By WESLIE STRATTON
Moapa Valley Progress
Community members and families of Ute Perkins Elementary students gathered to enjoy a festive Christmas program at the Ron Dalley Theater on Friday, Dec. 12. Children grades K-5 dazzled the audience with the annual holiday extravaganza titled “A Christmas Happening“.
Principal Mary Scialabba welcomed all to the event.
“Thank you for coming out on this rainy evening,” she said. “You are in for a treat!”
She explained that students had practiced diligently in singing, dancing and overall preparation for the performance.
“Sit back, relax, enjoy and now on with the show,” she said, as curtains parted to reveal the Patriot Rockers Dance Team performing “Beautiful Christmas” in matching festive red and white costumes.
The dancers performed in synch with impressive choreography and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
Having begun practice for the occasion in November, the young students performed with a sense of professionalism while dressed in their best Christmas attire. They sang songs with various parts required by specific grades that reflected hours of practice and preparation by all involved.
According to Scialabba, Perkins music specialist Vince Dasal set high expectations for the students.
“He’s a great communicator,” she said. “He tells the students exactly what he expects.”
The well organized event ran smoothly and the inevitable minor mishaps provided adorable comic relief to the audience.
Fun and upbeat songs included “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and “Hip-Hop Reindeer” while beautiful sentimental melodies included “Candles in the Window” performed by grades 2-5.
An instrumental rendition of “Jingle Bells” was performed flawlessly with the use of tubano drums, xylophones and glockenspiels.
The program was complete with a beautifully decorated stage including Christmas lights, poinsettias and a Christmas tree that only added to the many talents displayed throughout the evening.
Scialabba was pleased with the final production.
“It was better than I anticipated,” she said. “As usual Mr. Dasal does an amazing job. He puts a lot of time and effort into preparing the students. It surpassed expectations.”
Scialabba also credited all classroom teachers and office staff in the organization and outcome of the program she described as a team effort.
