New York City may lie just across the Hudson River from Weehawken, but to some fifth and sixth graders, it might as well be a world away. A lot of the youngsters never get a chance to realize what the Big Apple has to offer – even if it stands majestically outside their bedroom windows. “Weehawken is a very diversified town with a lot of different backgrounds and cultures,” said Roosevelt Schoolteacher Joseph Perez, who helps to coordinate the school’s annual Cultural Arts Program. “But it’s nothing compared to what is in Manhattan. There is so much going on in Manhattan, so much culture everywhere.” That’s why the theme of the annual production, performed at the high school auditorium Thursday night, was “The Isle of Manhattan,” a tribute in song and dance to the city across the river. The fifth and sixth graders who performed in the annual show put on an array of up-tempo dance numbers and lavish displays not found in your typical class production. Under the guidance of local choreographer and theater veteran Jimmy Festa, the students performed a variety of impressive numbers, including pieces from Broadway shows like “Bye, Bye Birdie” and “Les Miserables,” as well as dance steps like the polka, the country Texas two-step and the waltz. The students were fitted in costumes. It was definitely a first-rate performance. “The songs and the dance numbers teach the students about the most important parts about the culture of New York,” said Perez, who coordinated the event, along with fellow teacher MaryEllen Spinosa, who worked diligently with the decorations and designs. “Each number had a special meaning about the different cultures found in New York. Our regular music and art classes don’t get into the culture much.” The students were well rehearsed, knowing each line of the songs, each step of the dances. “They really put in a lot of time and effort,” Perez said. “We had rehearsals during the regular gym classes and after school. The kids really worked hard. And it’s not easy when you’re dealing with large numbers of kids. A lot of the classes were combined for some of the numbers.” John Burnett, a sixth grader at Roosevelt, is a veteran of performing, having acted in an Off-Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “Henry V” last fall. But getting ready for this show far exceeded any preparation for his professional roles. “Truthfully, we practiced a lot more for this than the play in New York,” Burnett said. “The other play I was in was strictly acting. This was dancing. And it was tough.” Burnett also had to handle a little humiliation. “Well, I did have to wear a giant bow tie and shorts and pretend like I was a five-year-old,” Burnett said. “It was a little embarrassing. But it was fun. It was also good that I learned this kind of dancing. You never know when I might need it again.” Cynthia Martinez is a fifth grader who performed in the polka and “Les Miserables” numbers. “I liked learning the dancing, because you never do that in school,” Martinez said. “It’s nice to do a show where people know the numbers and the dances. We all had partners, so it was important to know the steps. I danced with Mr. Festa. I was lucky. He knew all the steps. But it was very interesting for me, to learn about the different people, different dances and culture. I like dancing, but it’s really not my hobby.” “They really had a lot of fun,” Perez said. “They put on a great performance.”
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