Y Arts rolls on

It’s strange to think that just a year ago, Y Arts had returned from the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta where they had spent the weekend in person with thousands of other children and theater professionals from around the world. It was a grand celebration of our children and their love of the arts. Our Y Arts youth performed live and the energy was uplifting to say the very least. We sang. We danced. We high-fived and hugged. We celebrated, together.

Registration for the 2021 Festival began prior to the pandemic and the Y Arts group was ecstatic to plan a return trip. Then things started shutting down. There were many unknowns and while we hoped we would return to the festival, we doubted the possibility. 

Once we knew there wouldn’t be an in person 2021 celebration, the Y Arts Competition Team switched gears and began to create a masked, no-touch choreography, pre-recorded voices, competition piece. That sounds like a lot and it was but it was absolutely worth it. iTheatrics pulled together their team and ended up hosting a virtual festival this year and while it was different, our team knew it was a blessing. We sent in our video and celebrated virtually with other young performers around the world. 

The pandemic has been a struggle for everyone. With that in mind and kindness in our hearts we, as a family of performers, cannot complain about missed performances or lost opportunities. We can, however, look forward to a return to live theater and the uplifting energy and spirit it provides. 

Throughout the past year Y Arts staff have continued to provide safe and energized classes, workshops and camps. We will continue to be there for our local youth and plan to return to live theater this summer with our Music Theatre Camp productions. As everything has changed, so will this. It will look different with masked performers and outdoor sets but it will begin to bring back that feeling of accomplishment for our youth performers. 

Might your child have an interest in the arts? From Comic Book Design and Glass Arts with Kathy, to Violin Lessons with Emily Sue, to Tap and Hip Hop with Emerson and Ejaye, to Theatre Workshops, Theatre Dance Classes and online voice lessons with Emily, there is something for everyone. We also have a few adult arts workshops in the upcoming guide. Visit the YMCA website to check out all our offerings. 

As the pandemic has taught us being open to change is important. If you have an idea of a class or workshop you would like to see offered please do reach out to a member of the Y Arts team. We would love to consider your ideas and continue to expand our offerings in the years to come. 

Be Kind. Be Thoughtful. Be Understanding. Sending love from the Y Arts Family to you!