The world gets a little smaller this Wednesday when 90 young adults from 20 different countries present “A Song to the World” at the Montevideo Fine Arts Center.
Passion, inspiration and positivity are a promise of the performance collective that goes by: Up with People.
Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, there’s a good chance that you’ve come across the Denver-based non-profit, which has performed all over the world, including in four Super Bowls and in front of the Pope.
“We’re a great reflection of the world,” says Up With People performer and staff member, Shelsea Ochoa. “We’re here to be a positive voice for building global unity and peace ... and to let people know that they do make a difference.”
The past couple weeks, Ochoa of San Diego and Aude Goodreault of Quebec have been serving as strikingly joyful ambassadors in the Montevideo area. The two have been assisting in community related projects and preparing for the arrival of the other members of Up With People that will soon be arriving for Wednesday’s performance.
In the short time that they have been in town, Ochoa and Goodreault have lent a hand with the CURE Annual Banquet, the Lions Club, the senior center, bowling for hospice as well as with other organizations and events. In addition, they have managed to find almost ninety host families that will provide beds to the full cast of performers during their stay.
The community service and host family experiences come part and parcel with each city’s encounter with the Up With People show and serves to reinforce the lasting connection between locals and the individuals of the world, furthering their motive of peace and unity.
Back again
Up With People was gracious enough to make a stop in the Minnesota River Valley in large part because of the request of Montevideo native Megan Luebke who was a part of the program last year. But it is not Up With People’s first trip to Montevideo. They also stopped through during the time of the floods in 1997.
Ironically, 2010 looks like it might be the year of the next big flood, while 1997 was the year of the biggest documented flood in Montevideo’s history.
Ochoa and Goodreault said that the performers plan to gear up and sandbag once again, just as their predecessors did when they were present for the flood of ‘97.
You can join up
Individuals ages 18-29 are eligible to become a part of Up With People, and organizational literature states that one does not have to be a singer and dancer to be welcome.
For some, the $14,250 program fee will be a steep price to pay, but with it comes a rare opportunity to learn life skills and see the world – Goodreault and Ochoa have been to seven countries in eight months – plus, many of the program participants offset a portion of their costs with sponsorships. Goodreault, for instance, pre-sold cookbooks to raise money, which she is creating during her tour by compiling a single recipe from each of her host families across the globe.
Some screening is performed during an interview process by Up With People cast-members. However, Ochoa indicated that as long as you’re healthy, pleasant and open to other cultures, you’re a shoe-in. Interviews will be given to interested individuals after the show and backstage tours will be available prior, at 4:00 p.m.
Show info
Wednesday’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and will provide numerous worldwide answers to the question: what is your song?
The highly energetic, “A Song to the World,” will feature a colorful song and dance performance from across the globe, while highlighting some of the positive community efforts that are being undertaken by individuals locally.
Tickets run $13 for adults and $10 for students and children. Groups of 10 or more get a $2 discount per ticket.
Granite Falls, Minn. —
