Stake. All of the 12-13 year olds went on Tuesday from 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. When we arrived we learned four songs. Children holding hands around the world, Singaba Yo (this is a African song) These are the days and The EFY Medley. Once we were done, we went into the gym to dance. We learned a Jewish dance called Mayim, Mayim. (which means Water, Water) After Lunch we learned a Hip-Hop dance. We had an amazing instructor! She made the dance fun and exciting. The second day was 14-15 years (they learned a Hawaiian dance) and the third was 16-17 (Spanish Dance). Everyone learned the Hip-Hop.
On the Friday, everyone came for a few rehearsals and costume fixes. On Saturday, we arrived at 9:00 AM to prepare for the play. Everyone brought their costumes (some of them were provided) and we went through 1 rehearsal and 1 dress rehearsal. We brought our own lunches and after we finished eating we went through the songs once more. At 2:00 we went into our separate change rooms and did our make-up. (at least the girls did!) We had to be completely quiet. Finally at three o'clock we got to go on the stage.

The story is about a boy who is growing up and preparing for a Misson. He thinks of all of the places he can go in the world. There are dances of all the places. Including,

Native American dance

German Folk Dance

Philippine Dance (the Tinikling, I did this dance!!)

Spanish Dance

Hawaiian Dance

English Violin Trio

Jewish/Hebrew Dance



In between every other song or dance, there was a little intermission sequence. Every time, the boy was one year older. He has an older sister who is meanwhile sharing the gospel with a friend. Towards the end of the play, the sisters friend gets baptised by the brother. (You don't actually see it, the just talk about it.) At the end, we all dance our Hip-Hop dance for his Grad. I think that was one of the funnest parts! Then we sang a song "Children holding hands around the world" We each had a different ethnic costume on.

We had two performances and after we ate Pizza and watched the video of us laughing at our mistakes! It was a blast and I was so glad I went!

:o) Stephanie

P.S. I will write about Liber Retreat soon!