By Claire Drewniak
The pandemic has re-shaped next month’s Morristown Onstage talent competition.
Finalist Gianna Piloto thinks her dance should reflect that.
The Peck School 8th grader has set her her contemporary routine to Lewis Capaldi’s melancholy hit Someone You Loved.
“I love Lewis Capaldi. But I really liked how this song had such powerful lyrics, and it’s something we can all relate to because of COVID. With all the loss in the pandemic, I thought it was really powerful,” says Piloto, 14, of Lebanon Township.
For its first 13 seasons, Morristown Onstage packed the 1,300-seat Mayo Performing Arts Center, raising more than $1 million for programs in the Morris School District.
On March 10, 2021, 14 finalists will compete via pre-recorded videos.
Some 55 acts auditioned. The contest is open to amateur performers who live, work or study in Morristown, Morris Township or Morris Plains. Alumni of Morristown High School also are eligible.
As in prior years, finalists are vying for prize money in addition to bragging rights.
Piloto’s not sure how she’ll spend the $1,000 if she wins top honors in the 18-and-under division, in what will be her first talent show. She was encouraged to try out by Andrew Lyman, a music and drama teacher at her private school in Morristown.
Although Piloto would prefer dancing for a live audience, she is confident she’ll capture something special in her home studio, a converted bedroom.
After all, she’s been taking lessons since she was 2 years old. Pre-pandemic, she danced with the New Jersey School of Ballet. Her repertoire includes hip-hop, pointe, jazz, character, and ballet styles.
“Ballet is my favorite type of dance,” Piloto says. “Dancing is my favorite way to express myself. It’s a way to express my emotions in the form of dance.”
Even though she won’t experience the roar of a crowd, she’s excited to log into the webcast.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Piloto said, “and I’m so thankful for this opportunity.”
Morristown Onstage is presented by the Morris Educational Foundation. Tickets to view the March 10, 2021, virtual show are $25, $50 and $100.