Breathtaking dances performed at AIA Competition

CHICAGO: Over 400 people gathered to witness the outstanding dancing performances of talented youth across Chicagoland at the Hinsdale Community House in Hinsdale, a south west suburb of Chicago on Sunday July 13.

The event was organized by the Association of Indians in America, (AIA) Illinois Chapter and was rightly themed the ‘Group Dance Competition 2014 – Youth Talent Show. This was really a unique performance by the best in the business. High voltage dance performances were presented by 11 top teams from Illinois. The talent show consisted of performances by youth as well as a talented group of elders between 60 to 65 years.

National Anthem of US and India were sung by Anil Sharma. After this Dr Ghanshyam Pandey introduced Salil Mishra, President, AIA Illinois, who in his welcome remarks said AIA has tried to achieve its objectives and implement its strategies. He thanked the Board for its support. He welcomed all those present and also applauded the efforts put in by youth.

Dr Ghanshyam Pandey introduced Naren Patel, a prominent Chicago businessman and National Vice President of AIA. In his short yet sweet speech, he remembered one and all who had helped him in performing his duties. He appreciated all talented participants for their efforts in presenting their performances.

Dr Ghanshyam Pandey, Chairman Board of Trustees said, AIA has always put special emphasis on youth programs from the beginning of its inception and has organized youth and children’s programs every year during the 1980 period and many second generation Indians were involved in the youth programs at that time. After a lapse of few years the AIA is re-starting youth programs and youth talent shows and this is one example of it. Dr. Pandey gave complements to President Salil Mishra for bringing his expertise and resources to the organization and most of all for his generosity.

Santosh Pandey, Treasurer, AIA conducted the program and did an excellent job as Master of Ceremony. This was a youth talent competition for dancers and about 11 groups participated in this competition.

It started with Bollywood Groove presenting Bollywood Medley Dance followed by Soorya Dance Academy’s Kathak.

Kalaapadma Dance Academy presented Bharat Natyam. Fizza UIUC presented Bollywood Fusion Dance. Utkaala Dance Academy presented beautiful Odissi Dance. Thirak Group from Naperville presented Bollywood Dance. Bollywood Rhythms presented a beautiful fusion dance performance. Seniors Group presented a Qawwali. Anubhav Group from NWU presented a wonderful show which won hearts of all and also that of judges in that they were declared 1st Prize winners. UIUC presented a show interweaving the story of Anjali and Neel; Bhangra Dance by UIUC. Kalaapadma Dance Academy presented traditional Gujarati Dandiya Raas mixing various songs.

At this stage, competition winners were announced. Beena Patel invited all the participating groups on stage and commended their performances and said it was difficult for the judges to decide who is the best. All participants were given certificates by Naren Patel.

It was a very close contest. Judges took more than 20 minutes to decide the winners. Every group which had performed had a unique style and presence. There was Bharatanatyam, Garba Rass, Bollywood, Kathak, Qawali (mujra style), Odissi, Lavani and Fusion dances. The dance competition represented entire India. The quality and performance of each and every group was an eye popper rendering the audience spell bound. The dances represented all the Indian colors. It is nice to see our Indian American youth performing so well.

This was one of the best performances of year 2014
Dr Ghanshyam Pandey declared winners of the competition and presented the prizes to them as follows: 1st Prize $700 to Anubhav Group from NWU; 2nd Prize $500 to Odissi by Utkaala Dance Academy and 3rd Prize $300 to Bollywood Pataka by Bollywood Rhythms. A special Consolation Prize of $200 was given to Kalaapadma Dance Academy.

Judges were Kiran Chauhan- Anila Sinha Foundation, Trupti Patel- Payaliya and Jhara Das- President of OCHA Chicago. The vote of thanks was proposed by Beena Patel who thanked the dance gurus for continuing dance education to our children and parents for keeping our culture alive for years to come by instilling traditional values in them.

Asia Media USA