A long year came to a close as the Abilene Performing Arts Center held its end of the year recital. It’s a bitter sweet time as we say goodbye to students and watch them perform a 2 to 3-minute routine that is supposed to be a summary of our year together. We spend so much time coaching them to shine that it always makes my heart swell with pride to see the final results.
This year’s recital theme was “From Page to Stage” each class performed a routine that represented a piece of literature. From “Romeo and Juliet,” to “Divergent” and “The Hobbit,” it’s hard to pick a favorite but one of mine had to be the lyrical piece representing “My Sister’s Keeper.”
This piece was special. These incredibly talented students dedicated their emotional performance to Neeca Martin and her mother, Becky Moody. These two incredible women and their families have had an emotional rollercoaster of a year. This spring Neeca and her family were blessed with a brand new baby boy, but spring also brought some hard knocks. Becky’s breast cancer has returned in her brain, and more recently was discovered in her lungs. As if a new baby isn’t enough to wear a family out. The strength and perseverance these two have shown in the face of these medical challenges is inspiring.
Watching and being a part of the community response the APAC family has had on behalf of these two is simply incredible. This is the reason I love Abilene. Art, family and community coming together in solidarity.
Every year since 2012 APAC has awarded the Divyne Shine award at the end of recital acknowledging those who shine through their adversities. This year Neeca and Becky were awarded the Divyne Shine award. The award was created in 2012 in honor of the perseverance and determination of Divyne Kim to perform and shine in spite of her cerebral palsy. I would have a hard time finding a pair more deserving than this year’s recipients.
If you love dance and good music, I recommend attending APAC’s May Show in the future, and every other local dance studio recital for that matter! However, in the meantime, Patty Harper’s summer production is scheduled for June 5 at the Civic Center and Turning Pointe Academy’s show is May 28th at HSU, APAC will be hosting several summer camps and the Junior Musical Camp will have its summer performance at the Paramount. You won’t want to miss these talented kids show their stuff. These definitely qualify as #EventsToBeScene in Abilene.
Follow Bailey LeRoux and Scene on Instagram and Twitter. Stay up to date on your local Abilene activities with our #EventsToBeScene series.
@bajaelsol and @AbileneScene
Leave a Reply