Report: Shodhan Prasad

Dubai, Jun 21: Ocean Kids Dance, Music and Art Academy, one of the well-known professional institutes in the UAE for the past six years concluded their annual event ‘Season 5 Xtravaganza 2017’ on Friday June 9 at the packed auditorium of Horizon International School from 3.45 pm to 9.45 pm.

Shodhan Prasad welcomed the audience and briefed on the achievements of Ocean Kids Academy and displayed glimpses of its past through a slide presentation on the LED Screen. He later invited and introduced Merlin Dominic managing director of Ocean Kids Dance and Music Academy who rendered the welcome speech. She gracefully briefed on all the activities of the institute mentioning the creators, mentors, teachers and the faculty who have contributed to the institute's growth. She thanked all the
members, sponsors and parents of the students who have supported the achievements of the institute and its various activities namely summer camp, winter camp and spring camp.

The programme was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by special invitee Manjula Pai, sponsors Nithyanand Beskoor representing Land Trades, Rakshith Suvarna of Puravankara, MD Merlin Dominic, MD Crispin Dominic of Action Filmz, Shodhan Prasad and manager Zuber Khan Kudla of Ocean Kids. On behalf of all the guests, Nithyanand Beskoor spoke a few words of inspiration and wished Ocean Kids on their annual event. All the guests were welcomed and honoured with flower bouquets and mementos.

V Shalini the new dance instructor presented a beautiful classical Bharatanatyam welcome dance which was received with appreciable applause.

Shodhan then invited and introduced actress Priya Menzes who later shouldered the whole event as Master of Ceremony. She introduced each and every performance of the students of Ocean Kids from music to dance with her ever glowing merry presentation and conducted spot games. Shodhan Prasad supported her with a few fillers from his adorable ‘Shayeri’ in Hindi and English which kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout.

The programme with a musical presentation in techno, rock, Sri Lankan filmy, French pop, classical, Western, Spanish, Bollywood, Tamil filmy and Hindi filmy songs excellently presented by the students under the guidance of the instructors Patrick Pereira, Thushara, Kevin Rebello, Umesh, Anthony and guest Ruwanthi Thushara. Lambada, Abba, Mama Mia, Senorita, Hotel California, Vassegara, Suno Na SangeMarmar, retro songs and solo instrumentals were some of the numbers played.

A few top classical and Bollywood dance numbers well-choreographed by were also presented by the students. Jai Deva, Waka Waka, Tamma Tamma, Cham Cham, High Hill, India Wale, Cutie Pie, Maula Meri, Hanuman Chalisa, Hip-hop mix, Diwani Mastani, Aaja Nachle, Badriki Dulhaniya, Humma Humma, Break Up Dance, Sau Ta Rake and retro were some of the beautiful dances choreographed by instructors Praveen, Yogesh and Umesh well presented by the dances and applauded by the audience throughout. India Wale dance received a standing ovation and the contemporary blind theme ‘Maula Meri’ was also greatly appreciated. These were well-choreographed by Umesh and Praveen. Props were well made by Ocean Kids very own teachers. The exquisite quality costumes with fabulous finesse by Mallesh made the performances stunning and spectacular.

The electrifying dance number hip-hop mix beautifully choreographed by Praveen presented by the professional team was a stunner. The professional team is made up of performers in events, marriage parties and various stage shows across UAE.

In the middle of the programme, Ocean Kids presented Achievers Awards to those students who excelled in their academic years both in music and dances. They were Brent D’Souza, Ameya Mallya, Anusha Hariharan, Sara Behera, Sanoja Pai, Shannon Vachan, Levin Veeroy Fernandes who successfully passed Grade 2 theory and practical exams with high scores (100/100) an were also winners of various competitions held elsewhere in Dubai. Junior Advance Dance Group comprising of Adithya Mallya, Chaitanya Sao, Saurav Sunil, Riddhi Kapadia and Nicole Rosario the first runners up in Indian Fest Dance Competition held at Al Qasba, Sharjah, first runner up in short and sweet Bollywood dance competition and the best performers at Kempegowda International Festival held recently, were also awarded by Ocean Kids.

Later, all the instructors/teachers and staff were invited on stage and honoured. The teachers honoured were Zuber, Harish, Praveen, Umesh, Yogesh, Patrick, Anthony, Thushara and newly joined music teacher, Kevin Rebello. Admin staff Sheila and Danica and Arun and Mannan from Transport Department who are a great support were also recognised. Everyone was specially appreciated for their contribution to the organization. Crispin Dominic of Ocean Kids and Action Filmz did the honours and praised his teammates on their past achievements. He concluded with the vote of thanks to the sponsors, Horizon School Team, Professional group, volunteers specially Ofilia Moras and Saraswati Pai who have been with Ocean Kids in all their annual events. He thanked the parents, kids, Mallesh (responsible in costume tailoring) and special guests.

Under the guidance of art instructors, Zuber Khan Kudla and Harish Marne various special art exhibits made by Ocean Kids Art Students and art instructors were exhibited in an Art Exhibition at the entrance of the venue.

Ocean Kids also launched their new website www.oceankidsdubai.com as well as Summer Camp 2017 wherein students can log in and register fast.

In the middle of the programme, the MC’s invited live opinion from the audience. Many expressed their happiness and congratulated the management of Ocean Kids.

Food counters arranged by Mini Punjab served sumptuous savories of Indian delicacies through the evening.

A raffle draw was conducted and the winners walked away with prizes sponsored by Crispin Dominic.

Broadway Events provided good uninterrupted sound and lights with LED screen while Rose Studios arranged the video and photography.

The programme concluded with a Grand Finale extravanganza beautifully choreographed and presented in a professional way which was well applauded by the huge audience. It was a great event from Ocean Kids Dance, Music and Art Academy wherein the whole audience at the end danced to the tune of mix bhaila and live bhangra drums thoroughly enjoying every bit.