CASSOPOLIS — Tuesday night, Cassopolis students sang, leaped and danced their way across the stage at Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School.

The Young Americans, a nonprofit organization that hosts three-day workshops with schools across the country teaching performance, capped off its visit to Cassopolis Tuesday night with a performance at Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School. One half of the show featured the Young Americans’ college-aged performers as they sang and danced across the stage. The other half of the show brought in dozens of Cassopolis students of all ages to perform as well.

“This is a three-day workshop that teaches kids song and dance, and they make their own songs, choreography, even their own poems,” said Matt Brawley, principal at Ross Beatty. ”It’s just an incredible learning experience for our individuals.”

Cassopolis found its place on the Young Americans’ Midwest tour after it was suggested by Brawley’s family member, who happens to be involved with the Young Americans. Brawley said he jumped at the chance as he believes the arts are essential to children’s development and education.

“[The arts are] everything. It’s good for their mental, emotional and social health,” he said. “It just gives them an avenue to express themselves.”

Though students only have three days to train for their performance, Brawley said they picked up dances and songs quickly. He added that the change from day one to day three was “night and day.”

“They are learning incredibly complex dances and songs in literally in 10 minutes,” Brawley said. “It’s just great.”

Brawley was not the only one to find value in the Young Americans’ workshop. Several students who took part said they gained confidence while having fun.

“It really brought us out of our shells,” said Sydney Brooks, a freshman at Southwestern Michigan College, who, after the performance, decided to audition to be a part of the Young Americans. “There are parts of the show that are extraordinary.”

Even some of the youngest of the group, such as third-grader Clark Stevens, were able to grow their skills and confidence through the program.

“We learned to dance and to sing and how to perform together as a group,” he said.

Tuesday night, Brawley said he was proud of the students who participated in the Young Americans and that he hopes to once again have the group visit the next time they host a Midwest tour.

“Hopefully, this continues to grow, and they continue to come back,” he said.