Infinite Flow Dance is one of the performers during the Music Center’s virtual program on April 16.
(photo courtesy of the Music Center)

The Music Center’s 42nd annual Very Special Arts Festival Goes Virtual will transform its long-standing tradition of showcasing the talents of students of all abilities into a virtual format for 2021.

Usually a private event for K-12 schools located throughout Los Angeles County, the online offering now gives the public a first-ever opportunity to participate and join the celebration. The fun, hour-long program will stream on the Music Center Offstage virtual platform on April 16, from 10 to 11 a.m., featuring student performances, professional entertainment segments and participatory educational workshops.

The festival will also highlight hundreds of visual artworks created by students based on this year’s theme, “Seeds of Kindness,” in a virtual gallery. The program will include an ASL interpreter and will be transcribed for people with visual impairment. This free, annual inclusive event, the only student festival of its kind in the county, celebrates the students’ artistic achievements and encourages active participation in the arts and connection with one another as a community.

“The Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival is going on 42 years strong, and we are going to make sure these incredible students still have the opportunity to show off their creative talents and have the chance to shine for friends, family and other student performers,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of the Music Center.

“The opportunity of an online format enables students and teachers – and the public – to engage with the program at their convenience without the worry of missing any of the many dynamic arts experiences. The Music Center’s 42nd Annual Very Special Arts Festival Goes Virtual as well as our other arts learning offerings available on the Music Center Offstage provide opportunities for all to enjoy no matter your age or ability,” added Keith Wyffels, associate vice president of education, TMC Arts.

Hosted by master teaching artist David Prather and mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán, the festival will feature four three-minute video performances of students from Little Citizens Westside Academy (Leimert Park); Christopher Dena Elementary School (East Los Angeles); Millikan Middle School (Sherman Oaks); and Pio Pico Middle School (Mid-City).

These students have created and edited videos of themselves sharing their artistic expression of the theme “Seeds of Kindness.” The program, directed by Nicole Alexander, will also entertain viewers with master magician Kenrick “Ice” McDonald, as well as include performances by ILL-Abilities, an international professional break dancing crew featuring differently abled dancers showing the world that anything is possible; Infinite Flow Dance, an L.A. dance company composed of dancers with and without disabilities who use dance to promote inclusion and innovation; and student members from Straight Up Abilities, a local non-profit which provides dance training to students of all abilities and ages.

For information, visit musiccenter.org.