Music has a timeless charm that transcends generations.
Malinda Williams, a third-grade teacher, wanted her students to experience the magic of the classics from the 60s and 70s, specifically the soulful tunes of Motown.
However, she didn’t just want to play the music for them; she wanted to immerse them in it.
Welcome to the Baldwin Hills Elementary School’s Motown Revue, a unique musical extravaganza.
Every year, Williams organizes this event where students perform songs from the Motown era.
The students not only dress up as the legendary artists but also learn and perform the iconic choreography associated with them.
The audience has been treated to performances inspired by Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Mary Wells, The Temptations, and even The Jackson 5.
Williams, a Motown enthusiast since her childhood, hoped to instill the same love for this music in her students.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, she said, “I wanted them to know about a time when music could be enjoyed amongst grandparents, parents, and children alike.
Actual people played the instruments, and the singers were naturally talented. Technology was not heavily relied upon.”
One year, the stage was taken over by five boys dressed in outfits and wigs reminiscent of the early 70s.
Yes, they were embodying Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine – better known as The Jackson 5.
The audience erupted in cheers as the curtain lifted, revealing the boys’ act.
As the song “I Want You Back” filled the auditorium, the boys sprang into action.
They threw their hands in the air and turned away from the crowd, creating a sense of suspense.
Moments later, they swiveled around one by one, their movements echoing the classic Jackson 5 performances.
They incorporated side steps and arm rolls, transporting the audience back in time.
One of the students stepped forward to take on the role of young Michael Jackson, a daunting task.
“I Want You Back” is a song that never fails to get your feet tapping, and coupled with the boys’ energetic performance, it was a soul-lifting spectacle.
“I Want You Back,” released by The Jackson 5 in 1969, was their first hit single and is ranked 121 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The elementary students’ dance moves were all taught by Williams, who said to The Huffington Post.
“None of them had ever taken a dance class, and I had to coach them to not only perform well, but to take on the persona of whomever they were portraying.”
The Baldwin Hill’s Motown Revue performances have become an internet sensation, and deservedly so.
The Jackson 5 act alone has garnered more than 2.5 million views on YouTube.
It’s a testament to the brilliance of Williams’ approach to teaching children about the golden oldies and the artists who created them.
It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of music to connect generations and the joy of learning through doing.
Watch their fun performance in the video below!
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