A surprise performance from two of Meeting Street Academy’s younger students ended up being one of the most memorable moments from the latest WatotoAcademy of the Performing Arts show.
Zuri Middleton, a second grader, and her brother, Ayven, a kindergartener, sparked laughter and applause with their animated and charismatic performance of “Love Everybody,” an original composition by Donald O’Conner, director of the WatotoAcademy. From the moment they stepped on stage, the siblings radiated confidence, joy and a natural presence beyond their years.
Ayven added his own sweet moment to the choreography when he blew a kiss to his Mom. The duo’s performance happened after O’Conner made an impromptu decision to give them a chance to shine.
“As individual performers they have a spark,” he said.
Both had performed earlier in the show as part of Watoto Dogo, meaning small children in Swahili. The pair stood out during the group choreography with their enthusiastic moves and expressive lip synching.
Zuri and Ayven weren’t the only Middleton siblings to take the stage that night. Morgon and Langston Middleton, their older siblings, are Meeting Street Academy alumni who now are students at Charleston County School of the Arts. Both also performed as part of the WatotoAcademy.
One of their teachers wasn’t surprised to see them own the stage.
“Zuri may be little, but she has a big personality, bright smile and joyful spirit,” said Shekinah White, her teacher.
