Another successful Art for Charity performance!

January 8, 2019 admin

Students, teachers, and parents showcase their talents and abilities at the annual Art for Charity.

This year’s Art for Charity was held at the Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre on December 8. On December 7, rehearsal day, and the day the concert was held, performers eagerly practiced and rehearsed at the theatre to showcase their performance.

**Red papers with lovely messages hung on the walls** *– Photo Courtesy of Kelly Woo*

The Shanghai Children’s Art Theatre was artfully decorated with small red papers that delivered loving messages from kids. At the entrance of the theatre, pictures of the previous Art for Charity also plastered the walls.
Art for Charity consists of a variety of performances that involved students from kindergarten to high school. This year, parents and teachers were also involved in the performance, making it more grand. The annual event first started with the SMIC-I High School orchestra led by Ms. Jeannie Hooi performing “Star Wars Medley,” followed by a variety of outstanding performances. The audience showed gratitude by applauding loudly.

**Kids and parents harmonize!** – *Photo Courtesy of Kelly Woo*

**The SMIC-I MHS Dance Crew performs “Where they from”** – *Photo Courtesy of Irene’s father*

“I [absolutely] loved the dance team’s ‘Where they from’ performance,” stated Helen Kim (ET11A), “each and every one of them did amazing on their moves, and I could easily tell that they had poured in hours and hours of practice to master the coordination. Another performance that stood out the most to me was Carly Hu‘s ‘Give me one reason.’ I was quite surprised that our school had a hidden musical prodigy. She possesses this unique, deep voice, and she immediately caught my attention as soon as she started singing.”
Another student commented, “I really liked the performance of a group of 9 third graders who danced hip hop after our program. It shows no matter what age group you’re in, dance is a passion everyone has and can be used as an occasion to meet new people,” added Olivia Lu (ET12C).

After half of the performances, the auction began. Products, from a small drawing by an elementary student to a limited-edition Swarovski water bottle, were donated for the auction. Knowing that all the profit would be donated, the teachers and parents called for high prices. Aside from the fabulous performances presented by students from different age groups, the Art for Charity action earned more than 520,000 RMB, a higher amount than the last year.

**MHS Dance Crew reenacts a scene from the movie – *Laland*!** – *Photo Courtesy of Olivia’s father*

After the auction and short intermission, the event proceeded again. The 2018 Art for Charity ended with a grand performance given by the middle and high school English track students performing one of the beautiful scenes from Lalaland. “It definitely felt tedious with all the waiting and sitting,” commented Helen, “but at the end of the day, it was all worth it. It was a great opportunity for me to make new friends, and [it was] a great platform for many students to let out their hidden talents. I found this event very meaningful and memorable.”

Featured image – MHS Orchestra prepare to start the Art for Charity 2018. Photo Courtesy of MHS Yearbook Club

by Kelly Woo