Motown is still alive and kicking at an elementary school in Los Angeles – and people can’t get enough.
The kids of Baldwin Hills Elementary, have become world famous online sensations with millions of fans thanks to videos of their performances at the school’s annual Motown revue, featuring incredible choreography, costumes and, of course, tons of talent.
Every year, the revue features kids of varying ages donning amazing costumes and learning the moves to match some of the Detroit soul label’s biggest stars. One video taken of the event, featuring a group of boys impersonating the Jackson 5, has been viewed more than 35 million times.
Got the moves: A video with more than 35 millions views features a group of kids from Baldwin Hills Elementary in Los Angeles impersonating the Jackson 5
Making their way: The boys are just some of the students taught in the ways of Motown by third grade teacher Malinda Williams
Third grade teacher Malinda Williams, the brains behind the idea, was inspired to organize the yearly event by her own background growing up in a home that constantly had Motown songs playing.
‘Once I became an educator, I felt compelled to share what I learned growing up with my students,’ she told the Huffington Post.
She added that even back in 1996, when she was first looking for teaching jobs, she was telling schools about wanting to pass on her love of dancing to her students.
Soon enough, she was putting her skills and passion behind the elementary’s holiday performances. For one Black History Month, she turned a group of boys into mini Temptations for a performance of My Girl, and it was a huge hit.
All talent: Malinda came up with the idea for the revue in 2013 when the school needed to raise money for their music department
The spark: Malinda’s first Motown moment was teaching a group of boys the dance to The Temptations’ My Girl for Black History Month back in 2012
Inspiration: Teacher Malinda grew up with Motown playing at home and decided to pass on her love for the music and dancing on to her students
Then, in 2013, the school found itself needing to raise money to keep on their music teacher, and Malinda stepped in with a plan for a Motown-themed fundraiser.
With its simple messages, clean lyrics and uplifting music, Motown is an excellent choice for bringing people of all ages together – so its no surprise that Malinda’s colleagues were thrilled with the idea.
Over seven months, she coached the kids in how to look and act just like artists including Martha Reeves and Smokey Robinson – taking on a role not unlike Maxine Powell, who ran Motown’s famous Charm School.
With help from parents and other teachers, Malinda was able to teach the choreography and design costumes to transform the children into 60s and 70s soul stars.
Tons of talent: It took seven months with the help of parents and other faculty for Malinda to design the costumes and teach the choreography
Mini Mary Wells: Songs performed at the revue include My Guy, Stop in the Name of Love, Dancing in the Street and many more
Songs performed by the kids include Dancing in the Street, My Guy, Stop in the Name of Love and the aforementioned I Want You Back, which became a massive viral hit when the video was uploaded online.
‘I am really proud of the fact that these are just regular children,’ she said. ‘A few of the girls take dance classes, but other girls and all of the boys found their raw performance talent through the shows we performed.’
But not only have they gained legions of fans, the annual event has raised thousands of dollars for arts education.
It also caught the attention of celebrities, including Motown founder Berry Gordy, who was so impressed that he invited the kids to perform at a family fundraiser.
The group of boys who impersonated New Edition for a performance of If It Isn’t Love were event invited by the manager of the group to perform with them at a concert.