Muscat: MCCP 'Dance Mania' brings out the best in young talents
Report : Celine D'Souza
Pics : Joachim D'Souza
Muscat, Feb 18: The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), Sts Peter & Paul Church Ruwi organized one of its most awaited cultural segments “Dance Mania” for members and their families on February 15 from 10 am onwards at Sts Peter & Paul Church Hall, Ruwi.
The art of dance has no age bar; be it children, teens and adults the enthusiasm is keen in everyone. Dance competitions have blossomed off late and parents are specializing their kids at an early age with a keen desire to see them aspire on bigger platforms. Being their main motivators, they also take active interest in their ward’s participation in any dance competition. Ever since its announcement, members have been training their kids rigorously and rehearsing with a competitive spirit.
The venue was well set with tables and chairs at 9 am at the registration counters by Reena D’Souza, Clifford Castelino and Stany Menezes.
The EC team made exemplary arrangements for a smooth flow by drawing lots prior to the event and facilitated easy flow of the programme.
The stage was decorated with a vast array of bright colours, beautiful balloons and a lovely backdrop.
Children, teenagers, young adults participated with great zeal and put forth a variety of dance performances showcasing their unique style and talents. The programme featured a variety of classical, Bollywood and contemporary styles. The performance of some of the contestants enticed the crowd dancing all over the stage shifting from style to style with a variety of prop usage, much to the delight of a crazy crowd going out of control whistling and screaming “once more”.
There were three segments divided in categories of solo, children mixed group and adults mixed group.
The emcee of the day, none other than the treasurer of the current EC team John Gonsalves in his unique style compered the entire programme with confidence.
To invoke god’s blessings on the programme a short prayer was recited by spiritual secretary Clifford Castelino followed by the inaugural ceremony with the EC team on stage.
The chief guest of the day and one of the co-sponsors for this year, Dilip Correa, who has always been a staunch supporter towards all of MCCP programmes was well applauded and thanked for his generosity with a bouquet.
President Lancy Lobo welcomed the panel of judges and in his introductory note rightly commented “the art of dance is a craze not only among children; but also in teenagers and adults and the team is glad to include this programme in the calendar of events for this year.”
The panel consisted of professional personalities of repute from the dance arena namely Rashmi Malhotra, Jijin Jith and Shameer C K, some of them with stints in Mollywood industry and others with a vast knowledge on choreography and stage performances.
The rules were published well in advance for all the contestants however, for the benefit of audience and the judges were read out in an articulate manner by vice-president cultural, spiritual and community services Nancy Vaz.
The children performed with full energy and fascination which was evident from eyes lit and their smiling faces. The facial expressions of some children were very evocative and intriguing. They were so determined with focused moves that the audience could feel the stiff competitive spirit.
The costumes, perfect hair, make-up and dazzling smiles from the girls were amazing. The boys were no less with their shiny shoes and gelled hair.
The choreographers need to be applauded and commended for perfection and executing dance performances to its finest level. The usage of stage space, music, graceful and fluid movement blended with choreography weaved together to put forth a dynamic presentation with so much of emotion was worth noting. This connected to the audience and members at large providing good results. The energy displayed was awe-inspiring.
The children impressed and captured the attention of the jury, setting a difficult task for them in adjudicating some of the moves, enthusiasm and great exuberance displayed.
The judges did a fair task of gauging and analysing the dancers' abilities on the given criteria of rhythm, synchronisation, creativity, costumes, presentation and choreography.
The children's group surprised the audience with poise and pleasing attitude. They performed exceptionally well with elegance and style.
Some adult groups mesmerized the panel and exuded confidence with their good postures and connected well with their partners in a smooth dance. The audience loved their performances and enjoyed every moment of it. One could hear clapping, screaming deafening cheers from relatives and friends of every participant.
The timer for the day was Jacintha Serrao, another vibrant member of the community who kept a tab on time frame of every performance indicating with a bell and was supported by general secretary Celine D’souza.
Grace before meals was recited by internal auditor Stany Menezes followed with distribution of meal packets to one and all gathered.
Vote of thanks was done by Clifford Castelino acknowledging all those who contributed in making this event successful.
The judges were honoured by the president and acknowledged with mementoes. In her concluding message to the audience, judge Rashmi Malhotra commented, "Performance is the key factor; winning is a part and parcel of any competition." She also commended the support from parents and was delighted to see the enthusiasm in the Mangalorean community at large.
Participation certificates were issued to one and all for participating in a healthy competition.
Prize distribution ceremony along with trophies was well conducted by vice-president sports and finance committees Ophelia Lazarus. The winners walked away triumphantly with smiles, glory and in good spirits.
The event was supported by the team of volunteers consisting of Sharon Alva, Sunil D’souza, Ashok Pinto, Cyril Britto, Nixon Lobo and Sylvan Lobo. Loveline Rego handled the music in a very professional manner for the entire programme. Donald Pinto, Peter Serrao and Sudheer did the tally counting. The sound effects were provided by
Oscar.
The programme was sponsored by Bank Muscat SAOG, the top banking service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, courtesy G V Ramakrishna, head, National Sales & Expat Services, Consumer Banking, Bank Muscat SAOG and Suleyum Al Kiyumi Trading LLC courtesy Loveline Rego. Mega sponsors for this year are Khafeef Classic Mayonnaise courtesy Ophelia Lazarus and main sponsors are Omantel courtesy Eula Pinto and Technofit courtesy Ligoury D’Mello. The co-sponsors are Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC, Sky Logistics courtesy Dilip Correa.
All in all, the end result was very pleasing and satisfying, with good taste of songs and footwork, the energy level exhibited and executed was noteworthy.
Team 22 of MCCP has been doing a marvelous role with all their scheduled programmes enlisted for 2013-14 led by a lively and cheerful leader Lancy Lobo.
