The Advocates Take the Stage at the Stanislaus County Fair
Music, dancing, smiles, and a powerful message filled the stage when The Advocates performed at the Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair.
The Advocates are a singing and performing group at Person Centered Services (PCS). Through music and dance, group members share their talents, build confidence, and show others what people with developmental disabilities can accomplish.
Their performances are about more than entertaining a crowd. They are also about inclusion, independence, and advocacy.
Getting Ready for the Performance
A great performance takes practice!
To prepare for the Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair, The Advocates practiced two days each week. During rehearsals, they learned new songs, practiced dances, and even challenged themselves to try new styles of music.
Group members also encouraged one another along the way. They worked together to learn their routines and get ready to perform in front of a large audience.
For many of The Advocates, preparing continued even after rehearsal ended. Group members listened to their performance songs, practiced dance moves, and found their own ways to get ready for the stage.
“I listen to my playlist that I perform to. Take a minute to talk myself by saying, ‘You’re doing great.’” — Kirsten
“I listen to ALL the songs on the CD, and I practice dance moves at home.” — Scott
“Oh, just listen to music, do some vocal warmups and do some meditation exercise.” — Maricela
Coaches supported The Advocates during rehearsals by helping them improve their performance skills and prepare for the big day.
But when it was time to take the stage, The Advocates performed on their own.
That independence is an important part of what makes the group special. Each performer has an opportunity to take ownership of the performance and show the audience what they can do.
Taking the Stage at the Stanislaus County Fair & the California State Fair
When The Advocates took the stage all of their hard work came together.
They sang. They danced. They entertained the crowd. Most importantly, they had the opportunity to share their talents with their community.
The audience didn’t just watch—they joined in. Several performers said seeing people dance along was one of the best parts of taking the stage.
“When people get close to the stage and move their bodies.” — Kirsten
“Happy. They were doing dance moves with us.” — Scott
“I got the crowd going. The crowd was dancing.” — Angelo
Performing at a large event like the Stanislaus County Fair and State Fair gives The Advocates a chance to be seen and heard.
Every performance helps send an important message:
People with developmental disabilities have talents to share, goals to achieve, and voices that deserve to be heard.
Advocating Through Music and Dance
Advocacy can happen in many different ways.
Sometimes advocacy means speaking up for yourself or someone else. It can also mean showing people what is possible.
For The Advocates, performing is a form of advocacy.
When group members step onto the stage, they show audiences that people with developmental disabilities can be talented performers, dedicated teammates, and active members of their communities.
Their performances can help challenge stereotypes and encourage others to focus on people’s abilities instead of their disabilities.
Building Confidence and Independence
Being part of The Advocates also gives members opportunities to grow.
Practicing and performing can help adults with developmental disabilities build skills such as:
- Working as a team
- Trying new things
- Performing in front of others
- Building skills and growing confidence
- Building independence
- Expressing themselves through music and dance
These skills can make a difference both on and off the stage.
A Performance with a Purpose
The Stanislaus County Fair and California State Fair gave The Advocates another opportunity to do what they love while sharing an important message with the community.
Their hard work, teamwork, and courage were on full display.
For the performers themselves, the fairs were also simply a chance to have fun doing something they enjoy.
“I like singing and dancing and high energy. It was fun!” — Maricela
“Playing the guitar and singing with my voice.” — Scott
“Performing in front of the crowd… I had fun!” — Lupe
And when the music started, the stage belonged to them.
At Person Centered Services, we support are proud to support opportunities that help individuals with developmental disabilities discover their talents, build independence, and make their voices heard.
Learn more about The Advocates and how they are using their voices and talents to make a difference.
