Youngest duo in show’s history to dance in ‘Morristown Onstage’

This is the 11th in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.  

MORRISTOWN - If JeanPaul Medina and Allyson Ramirez weren’t performing in Morristown Onstage the night of Feb. 24, they’d probably be home watching cartoons… or sound asleep.

That’s because the pair, whose stage name is JP & Allyson, are six and eight years old, respectively, the youngest ever to grace the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage for the annual talent competition.

JP and Allyson will perform a Latin dance routine in the show, similar to the one’s JP has been working on half his life – since he was three years old.

Similar to fellow finalists Oscar Calderon and Jorge Riascos, JP and Allyson were encouraged to audition for Morristown Onstage by Daniel Herrera, their instructor at Dream Dance Studio.

JP thinks he and Allyson have a good shot to win Morristown Onstage because they are young and entertaining. Leading up to the show, the pair plans to practice as much as possible.

If he does win, JP plans to buy some toys and save for future dancing trips. He’s already attended Salsa congresses in Baltimore, Puerto Rico, and Seattle, and recently placed third in the children division at the World Latin Dance Cup.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com

Morristown Onstage

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 24

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.

Tickets: On sale to the general public on Feb. 1. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.