A City of Talented Kids

Last week Glendale’s annual Talent Search continued its 22-year tradition of highlighting talented children from preschool to age 18 in instrumental music and dance.

Pam Cook directs the Talent Search and has watched many of the performers grow up. One such performer, Lynsey Bartilson, returned as judge for the younger dance category and brought her own dance troupe to the competition. Bartilson took the experience she gained from competing in the Talent Search from 1991 through 1994 and built on it.

“I always wanted to be a performer,” she said. Now Bartilson stars in the television show “Grounded for Life.” She also finds time to teach dance at Pashkova Studios in Glendale.

“It’s the only competition I ever did,” said Bartilson of Glendale’s Talent Search, adding that this show was never about heavy competition but the joy of performing. “This is not cutthroat.”

The evidence of community support comes not only from the audience but also from dancers themselves, who tell others “Good job” and “That was great,” as they exit the stage.

“I just get a joy out of being on stage and dancing,” said fourth grade dancer Annie Lowery, whose mother added that she felt her daughter “gets a sense of accomplishment” being on the stage in a friendly environment.

Cook promotes that fair competition feeling by supporting all the acts as they enter and exit the stage. “This is such a celebration of talent,” said Cook.

“I think it helps people with their stage fright,” said La Cañada High School freshman Lindsey Styler, a dancer for seven years. Styler is working toward a career in dance and said this type of supportive competition helps prepare dancers for the future without subjecting them to a lot of pressure.

“This is not just a celebration of a community but a celebration of kids,” said Cook to her audience.

The winners of the competition will perform at the Alex Theatre May 11. The Alex is donating its stage time thanks to the work of Cook and former Glendale Mayor Eileen Gibbons.

The instrumental winners will perform at Brand Recital Hall on May 21 at 7 p.m.