Heavenly Helpers

In a performance that was equally meaningful for those on stage and those in the audience, the Teen Angels of Sierra Canyon School gave a spirited song and dance recital at Lokrantz Special Education Center.

“This is very important for the kids on both sides. It’s an opening of doors,” said Mary Beth Meyer, principal at Lokrantz in Reseda, one of 18 Los Angeles Unified School District schools providing education and care to severely retarded children and young adults. “Acceptance begins at a young age, and it’s nice to see these girls reaching out.”

Sierra Canyon’s Teen Angels, 16 in all, took advantage of two days off from school this week to perform their routines at Lokrantz on Thursday and the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Based on the reaction of the Lokrantz students, many of whom watched the performance from wheelchairs, the show was a smash.

“The kids love music,” said Lokrantz teacher Laura Braverman. “When we told them they were like the Spice Girls, everyone got very excited.”

Sierra Canyon community service coordinator Shelley Deutsch said the sixth-graders from the Chatsworth private school choreographed their own routines, practiced on their own and even designed their costumes and the performance program.

They danced and sang to Spice Girls songs, Broadway show tunes and a couple of 1950s rock numbers.

“These girls did all of this by themselves. They really have big hearts,” Deutsch said. “They’re very talented and they really care about what they are doing.”

The idea for the Teen Angels came from Sierra Canyon sixth-grader Chelsea Norell, who said she wanted to do something to help after being moved by the sight of a homeless man last fall.

“My favorite part is seeing people’s reaction after the show, everyone is happy,” Chelsea said. “It’s a good feeling to help people who aren’t as fortunate as us.”