Talent Show Highlights Seniors’ Skills
Dozens of seniors came together from all five boroughs to participate in the third annual Talent is Timeless contest on Thursday. The event took place at the historic United Palace Theater in Washington Heights, where contestants, aged between 60 and 90, displayed their talents after qualifying through earlier competitions at venues like Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Department of Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortez Vazquez noted the significance of the event, mentioning that it originated from an idea by Mayor Eric Adams during a senior pickleball tournament. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions and abilities of the aging community.
This vibrant showcase featured a diverse range of performances, from folk music and sea shanties to Spanish ballads and belly dancing. Nearly 800 individuals from over 300 senior centers in the city were narrowed down to just 22 groups for the grand finale.
The winner of the contest was 91-year-old Thelma Ruffin Thomas, a retired librarian who presented “Thelma’s Rap,” a poem blending her personal family stories with historical narratives about black history. Besides her performance, she recently made waves competing in the national swimming finals for those over 90.
Another notable performer, 77-year-old Gianvito Bottalico from Staten Island, entertained the audience by juggling homemade props while singing “That’s Amore.” He shared that the song, made famous by Dean Martin, was an easy choice for him because it embodies love and connection.
88-year-old John Baxter delighted the crowd with “Patricia,” an original folk song dedicated to his first love, while Andrea Levitt, 83, powered through her rendition of “Broadway Baby.” Levitt, who has performed in Hell’s Kitchen, believes that joy comes from singing and sharing happiness with others.
The KCS Senior Dance Team, consisting of eight members from the Korean American Flushing Old Adult Center, won the Best Group award. In individual categories, Amanda Rodriguez secured third place with her dance to “La Negra,” while 70-year-old Barbara Gray from the Bronx grabbed second place with a popular rendition of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.”
Reflecting back on her experience, Gray mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the applause after her performance. “I really like the idea that this is for seniors,” she said, adding, “Even though we’re older, everyone still has a lot of talent.” It’s a poignant reminder that age doesn’t diminish one’s abilities and passions.
