Preparing for a Global Talent Showcase

9/25/2024

Practice makes perfect - especially when singing in another language and dancing in sync. That’s what upper school students in Roberto Mercedes’ Advanced Topics in Spanish Language and Cultures class learned this week as they rehearsed for their upcoming performance in “Polyglot,” the annual talent showcase with one rule: no English allowed.

Performing in her first “Polyglot,” Ella Greenfield ’25 is excited to sing “Mi Querida España," by Spanish singer-songwriter Cecilia, with her classmates. “I think it’s important that we embrace a lot of different cultures at Masters and ‘Polyglot’ is a cool tradition that the School has,” she said.

Mercedes, whose classes have delighted audiences in the two previous Polyglots, sees the annual showcase as a win-win for the entire community. “It’s a wonderful event aligned with Masters’ mission statement,” he explained. “‘Polyglot’ is active participation and an opportunity to celebrate diversity. Participating in it is important for me and my students because we can make meaningful connection and discover the power of cultures.”

Last year, songs, poetry and speeches were performed in Latin, German, Korean, Chinese and Ukrainian. This year, more than 10 acts are on the program, including one featuring American Sign Language. Mainstage student leaders Anna Rosenbluth ’25, Ally Tarter ’25 and Elizabeth Fletcher ’25 are thrilled to be presenting it during Family Weekend.

“We are hopeful that ‘Polyglot’ will continue to be a great opportunity for members of the Masters community to get involved and help bridge the gap between students across the board,” Rosenbluth shared.

Robert Fish, dean of global studies, calls “Polyglot” a highlight of the year, especially for our international students. “This event highlights the voices and cultures of our students from throughout the world and shows how the community embraces and celebrates all of their cultures.”

“Polyglot” and PantherFest carnival are kicking off the School’s Family Weekend. Don’t miss “Polyglot” this Friday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Experimental Theater in the Fonseca Center.