Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Youth Performance Company
Photo credit: Janelle Hosfield
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA
Sha’Vontie lives a few blocks away and she often walks by with her dad to visit her cousins near me. She always has a cheerful greeting when she passes. Makes me smile. Last summer I was invited to the cousins’ backyard for a concert the kids were putting on. That’s where I first saw Sha’Vontie sing and play piano. I was very impressed with her poise and confidence on the stage, on top of her lovely voice. I had no idea I only saw a fraction of her many talents and interests until we met for this interview.
- How old are you? What grade are you in?
I’m 11 and in 5th grade
- Describe your main art form(s).
I like to sing and dance – dancing first, then singing. And sometimes I like to play piano. I practice it every day and take lessons because adults told me I would be happy I did later on, so I do.
- What inspired you to dance and sing?
I think I’ve always done it. We have videos of me dancing at 3 and 4 years old. There are stories of me dancing at 13 months. My mom sang to me when I was little, and my mom got her voice from her mom.
- Do you have a favorite place you like to sing or play music?
Everywhere! Church, school, with my friend Caleb – we sing all the time.
- Is there a type of music you especially like to sing or play?
Hip Hop and Pop. I like to play hard stuff on the piano.
- Is there a singer or musician that you particularly admire?
Yes! I like Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato and Flo Rida. I love music videos, especially BTS and Zendaya.
- Do you have a mentor or teacher?
I have a piano teacher, Christa Lachell. And I am part of a youth choir called Known. The choir teacher is Courtland Pickens.
- Are there other art forms you enjoy?
I love acting! I was in a school play, Back To The Cross. And I played the little sister in Ruby Bridges with Youth Performance Company.
- What other interests do you have?
Sports – I play basketball, soccer, and I do gymnastics with my friend Caleb. We have handstand contests. I love to read. I particularly like comics or graphic novels. My dad reads every night with me. We’re reading Courage to Soar by Simone Biles. And I like to cook. My specialty is tacos. I make my own breakfast everyday.
- What would you like to do as a grown up?
I would love to design clothes or be an actor who sings and dances. And, I want to be a great mom and gymnast.
Sha’Vontie is a treasure! She makes the world a better place with her many talents and her generous cheerfulness. I’m excited to see what’s ahead for her!
