Students Shine in YMCA Performing Arts Show

On Saturday, the Wyckoff Family YMCA hosted the 16th annual Shining Stars Express Performing Arts Show, featuring the children in the Y's special needs program.

Choreographed and organized by director Nina Cohen-Reisman, members of the group put on performances to favorites such as "Shake Your Body," "Rockin Robin," " I Want to Hold Your Hand," "You've Got a Friend," "You Should be Dancing," "Soul Man" and "Thriller." Performances also included solos to "Dancing Machine," "Stop in the Name of Love," "Hound Dog," "The Twist" and "Mack the Knife;" and a duet on "My Girl". Readings titled "Shining Star" and "Fame" were delivered, and two Drama Workshop Ensemble performances were done featuring the music of "Chorus Line" and "Fame."

An awards ceremony after the finale honored all members of the group, as well as staff and volunteers, and featured a special thank you to Cohen-Reisman, who has a master's degree in dance and is a psychomotor therapist.

Wishes

Stand beside us, take time to listen,

Help us, but do not do for us to save time,

Enable us with the tools, teach and empower us,

Know that our beings are defined,

Not by our disabilities, but by our special qualities.

Let us be needed, walk beside us with pride.

—Shining Stars Express, 2010