Friday, May 3, 2019

High Tech Alumni Elyssa Cueto and Idaliz Cristian Perform at 2019 Billboard Music Awards

(Las Vegas, NV--May 1, 2019) High Tech High School Dance Alumni Elyssa Cueto (Class of 2018) and Idaliz Cristian (Class of 2017), both former North Bergen residents, performed at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Cueto performed as a backup dancer for Taylor Swift in the opening number. Taylor Swift and Panic! at The Disco's Brendon Urie kicked off the 2019 Billboard Music Awards by debuting the performance of their new song, “ME!” Adding to the electricity, the performance included members of a drumline marching in the aisles as well as on the stage. Swift entered sporting a sequined pink, silver-and-gold dress and sang the opening lyrics. A number of female backup dancers joined in, clad in pastel suits and employing briefcases as props during the intricately-choreographed routine. In the process, the ensembles and choreography mimicked the record-breaking music video.

Also during the show, Cristian danced with Khalid, who served up a pair of hits from his sophomore album Free Spirit. The R&B star, donning a trench coat over a tie-dye T-shirt, began his performance of “Talk” bathed in blue light, with twin pairs of female and male dancers in the background that complement his performance. Next, he dove right into “Better.” Khalid, fresh off his performance on the main stage at Coachella, will soon embark on his first-ever arena tour. Free Spirit premiered in April, debuting at the top spot on the Billboard 200.

Video clips of both Cueto and Cristian in action appear below:



High Tech Dance Alumnus Elyssa Cueto (Class of 2018)
High Tech Dance Alumnus Idaliz Cristian (Class of 2017)