Hidden Talents Shine Up 2017 - A Review

On June 3, 2017, Your Sunshine was overjoyed to be hosting the Hidden Talents Shine Up 2017 Talent Show at the King of Kings Lutheran Church in Chantilly, Virginia. Many of our special needs youths and adults dazzled us with amazing performances that showed our audience that though they may not be immediately visible, all of us have talents hidden inside of us.

Our event began with a speech from founder Anastasia Martynova, who spoke about her experiences living with special needs and her journey of finding her voice and achieving her goals. Anastasia grew up as an individual with special needs and gained lifelong insights through her first-hand experiences in what it truly feels like to be different from others. While facing her own challenges in the context of complex societal norms and harsh misconceptions, she developed a motivation to look beyond limitations, while allowing for the growth of deep compassion and keen understanding toward all individuals with special needs. As one who has actually walked the path of a life lived differently, and as a creative and talented individual, entrepreneur, teacher, and mindfulness/yoga instructor, Ms. Martynova is devoted to deliver the robust programs and curriculum to persons of special needs (as well as to their loved ones) to help develop skills, talents, and friendships, provide community and support, and to empower them and add worth and value to their view of themselves, while readying them for a more vital future as members of our global society.

Following the performances, the audience and performers celebrated their achievements with a delicious banquet featuring pizza, Thai, Italian, and Chinese cuisines, and a variety of delectable treats. As they ate, they were amazed by a magician and an enthusiastic DJ who helped us start a dance party for all those involved. We absolutely loved the chance to host this event and would love for you and your friends to come participate in our upcoming ones.

Written by - Varun Jain