“So who won?” one of our guests asked. She had arrived late and the show was already over.

“Won?” I asked, confused.

“I know!” she agreed. “I was shocked. Latika Vihar and a COMPETITION???”

“But it wasn’t!” I said. “It was a talent SHOW.”

“See?” I said. “It says so right there!”

And so it was.

Many in the line-up were familiar faces – children we’ve watched – literally – grow up here at Latika Vihar:

This group, for example, started out as young members and are now volunteers, teaching a new generation of little ones all the dance moves they learned from their years at Latika . . .

. . . though perhaps not each and every move? (I suspect some young love blossoming here!)

Swati and her faithful troop of actors performed with their customary style and panache:

and then quickly changed costumes for their dance performance:

which was memorable because Swati, always the recognized star of every show, graciously gave place to some of the younger girls this time . . . paving the way for a new generation, giving other children the chance to grow in both grace and confidence – just as she had:

At Latika Vihar’s talent shows, there is always a new discovery – a child no one has spotted yet, but who is just waiting for the right moment to steal the show.

I saw this little one bopping to the beat long before the show actually started and I thought it would be wise to keep an eye on her.

And sure enough, there she was half-way into the performance, self-assigned to enhance the dance teacher’s modeling for the kids on stage – where would those little performers be without her reinforcement of the teacher’s moves???

Watching these lovely, talented children reminded me of what it is I love so much about Latika Vihar. Here, everyone matters. Everyone gets a chance. You don’t have to be the prettiest or the smartest or the best in English. You just have to show up. You just have to be there. Like everyone else, you will get swept up in the excitement. You will find your talent. Oh, believe me: you will shine.