PHILIPSBURG:--- UPNext, the youth movement of the United People (UP) party has stressed that for young people, being a part of the performing arts is a lifestyle and this should be supported, not be dismissed by anyone.
The group pointed out that is was past time that St. Maarten got serious about its young talented youth and expressed pride in the fact that the party they represent has targeted a performing arts center as a priority.
"Every time we travel to other countries to perform, we perform in state-of-the-art facilities but can't extend the same hospitality here if we want to invite or attract guests," the group said.
Dance, they continued, is the top art form here practiced by young people, but they can't execute the way they want to because of the lack of a facility. "Not only does dance teach technique and performance, but it also teaches passion, compassion, joy, manners, hard work, dedication, self-confidence, expression, thoughtfulness, team-work, and so much more," UPNext said.
"Through dance and performing arts classes, students learn life lessons that can apply to any aspect of life. Worldwide Studies prove that children involved in the performing arts perform better academically and socially in school."
The group assured that the intention of the UP leader Theo Heyliger is to construct a center that will be operated as a "high energy" learning environment where students of all ages receive quality instruction in all kinds of dance, musical theater, art, a space for the preservation of our oral history and performing arts classes.
"The aim is to provide classes, workshops, performances, and talent presentation for children of all ages and ability levels."
The new arts center will be able to host a wide variety of community arts groups, performing arts educational groups, professional national touring acts (event tourism), dance competitions, and a wide variety of musical productions. "The performing arts center will be an investment for St. Maarten, its talented youth and its residents in general," UPNext concluded.
UPNext was formed by the UP as the party's link to St. Maarten's youth. It currently has over 30 young members.
United People's (UP) Party Board
