Times are strange. It seems like whenever we turn on the news a new headline shifts the world under our feet. At times like these, things we can depend on become all the more important. For us, that’s the beauty of students’ spirits and the joy performing arts bring to all our lives. We reached out to four of our students to ask them about the ways the performing arts have impacted their lives. 

Since starting lessons at nine years old, Yolanda Pauly has been a vibrant part of the Lundstrum community. Now a high school senior and assistant dance instructor, Yolanda loves being able to perform and teach others in turn. “It's crazy to think that I was once a little girl at Lundstrum, looking up to all my teachers and the older girls and being inspired by them,” Yolanda said, “and now to be one of those older girls that the younger kids look up to.” 

When asked about how art is helping her through this year, Yolanda responded, “I use art as a healthy coping mechanism to calm me down, and often let out the emotions I may have been suppressing throughout the day or week. It's a wonderful and unique way to express my emotions and what is important to me. Art is a way for me to feel united and equal with everyone around me.”   

“Art is a way for me to feel united and equal with everyone around me.” 

Bela Attea started with Lundstrum’s Sing and Dance eleven years ago at age three. Since then, she has grown into a lovely performer and strong singer. She shares Yolanda’s faith in dance. “I know that grand pliés, tendus and coupés are not going to change any time soon. I love to dance wherever I am,” she said, “It calms me and energizes me at the same time.” 

Sisters Marylove and Vivian started with Lundstrum when they were in kindergarten and have grown up together in Lundstrum’s classes after the last eight years. The two sisters always try to embrace life with a positive mindset, but they know it’s been a tough year. “Right now, with the coronavirus, and everything else going on, life can be very stressful,” Marylove said. Vivian agreed, “School is very stressful because of all the work we get and the challenges we are faced with.” 

They, however, haven’t lost heart. “Art is a way to escape in the midst of all this chaos,” Marylove continued, “Coming to Lundstrum is something that I look forward to, and is easily the highlight of my week.” Vivian added, “Lundstrum is such a bright community.” Comparing her Lundstrum classes to her current obstacles at school, Vivian continued, “There is an amazing environment full of music and positivity to encourage me.” 

“There is an amazing environment full of music and positivity to encourage me.” 

Art isn’t just helping our students through the current moment. It’s helping them keep their eyes to the future. When asked about the future, their own and their community’s, our students look forward with hope. 

“As I look into the future, I am hoping that the arts will be back performing without masks on, and with a large audience,” Yolanda said, “I also hope that this country will be more peaceful, equal, and more united as one. I'm very hopeful that COVID-19 will be an event of the past, and that we will be able to look back on it and reflect on how much we have all grown as performing artists, and as people.” Bela looks forward to the rest of her time in high school and beyond to her college career. 

Vivian and Marylove see their futures playing out on the stage. Vivian wants to “become a better dancer. I’ve always dreamed of being on a big Broadway stage and using performance to inspire others.” Marylove shares her sister’s dreams, “I'm hoping to continue to develop my performing arts skills. I would love to perform at the Children’s Theatre, and other places around the Twin Cities as well. Maybe one day make it to Broadway or Hollywood!” 

Yes, the world around us can be a difficult place, but our students bring light into the world through their craft. Indeed, sometimes it's the simplest things, a song or a child’s joy, that can anchor us and keep us looking forward with hope.