Youngstown City School District's (YCSD) Chaney Middle School is proud to present The Evolution, on Thursday, February 23, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Chaney High School, 731 S Hazelwood Ave. The Evolution celebrates Black History through dance, showcasing a time capsule of performance through the ages.
Over 70 scholars in grades 6-8 will pay tribute to artists over the decades to modern times, highlighting how music has evolved but also paying tribute to ancestral roots. The first half of the production, said Chaney Middle School Dance Instructor Michael Cotton, centers on slavery. The show transitions, diving deeper into history, highlighting women's empowerment, and paying homage to Harriet Tubman. The next half delves deeper into music history, honoring artists like Whitney Houston. Alongside scholars will be dancers from The MAC Experience LLC and Solesque Studio LLC.
For Cotton, a Youngstown native, dance has played a significant role since he was 10. "The arts," Cotton said, "not only gave me artistic freedom, but it gave me a voice, a platform to change the perspective and narrative of the arts, especially in my own city." Now serving as an instructor at YCSD, he hopes to bring that same passion and love to his scholars and provide them a space to be their authentic selves. "I realized that identity, exposure, authenticity, and purpose will put you in rooms you can't fathom or even dream of."
Doors open for The Evolution at 5:45 p.m. The event is free and open to all. Youngstown City Schools' arts programs are under the umbrella of Y-STEAM, which is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. The initiative is centered on a rigorous curriculum and authentic learning opportunities that inspire innovation, inquiry, critical thinking, and academic excellence.