Audiences in Stitches

School talent shows offer students the perfect stage to showcase their skills, whether it’s singing, dancing, or performing unique routines. While every participant deserves recognition for their courage and effort, some acts go above and beyond, displaying creativity well beyond their years.

Back in 2017, a group of four fifth-graders from New Braunfels Christian Academy in Texas delivered a performance that was anything but ordinary. Their act began mysteriously, as they hid beneath a large black covering, leaving the audience intrigued. When they finally unveiled themselves, the crowd erupted with laughter—the boys were dressed as oversized babies, complete with tiny prosthetic legs that they maneuvered with their arms. This unexpected and hilarious visual set the perfect tone for what was to come.

As the performance continued, the energy in the room skyrocketed. The young performers entertained the crowd with a dance medley featuring well-loved songs. They kicked things off with an animated routine to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” miming and grooving with infectious enthusiasm. But the highlight of their act came when they performed to Carl Douglas’s classic “Kung Fu Fighting,” executing playful martial arts moves in their quirky outfits. The audience clapped and cheered, completely enthralled by their humor and stage presence.

This wasn’t the first time a group of fifth-graders stole the show with their comedic brilliance. In 2014, eight students from Porter Elementary pulled off another unforgettable act—a synchronized swimming routine on dry land. Using a large blue plastic sheet as their “pool,” they performed a synchronized routine set to classical music, complete with exaggerated movements and hilarious expressions. By the end of their act, they had the entire audience laughing and applauding.

Both performances were met with massive praise, not just from those in attendance but from millions of viewers online. Combined, these two acts have amassed over 30 million views, proving just how much people appreciate creativity, humor, and youthful talent.

Captivating an audience—even for a few minutes—is no small feat, but these young performers managed to do it effortlessly. Their talent, confidence, and originality remind us of the joy and spontaneity that make school talent shows so special.