You may have seen all over our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StarshipDanceCT) that we have been rooting for Kenichi Ebina on the NBC  TV show “America’s Got Talent” and you may be wondering why!

In December 2000, I was 10 years old and in the 5th grade. I had been in two previous Magic Toyshop performances and had been dancing with Joyce DiLauro at Starship for 6 1/2 years. Everything about Toyshop was magical, but that fall none of us knew how special it would be…

Joyce has a knack for talent. I do not know where she found Kenichi Ebina. I do not know how he entered into the Starship family, but I know he made a strong impression. Kenichi was the Cossack Prince. He danced with Shannon Jerolmon, Their connection excited the entire cast. He was not the typical male partner, with no classical training or strong dance background. Here is the cast page from that year:

What Kenichi brought to Starship was a charisma that won him “America’s Got Talent.” He was young, friendly and engaging with everyone, despite the occasional struggle to communicate.  He came back the next year to dance RoboCop in the prelude and he was fantastic!! The trick where his head drops off his shoulders was so well done that even some of the young audience members cried!!! This whole season on “America’s Got Talent,” I have been telling everyone that “I know him!” or “I danced with him!” (Because I did, I tried to learn some of his RoboCop moves and failed horribly), when in reality, I have no idea if Kenichi remembers Starship and The Magic Toyshop. I hope he does, because he is such a wonderful, talented, kind, hardworking person and those traits certainly made an impression on me. If he doesn’t, I have proof that we are a part of his journey:

Kenichi, on behalf of Starship, we are so proud of you! You are welcome back any time!

Now who wants to pool some money together to go see his show in Las Vegas?!???

-Gigi