Video: A Big Variety of Talent Takes the Stage at P.S. 89

At the P.S. 89 Talent Show, second grader Alyssa Palmer performs Seitz's Concerto No. 2 in G Major, 3rd Movement. Photo: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib

From a classic by Woody Guthrie to a Korean fan dance to the “ABC” song burbled in a bowl of water, the P.S. 89 Talent Show returned Saturday, April 9, for the 11th year.

It was bigger than ever. More than 130 kids took the stage in 80 acts and two performances.

“It’s become an important part of the school,” said Michael Dattoma, who took over as director of the production four years ago.

Individual improvement is a big part of what is showcased on the P.S. 89 stage, said Dattoma, who headed the parent committee that  took the show from auditions less than a month ago to this full-blown talent extravaganza.  “Kids who were a little bit shy, or their pitch left something to be desired, they come back this year and you’re blown away.”

And school talent shows are about more than just talent, he added. “It’s an opportunity for the kids to gain confidence, to get up there and get acknowledgment. That’s almost as good as some kid who’s a virtuoso cello player.”

Below are moments from the talent show’s first “act,” where children from pre-k to 2nd grade performed. Children in the third, fourth and fifth grades appeared in a second show.