“Baltimore definitely has talent and we are blessed to be able to showcase this during the finale,” said event coordinator Amy Ramlogan.
The event is being put on by Brown Entertainment in an effort to showcase unknown talented dancers and singers in Baltimore.
“I think that the event is going great so far,” said Dinesh Ramlogan, Brown Entertainment host, event coordinator and creator of Baltimore’s Got Talent. “Tickets are almost sold out and after the dress rehearsal, we are excited about the level of competition that will be there the night of the event.”
However, not as many dancers came out for the event as expected. Extra auditions were held weeks after the original audition date in an effort to reach out to more dance talent.
“We are only able to showcase five of the top auditions instead of 10 during the finale,” said A. Ramlogan. “We did not have enough auditions that met the minimum judging criteria to showcase 10.”
The original finale was going to showcase both 10 dance acts and 10 vocal acts yet dancers didn’t respond to the event as planned.
“Honestly I am very shocked at the lack of dancer turnout,” said D. Ramlogan. “Brown Entertainment called almost all of the dance studios in the Baltimore Metro area to offer them the opportunity to participate in auditions. We were mostly greeted negatively when we told them about our talent show.”
Dancers still have a shot next time around. This is the first year for the show but it will not be the last. The coordinators are hopeful that Baltimore’s Got Talent will continue to grow each year.
“It is the first year and people are not quite sure what to expect,” said Jenny Aries, mother of youth contestant Veronica Ramirez. “People always want to see what happens first before they commit to something new.”
There are five dance acts compared to the 10 singing acts in the 18 years and over category. These contestants will be competing for a $1,000 prize each.
In the category for those who are 17 or younger there are both five dance and five singing contestants. These finalists will be competing for $500 each.
“I really look forward to the event because it highlights talented people from Baltimore and is a good event for charity,” said Rebecca Goodman, an adult dance contestant.
Along from being a talent competition, the showcase is also to raise money for a good cause.
“Our intent on creating Baltimore’s Got Talent was to spotlight some of Baltimore’s local talent and to also raise some money for a worthwhile non-profit organization, Epicenter,” said D. Ramlogan.
There will also be an opening piece that is choreographed by Shannon “S Funk” Salemi. It will be peformed by Baltimore Danceattack and combines the songs ”Boom Boom Pow” and “Thriller” to start off the night of 25 total acts.
“Being a part of the opening was an exciting idea, but being able to compete as a duet makes it better,” said Katie Dobry, who is an adult contestant and a member of the opening act.
Even if the contestants do not win in their category it is still a shot at exposure. Talent scouts will be in attendance for the show.
“What I would like to gain from it is recognition and experience,” said Goodman.
The Senator may be a fairly small space, but it’s offering local talent a chance at connecting and showcasing what they love to do.
“I hope to gain some connections to others who appreciate the arts,” said Dobry. “I’m very excited and can’t wait until show time.”
Once the 860 tickets are purchased, the show is officially sold out. Get yours soon if you are planning to attend since tickets are scarce.
Admission is $20 and tickets can be purchased at missiontix or at the door for $25 if you’d like to take your chances. Doors open at 5 p.m.
I would love to audition for your showcase. i’m a dancer and i do James Brown mostly also micheal and my own moves. please contact me. i would like to know when the auditions start.