Events + News
Another Hit! Spring Arts Showcase

As guests entered NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, they were greeted by IS 51R’s jazz band playing classic renditions of musical favorites. The gallery displayed more than 170 pieces of vibrant artwork, 3D urban landscapes, and fashion forward mannequins.

Master of Ceremonies and longtime friend of SASF, Tina Cervasio, once again hosted the Spring Arts Showcase. She kicked off the evening by introducing Chief Executive Officer Maureen Fonseca who highlighted the hard work and grit that went into each site’s audition process and ultimately, what brought them to the culminating showcase.

The program included the following acts:

  1. The Star Spangled Banner, sung by Tiana Byrd form PS 189 X
  2. Dance: “American Bandstand” by IS 381K
  3. Dance: “Latin Groove” by PS 189X
  4. Hip Hop: “Essence of a Woman” by Thornton High School
  5. Musical Theater: “Bye Bye Birdie” by IS 51R
  6. Jazz Band: “Bye Bye Birdie and You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by IS 51R
  7. Steel Pan: “This Melody Sweet” by MS 354K
  8. African Dance: “Nature Blessings” by PS 116Q
  9. Modern Dance: “The Elements” by 680Q
  10. Dance: “Formation” by 462X
  11. Dance: “Tornado from the Wiz” by MS 452K
  12. Step: “College Campus” by Pathways College Preparatory School

While each act had a surprise at every turn, one thing was for certain: the sights and sounds left the audience in awe.

“Each year, this event continues to grow and evolve into a greater showcase of arts – both visual and performing. Our gallery was filled with art pieces by students from 27 of our sites and 12 different performance acts hit the stage. The talent has reached a stellar level. In describing the show this year I often used the term show stopper,” said Michelle Durante, Director of Arts. “When students smile from ear-to-ear in awe of the professional theater space and joy radiates in all they do, we see the power of the arts come to life in over 300 student participants. The success of this culminating event was evident in how much was gained and learned by our students through the arts this school year.”

The event concluded with remarks from Chief Program Officer Marisol Guzman and a finale including all the SASF performers taking their last bow to a standing ovation.