HOPE Dances Their Way to National
The HOPE (Hope and Opportunity through Performing & Entertaining) program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove began in response to our teens requests for expanded music and dance programs and their desire to share their talents. The youth are our Club members from two newly chartered sites: Doig and Fitz Intermediate Schools, which are located in two of our community's most at-risk areas. Practice began earnestly this past December and through the creative and musical energy of our youth and with support from our talented and dedicated staff... HOPE was formed.
Boys and Girls, ranging in age from 12-15, who love to sing, dance, or act have the opportunity to express their passion and emotions by performing throughout our community, particularly to their peers. HOPE Club members practice after their homework session called Power Hour is completed. Our members are required to have passing grades and aspire to be on the Honor Roll. They are also involved with extra-curricular school or other Club activities. Home responsibilities are also important and are considered when scheduling practices.
Club members who do not desire to perform, but have other talents will also be involved. HOPE will continue to expand its production team by including a stage crew, costume designers, playwrights, a band... and maybe even a manager.
For the purposes of the audition for National, HOPE performed routines that reflect diverse music and dance selections representing different decades of the past century to pay tribute to BGCA's Centennial celebration and the Club members enjoyed learning music and dance steps throughout history. If selected, the intent is to have our youth be prepared to feature certain dance and music from periods during the past 100 years. Cross your fingers that our HOPE team will be selected to perform this year!
The team is guided by three passionate and gifted instructors; Angie Nakamato, Isiah Mauga, and Brian Cisneros. They inspire the members as coaches, choreographers, and mentors.
