Let it be known that I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. It’s a manufactured holiday that promotes clichéd expressions of love and reinforces false notions of cinematic romance.

My husband and I typically shun V-day celebrations. I’m not a flowers-and-candy type of girl. (The way to my heart is through my stomach – specifically with French fries and macarons – and that should never be limited to only one day a year.) I never wanted my husband to waste money on overpriced flowers that will die. If anything, we go to Me-n-Ed’s with the kids for a heart-shaped pizza. That’s about all the mushy festivities I can stomach.

So when I got the email about the Bellezza women’s ensemble putting on a Valentine’s concert on February 6, I got really excited. Finally – something fun to do with our entire family. Love songs from the 80s? Heck ya! I had to do some “light” convincing to get my boys there (I’m outnumbered 3 to 1), but my powers of persuasion are pretty strong.

I have to be honest here – I was BLOWN AWAY at the talent of the young ladies in the ensemble. I can’t hold a simple note, and here were these high schoolers tackling some very challenging songs! Patsy Cline, Nat King Cole, Whitney Houston, Phantom of the Opera – no easy task! I was so impressed. They presented a variety of music from the decades and performed confidently. And I have to give massive kudos to Mrs. Ainley for her leadership and direction, as well as the musicians who accompanied the singers. I really didn’t want the night to end.

Since I’m a fashion person, I have to make special note of the ladies’ appearance. Do we base our value on our appearance? Of course not. But when you’re on a stage, you have to present yourself appropriately. The ladies of Bellezza were shining from the inside out. Taking care to get their hair and makeup done, and dressing up so beautifully, really made me – as an audience member – feel like I was part of something special.

Each young lady wore one (or more) formal dress or gown, and I loved how each one was different and reflected their individual personalities. Some dresses were long and elegant, others were shorter and fun. I am so proud to say that every single young lady looked classy and appropriate, without anything questionable as far as I could tell. Beyond that, each woman was poised and looked like she was having a great time. The audience fed off that energy and I saw many people smiling, clapping and singing along.

Something else I noted, which surprised me in the best way, was the camaraderie of the students in the audience and their genuine support for the performers. I was all the way in the back and next to the sound booth, where there were three high school boys. These boys didn’t stop hooting and hollering and cheering and encouraging the singers throughout the entire concert. Other students sitting around the tables were clapping and holding up posters. There was a true spirit of encouragement and care, and it really got me excited for when my boys reach high school.

To the belles of Bellezza, and their fearless leader – thank you for a truly joyful night and I hope you make it a yearly tradition! (Just don’t forget the French fries next year.)

~ Silva

If you have questions or topics you’d like to see addressed in this blog, please email me at [email protected]. You can read more from me at my other blog, onmyshoebox.

To read more Style Session, check out Style Session No. 16 – Are your ears burning