By Hadassa Ferreira, Contributor Writer
Few things can enchant people’s hearts like art can, and this past Friday, March 1, Saint Leo students delighted many with presentations of their artistic talents. The talent show is a cherished tradition at Saint Leo University, held annually.
This year, the event took place at the Wellness Center, bringing together numerous students to showcase their talents and compete for a 200-dollar prize. The audience, comprising parents and students, witnessed impressive solo and group performances across various disciplines.
“It was amazing. Honestly, I thought it was going to be a much smaller-scale show, but when I came here there were great performances,” said Candis Brown, a senior majoring in computer sciences. “I did not know Saint Leo had all this talent going on here.”
One of the standout dance performances was by the Saint Leo Gold Rush Dance Team. Set to the uplifting rhythm of Tasha Cobbs’ “By Your Spirit,” the group captivated the audience, leaving them ecstatic and thoroughly entertained.
Their heartfelt dedication to the performance allowed the message they aimed to convey to resonate deeply with the audience. Such was the excellence of their presentation that they secured first place in the group performance category.
“It was really amazing. I feel like it showcases the opportunity for everyone to present what they have,” said Binjina Romelus, a freshman student majoring in management, who performed with the Gold Rush Dance Team. “About willing, glories to God, that was amazing!”
This year, it can be said that incredible dance performances highlighted the talent show. Another dance performance that excited the audience was the one performed by the duo Audrey Sang and Nicholae Robinson, which was an emotional and beautiful rendition set to the sound of “Elastic Heart” by Sia. The girls performed admirably and secured second place in the group’s performance category.
Although the dancing performances were incredible, the solo performances were equally amazing. There was a wide variety of musical styles, including pop songs, musical pieces, and even gospel, with some students showcasing their talents by singing in different languages.
Isa Riano, a senior majoring in psychology, sang a song in Spanish “Cucurrucucú Paloma” by Tomás Mendes, and the audience was impressed with her vocal capability since the song is full of high notes, which she could reach perfectly.
Poetry also graced this year’s talent show, represented by the performance of Taliyah Cooper, a sophomore student majoring in biology. Her intimate and powerful piece about loneliness captivated the audience from start to finish, evoking strong emotions throughout. Although she did not secure second or first place, the event jurors made a point of honorably mentioning her performance as a significant contribution to the evening.
Musical performances, including pop songs, were another remarkable aspect of the talent show. Two presentations that elevated the competition’s standard were performed by Forgive Semackor, a junior student majoring in music, and Valencia Cooper, a sophomore student majoring in psychology with a minor in music.
Semackor performed a very sharp version of “Part of Your World” by Halle, from “The Little Mermaid.” The presentation was very good and excited the audience.
It was possible to see people singing with her, and they were very caught by her interpretation of the song. It was such a success that she got second place in the solo performance category.
Cooper’s presentation was an incredible one. She beautifully performed the song “You Say” by Lauren Daigle and the whole audience was thrilled by her talent. The choice of music already was a good one; it is a strong musical piece that says a lot to people’s hearts.
Valencia’s vocal talent matched the strongness of the song and made it especially reach the audience. It was not a surprise when she received the award of first place in the solo performances’ category.
“I was so nervous at first, but when I stood up on the stage, my nerves came down. In the end, I am really happy with my result tonight,” Cooper said about her performance.
The talent show is an amazing event where students not only have the opportunity to perform, but also to appreciate great artistic and cultural presentations. It not only enhances students’ creativity but also strengthens the connection within the campus community.
