2024 'Shooting Stars' Fancy Brigade performance: "Voyage Beyond The Horizon"

A tribute to the film Moana and Polynesian heritage and Culture.
I love me some South Philly Vikings. In fact, I feel they should have won in 2018 for 'King Neptune's Return To The Reef'. The costume design, set design, props, special effects, music, energy, it was all there. I was mesmerized and mystified by the air of mystical ambience in the arena. The mood they set transformed the entire atmosphere of the Pennsylvania Convention Center into the deep blue sea. Their performance transported the entire audience to another world.
The South Philly Vikings performance this year was excellent as well. I was especially impressed by their precision and ability (for such a large number of dancers) to stay in unison. But the theme was a tad vague and I don't think the music itself was as dynamic and memorable as their 2018 performance. Which to this day holds the title for favorite performance by a Fancy Brigade or String Band Division entry. ( Avalon String Band's 2024 performance , 'Level Up' comes in close second. As an elder millennial who's played Super Mario games my entire life , my inner child was smiling from ear to ear the entire time.)
However, if i'm being honest, I personally would have chosen 'Shooting Stars' for first place. You could literally feel the energy radiating off the screen. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see it in person ! Not to mention the choreography being top tier, almost Broadway level of difficulty in my opinion. I can only imagine the hours and hours of practice and rehearsals it must have taken to put this production on. The costume designs were amazing as well ( the painted on 6 packs? Come on now ! ...creativity and humor to boot!)
It's hard to believe that these are not full-time professional dancers and performers. But everyday citizens, many of which hold 9 to 5 jobs and are small business owners. Though the team is composed of Philadelphia natives, they truly captured the 'Aloha,' spirit of Hawaii and Polynesian culture. The songs were very memorable as well. And as a commentator pointed out, A huge hit with the younger audience members, being from a Disney film. I can see why they hold the record for the most first place wins.
Watching the performance also reminded me of the devastating fires that destroyed the Lahaina community last summer on the island of Maui. I felt it was a poignant tribute that successfully paid homage to Hawaii's beautiful culture and rich history. Being a former photographer for Disney, I have worked at the Polynesian Luau live show numerous times. (The show consists of performers who are of Hawaiian descent/ heritage ) and in my eyes Philadelphia's Shooting Stars definitely gave an authentic and heartfelt tribute to the theme of 'Ohana'.
Congratulations to all 10 clubs for putting on an amazing show. I enjoyed the performances so much at times I forgot it was a competition. I don't envy the judges at all. Someone described the Fancy Brigade as Broadway meets Mardi Gras and I couldn't agree more. I Look forward to seeing it in person one day.

[@carlykeyser5975]

Should’ve won 1st, amazing performance!!

[@followthebluebutterfly]

@carlykeyser5975
They did an excellent tribute to Hawaii and it's beautiful Polynesian culture . 🌺🌴🌊🤙🏾
I Iuv the South Philly Vikings. In 2018 they did my favorite Fancy Brigade performance of all time ( King Neptune's Return To The Reef'), But The Shooting Stars put on a Broadway worthy production. 🌠

[@Mr.Westery]

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[@followthebluebutterfly]

Hello, Are you affiliated w/Shooting Stars ?