Ten-year-old Jonathon: I want to be a star

If a talent scout should only see Jonathan Bishop work the floor of his mother’s living room, or any area for that matter where he can slide, moonwalk and show off his breakdance moves, there’s a guarantee that before he finishes his routine he would be a done deal.

He’s got it all under wraps — the shiny gloves, the hat, the black ankle-length pants and little bit of John Travolta too with his side-combing motions in Grease — and his clinical moves to Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean” must be described in two words “Mind-blowing!” But here’s where the twist comes in! Jonathan’s 10 years old, barely four feet tall and choreographed his own routine after watching video tapes of his idol, “the gloved one” since the age of four. (He’s got at least 10 tapes including “Moonwalker”, “30th Anniversary” and “Thriller.” And, it was his creativity and skill that landed him a role in Geraldine Connor’s “Carnival Messiah”.

Carnival Messiah is not only one of the biggest productions to come off at Queen’s Hall this month, but ranks among top productions in England which has attracted over 20,000 patrons. Jonathan was still coming to grips with the magnitude of the show with a 200-member cast. Neverthless, he was loving every moment of it. What’s more, he’s telling his mother, Suzanne Bishop, that he wishes the rehearsals were longer and more regular. Jonathan may not be the youngest cast member but the lone boy dance talent in his grouping. “I feel unique that I’m the only boy so I’d have more parts to perform,” he said. Jonathan’s aunt, costume designer for Carnival Messiah Clary Salandy, was the one who encouraged him to audition. “She knew I would like it. She knew I liked to dance...and I was fine with it,” said Jonathan. He’s glad he did because now, he’s getting his opportunity to show everyone he can dance. He felt a bit “scared” though, when auditioning. “I had to sing the Halleluja theme to determine my voice range,” said a very articulate Jonathan. “I feel frightened sometimes because I think I’m doing stupidness, but it turned out alright.When it was my turn to dance, I didn’t even get half way through the dance. After the first 10 moves they stopped me and said Okay, you’re in,” said the St Monica Preparatory School student.

His part in Carnival Messiah includes short scenes where he sings, dances and acts the role of a thief in a market scene. Six weeks of rehearsal didn’t affect his end of term exams though. He placed fourth in his class and in September, will advance to fourth standard. Very aware of the meaning behind the show Jonathan explained: “It teaches about our cultures...the birth of Jesus Christ and what happened on his journey...the battle between good and evil.” As he sees it, he’s gaining a step closer to his dream. “I want to become a star, a dancing and singing star and most probably an actor and to be able to play the piano and all those instruments!” Jonathan told  People.  “You know, everything that I’ve done is always bigger.” How so? Well, ever since he’s had a knack for footworks with the burst of energy that even his dance tutors of Carnival Messiah envy, Jonathan’s been practising and practising in his bedroom and in the living room of his Mt Hope home. Soon, he was performing for crowds. He told the secret to his inspiration — “I like to hear the crowd cheering and saying oooh gooud boy! This boy could real dance.”

For example, when the Bishop clan including his dad Mark, mom and brother Stephen vacationed in Margarita last year Trini talent got a showing. Like the work of a child star agent, Jonathan approached Miguel, resident performer at the hotel where they stayed, booked his talent and instead of getting a spot at “Kids night”, he entertained the adults. “Miguel was blown away by his performance,” said his mom. “But the thing is, we didn’t even walk with any of his clothes to perform in. He had a white vest and he said Michael sometimes perform in a vest, he used my jacket and we had to roll up the sleeves. He didn’t have his shoes so he performed in a white socks. He performed. I sat in the crowd there, frightened for him because I’m thinking the socks might be too slippery, would people recognise he’s not wearing shoes.”  Jonathan’s black leather shoes were specially re-soled with a smooth surface to allow easy mobility. “The people loved him,” said Suzanne. Jonathan was called for a repeat performance, two nights later. He enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame, since he became known as “MJ” and “Michael” at the hotel. Suzanne added: “Miguel told me that he has dealt with a lot of children in the business who are haughty, but he noticed that Jonathan apart from being very talented, has a humble spirit and that’s a comment I hear regularly. So I try to instill that in them (her sons) that they must not let the commendation and their talent go to their heads.

Why pattern his dance after Michael Jackson? Jonathan answered: “He’s a great dancer... I don’t think he’s odd. People tease him because they’re jealous of him.” “I love this! I love to dance!” he exclaimed. He secured fourth place with another Michael Jackson interpretation in the finals at Rikki Tikki some years ago and loves it when he can perform for his friends like his recent stint at his karate club’s (SKIFT La Joya) tea party and fashion show. Just give him one chance, Jonathan said he’d migrate anywhere in the world to pursue his dream of dancing. First, he must pursue his studies, his mother reminded. When the excitement of Carnival Messiah is over, it’ll be back to watching cartoons like his favourite — Tom and Jerry, Disney movies, and staying up late nights entertaining his cousin Simone, who’s visiting from London.