POULSBO — Friday afternoon in the Vinland Elementary gym it looked like an “American Idol” or a “So You Think You Can Dance” audition.
Although students strutted their top dance moves and belted out their best vocal harmonies on stage, it wasn’t an audition for either of the über-popular shows.
It was Vinland’s fourth annual end of the year talent show.
“Every year we are amazed by the level of talent the Vinland kids demonstrate,” said kindergarten teacher Kim Keene, who helps organize and host the show. “And that holds true for this year.”
She said each year the kids are waiting for the talent show to arrive.
“They start asking for it way before we are ready,” Keene said. “They really are excited. They really want to do it.”
The students must apply and audition for a slot in the show, and most of the applicants want to be in the afternoon assembly so they can perform for their friends, Keene said.
At 2:30 p.m. the gym was abuzz with anticipation as more than 200 staff, students and parents took a seat to watch 16 groups or individuals showcase their goods. Another round of Vinland talent took place at 6:30 p.m., and a total of nearly 40 kindergarten through fifth-grade students had a moment in the spotlight.
During the afternoon performance the Macarena, hula, ballet, Irish and gymnastics dancers, piano soloists, violinists, guitarists and a slew of singers took to the stage.
The audience was treated to the musical classics of “Ode to Joy,” “Clara’s Song,” and the Beatles “Yesterday.” The instrumentalists were poised and several performed from memory.
A crowd favorite was kindergartner Dylan Brownd’s performance of “Mr. Golden Sunshine.”
Brownd came dressed in a ladybug rain jacket with red rubber boots and a bright umbrella and sang a plea to the sun most North End residents can agree with.
“Oh Mr. Golden Sun please shine down, please shine down, please shine down on me,” Brownd’s wee, but harmonious voice rang out.
Friday was the first time the budding singer was on stage. She said it was a little scary, but a lot of fun.
“It was fun because I was just on stage in front of a big audience,” Brownd said.
Another top-notch performance belonged to fourth-grader McKenna Orme. But unlike Brownd, Orme, who also does ballet, is a veteran to the stage although she does fear messing up.
Orme sang Lizzie McGuire’s “Why Not?”
“Why not take a crazy chance, why not do a crazy dance? Why not spread your wings and fly? It might take a little or it might take a lot so why not, why not?” Orme sang.
But she did a lot more than sing, she danced and worked the entire floor.
“I’ve always loved dancing,” said Orme, who learned the song by practicing on her karaoke machine at home. “I’m always happy when I’m on stage.”
Keene said all who auditioned got to perform this year, which isn’t the norm. And usually a little stage fright makes an appearance, but that wasn’t the norm on Friday afternoon, as all the participants danced, grooved and sang with flair.
