Dozens of young people are working on hitting all of the right notes and dance steps as part of a camp in the Poconos.
MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The rooms inside the Barrett Township Administration Complex have turned into dance studios as students from across the Poconos are diving into their love for the arts.
“I really like theater, and I go to school for theater, so I really like that, and I’ve also been singing since I was young,” said Chloe Williams, Stroudsburg.
“I’ve been doing theater for 8 years now, mostly on that, and I also really love singing,” said Kash Crowley, Stroudsburg.
It’s all part of a two-week-long Performing Arts Camp hosted by the Pocono Mountains Music Festival.
Camp director Kelli Rabke says instructors cover everything from dance, music, songwriting, and acting, “This is their team sport and this is what makes them tick, and what makes them get out of bed every morning, and I think as adults we all need purpose and as kids they’re trying to find what their purpose is.”
At the end of the first week of rehearsals, the dance numbers are taking shape, all leading up to the big performance showcase at the end of camp.
“There is one from Hamilton because the title of the showcase is ‘The Room Where It Happens,’ which is a famous number from Hamilton, so they will be doing a group number on that,” said Rabke.
From the dance moves to singing in harmony.
These young performers say the lessons learned here at camp help shape them on and off stage.
“I’ve learned a lot about community and how important it is to have supportive people in your circle and that when you do, you just prosper,” said Williams.
“I’m not used to dance, but people that I haven’t met before help me with all of the dance stuff,” said Crowley.
The showcase performance is free and open to the public. These young performers will take the stage Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m. in Barrett Township.
