Thirty-two students from Bryson Middle School in Simpsonville received a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience at the Peace Center.
Two performers on the national tour of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ led a workshop on Sept. 25 teaching the students a song featured in the award-winning musical. The show will finish its three-week run at the Peace Center on Sept. 29.
“This is an absolutely amazing opportunity that we as a district can’t replicate in a day-to-day experience in a choral room,” said Bradley Wingate, Greenville County Schools’ director of performing arts.
Vernon Brooks, an ensemble member, and Yael Pineda-Hall, a swing and understudy, walked the students through the lyrics and choreography of the song “He Lives In You (Reprise).” Brooks said it was a full circle moment to work with the students knowing that he was once in their shoes.
“To see some of their faces too when they actually got the material or they got the footsteps, it was amazing to see the glow that went in their face,” Brooks said.
After the workshop, the students and their parents were invited to watch ‘The Lion King’ performance as a special guest of the Peace Center. Many students shared that it was their first time at the Peace Center.
The educational event was part of the Peace Center’s arts education program and supported by the Peace Center Foundation and Disney Theatrical Group. Jason Daunter, the vice president of arts education and community engagement, explained the Peace Center’s mission with arts education is to engage the professional performing community with the next generation.
“This will be something they will hold for the rest of their lives,” Daunter said.
Performer Bio
Yael Pineda-Hall is a swing and understudy for Rafiki, Shenzi and Sarabi in Disney’s The Lion King national touring production. She has also performed in the show on Broadway and in Singapore, London, Melbourne and Sydney.
Vernon Brooks is part of the ensemble in Disney’s The Lion King national touring production. He has performed with Martha Graham Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company and Parsons Dance Co.
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