The stage lights dim red and blue, a familiar guitar riff sounds and a young woman in white rises from a man’s shoulders to the ceiling to the tune of “Purple Rain.”
While the late Prince’s voice casts a spell over the theater, the pair intertwine in painstaking grace, making the stage theirs. The timing of their bodies seems effortless, the woman tenuously balancing over the man’s body, impossibly dipping and spinning but never meeting the floor.
The duo, Amy Vait and Jordan Randall, are students at City College who won first place in talent show on May 14, “Keep Your Head To The Sky.” They received a trophy and $500.
A total of 18 different acts put on by 25 students competed for cash prizes and trophies, displaying a wide range of talent on campus.
Wilfred Paloma was awarded the runner-up prize of $300 for his original performance, a humorously self-deprecating, showstopping tune about what it takes to get a girl to notice him.
Brandon Brown, with his original rap piece, won third place, good for $200.
The talent competition took place at the Saville Theatre. Master of ceremonies Tandy Ward presided over this, the eighth show put on by the Associated Student Government.
Students performed a wide range of selections and styles. Among the performances were two original rap pieces, by Derric McKinnie and Brandon Brown, two modern dance selections, two theater songs, spoken word and poetry and covers of Frank Sinatra, Donna Summer,and even Disney’s “The Jungle Book” on ukelele.
Two modern dance selections opened both acts of the show. “Stone Cold” by Lisa Newman was wrought with emotion, while Angela Bajet’s original, two-part routine in deep red was stark, even bare in its agility.
Introduced by Ward as providing “some real African twerking,” Aisha Pouh attacked the stage with her rendition of a traditional Africanh dance. Her hair flying and bare heels slapping, the number drove the adrenaline high.
Ben Alderete, who serves on the ASG Senate, stood out playing his acoustic guitar, with his simple yet gorgeous rumination of pain, longing, and redemption through faith.
Sarah Bella Mondragon broke up the musical selections with her fearless spoken word piece, urging consideration for our future, for the planet.
Throughout the evening, the combination of varied, excellent performances, support from students and overall enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable night despite the show running over schedule.
Lighting and sound issues arose, resulting in several performances being delayed and led to the evening going almost 45 minutes over schedule.
Ward said he is grateful that the school continues to allow use of the theater each year as a platform for student talent. “This year’s theme was ‘Keep Your Head to the Sky’ because that is exactly what we want to encourage y’all to be doing.”
“We have so much talent on campus and you have to see it.”
