When it comes to music, you can’t go wrong with the oldies but goodies.
One 3rd-grade teacher named Malinda Williams wanted her students to appreciate some of the classics from the 60s and 70s – in particular, the music of Motown. But instead of simply playing it for the kids, she decided to take a hands-on approach.
Welcome to Baldwin Hills Elementary School’s Motown Revue.
Each year Williams sets up a musical showcase where the students perform songs from the era. The best part? They dress up as the legendary artists themselves and are even taught choreography to go along.
The crowd has been treated to acts from Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Mary Wells, The Temptations, all the way to The Jackson 5.
Williams grew up enjoying Motown music, so hoped her students would too. In an interview with The Huffington Post, she explained:
“I wanted them to know about a time when music could be enjoyed amongst grandparents, parents, and children alike. The lyrics are clean for the most part, and the music is that of quality. Actual people played the instruments, and the singers were naturally talented. Technology was not heavily relied upon.”
One year, five boys took the stage dressed in outfits and wigs straight from the early 70s. Yep, it was Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael, and Jermaine – otherwise known as The Jackson 5.
Everyone cheered when the curtain opened and their act was revealed. Now it was time to see if these students could actually dance (and they had big shoes to fill).
Suddenly, the song, “I Want You Back” comes blasting into the auditorium. The boys quickly jump into action – some throwing their hands in the air before the group turns away from the crowd.
Moments later, they swivel around one by one. Oh, it’s like going back in time! They add in some side steps and arm rolls, practicing moves that remind you of a classic Jackson 5 performance.
Need a refresher? This will beam you back.
One of the students steps forward to be the little Michael of the musical group. It’s a big responsibility, but someone’s gotta do it! Fortunately, the kids only have to lip-sync to the songs, which is good because performing a dance routine would be hard enough.
“I Want You Back” is one of those tunes that gets your feet moving every time. Then add in the boys’ energy as they channel their inner Jacksons? It’s a video that lifts your soul.
The Jackson 5 released “I Want You Back” in 1969 and it became their first hit single. It’s listed as number 121 on Rolling Stone‘s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
As for the elementary students’ dancing skills, all their moves were taught to them by their teacher, Malinda Williams. She explained 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 personae of whomever they were portraying,”
The Baldwin Hill’s Motown Revue performances have gone viral – and rightfully so, they’re really spectacular! The Jackson 5 act alone has been watched more than 2.5 million times on YouTube.
What a brilliant way to teach children about the oldies but goodies and the artists who created them!
Press play to watch these youngsters rock “I Want You Back.”
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