Watch them at ‘DANCE GOA DANCE’
Published on: November 4, 2011 – 10:44
Planet J Team
Some of the Café Coffee Days, on certain weekends, from end August to end September had a lot happening and you could not only hear thumping music but also crowds in and outside these cafes. What was happening? A lot, let me tell you.
About 400 children were participating in the All Goa Solo Dance competition organized by the Snaden Shawn Dance Academy.
The air was filled with excitement and tension and was so intense, you could actually touch it. Along with the children were parents, uncles, aunts, grandpas and other members of the family. This event was welcomed by all, children and adults alike. There were two categories, seniors, 15 years and above, and juniors, 8 to 14 years. It was also open to adults who were young at heart and wanted to dance to their heart’s content. This was a first of its kind of event in Goa and the response was mind blowing.
We Goans have always been known as good dancers but to see the passion and love for this form of art amongst us Goenkars, only leaves you speechless.
The event was open to all and was not exclusive to the students of the Snaden Shawn academy which gave those who participated a platform to showcase their talent which otherwise is not always possible.
Just four years old, this academy has grown in strength, talent and as a family due to the keen interest shown by us. Of course the young and dynamic founder of the academy has a lot to do with this response. He says, “Our aim is to make dance a fun & meaningful experience to help students express themselves, nurture the art, harness their talent and find their true potential. We not only teach dance but also discipline, ability to take criticism, creative analysis and innovative thinking.
From the 400 odd participants, 40 were chosen from each taluka and in the second round 8 semi-finalists were picked. The semi-finalist will be contesting for the title of Juniour Superstar Dancer 2011 and Senior Superstar 2011, in the Dance Goa Dance competition to be held on November 5 and 6, at Kala Academy.This title will remain for a year until the next superstars are chosen. This title also includes gifts worth Rs 30000 and trophies and certificates as well.The judges for the semi-finals and finals are celebrities from Goa and Mumbai.
Planet J caught up with some of the semi-finalists to find out how they are preparing.
Saish Nipanikar, standard VII, GS Amonkar School, Mapusa, is all agog. He has been dancing since he was very little and is into hip-hop, western, classical, Bollywood etc. “I am very excited and just can’t wait for the semi-finals. I have been taking part in competitions often and so feel very confident. I practice one hour daily and am performing a western dance for the semi-finals,” says Saish. He adds, “I will be very happy if I win but I am more interested in taking part, and that is what matters to me.”
17 year old Ashish Nakate of RMS College, Margao, practices for five hours daily as he has a group and they do private shows as well. Ashish is very excited to have reached the semi-finals. He says, “This contest allows everyone to show their talent and since all can participate it is bigger and better. However I did not like the story concept that was part of the contest. Every dance had to have a story behind it and some of the participants were not aware of this.” His forte is hip-hop and he is performing a fusion of hip-hop and contemporary for the semi-finals.I don’t know if I wil win but my chances are good,” he says hopefully.
Sanshika Shirodkar, astudent of standard VII, Gyan Vikas School, Porvorim, has been dancing since she was 4 and has been learning at Kala Academy and at the Snaden Shawn Academy. She is 12 and all rearing to go, she says, “I have taken part in many competitions and hence feel no stress, in fact I find it exciting. I practice an hour a day and am working hard on both my pieces. For the semi-finals, I am doing an item number which is really nice and I hope I win. I had earlier taken part in the Dance India Dance competition and reached the first round. Hope I am lucky this time.”
Hard work, a lot of time and effort is the norm with all the semi-finalists and I know for sure that all of them are sure winners. How can it be other wise, when all of them are having a blast and doing what they love doing.
So all you out there who love to dance, why don’t you join at Kala academy on November 5 and 6 and cheer all our semi-finalists?