As the drawn curtains slowly open, the audience quickly gets up to applaud and yell their "Whoot-whoots and what-whats!" Proud sisters, brothers, parents and mentors join in to show their admiration for the talented participants of Elevated Grounds' Vibe II the Videolight.

Another year, another show and another successful round. Elevated Grounds never fails to deliver positive entertainment that empowers young individuals to work on self-development and social responsibility. Organizations such as ArtReach, ReelWorld, Arts in the Hood, Youth Challenge Fund and many others continue to support the performing arts program geared towards youth 14 to 18 years old living in the Steeles/L'Amoureaux neighbourhood of Toronto.

The show was in your face and non-stop when it came to performances. It featured dance groups such as Baby Boyz and the Moon Runners, and a skit called Stress'N put on by the Elevated Grounds members.

The host of the night, Big Norm, let his exhilarating energy take over the audience.
"Confidence, power of participation and all of you coming on stage says a lot," Norm said.
Shavonne Ferron, 18, who has attended several Elevated Grounds shows, said the organization always pleases.

What hit her the most was the fact the program values youth from the priority-neighborhoods and gets young people together to create a huge outcome. Her favourite performance of the night was the Stress'N play.

"The play allowed the audience to understand pain and talent in a whole new light. People go through different hardships... but have hope of getting out," Ferron said.

Shortly after the play came a tribute to the late king of Pop, Michael Jackson, done by the Baby Boyz. The crew came correct with their moves and attire. Starting off with "Thriller", they danced in Halloween costumes but changed into black pants and white collared shirts to keep the MJ flow going. They kept on rockin' on to popular hits like "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and many more. Their cartwheels and flips had the crowd going.

The night got more relaxed when the Moon Runners hit the stage. In their "The Moon Runners" shirts they gave the crowd something to "ooh and ahh" at. Their robotic type of dancing was called "glitch", a name they made up on their own.

The night ended off with all the Elevated Ground members coming on stage and getting the recognition they deserved. Nicole, the director of the play, laughed about making a documentary on the process. Keja, one of the main organizers highlighted the contributions and talents of the individuals on a personal level.

"They are a force to be reckoned with, look out for them in the performing arts field in the near future," she said.

Words by. Ranjit Dhatt + Photos by. Lilian Yange