A Youth's View on Dancing at the Cultural Evening

 

Bharithanatiam and Bling,Girly Chats and Friendship'

A Youth's View on Dancing at the Cultural Evening  

I was sitting in Sunday school when the topic of what item the youths were going to contribute to the cultural evening came up. Eventually it was decided that we would do a dance. At first I decided I would only play a minor role in this, deciding that I would help by doing the make up and hair for the dancers. But when I was told I was to take part in the actual dance:  I felt like laughing (as did my mother when she was informed of such events). I was initially worried as to what form the dance would take as I had never danced before, certainly not bharithanatiam and the last time that I had ‘free styled’ was at the school disco 4 years ago. I was worried that I wouldn’t be good enough compared to Sahana, Lavana and Priana who had all danced fabulously in last year’s show and had set such high expectations for this years show.

Rehearsals for the dance began just over a month before the actual evening. These practice sessions were really enjoyable for all of us; we got to exercise and loose weight! whilst having so much fun together. The most important part for me was the fact that I was getting to know my fellow Sunday school members; Sahana, Lavana and Priyana as friends whilst also developing a relationship with Mathu Acca our teacher and dance choreographer. We laughed at each other’s mistakes (jokingly) and encouraged each other along when steps became difficult (and can I just say - Mathu Acca was the squatting really necessary!?)

Mathu Acca was the best teacher anyone could have wished for. She was patient, understanding, organised and clear in what she wanted us to do. At the end of the practices, when we had all started to get tired, she would sit us down and we would join together to have a great girly chat. Mathu Acca became our mentor, a person we could trust and go to for advice whenever we needed it. We had all gained huge amounts of respect for her and looked up to her as a person as she never shouted at us (until the final rehearsal), but always made the practices fun. The only down side is that every time we came back for the next practice the music seemed to have got longer and the dance seemed to have extended till an eventual 12 minutes!

The part that all of us girls were looking forward to the most, was of course the dressing up! Mathu Acca promised that she would do her best to make us all look as beautiful and graceful as possible; and that she did. We felt like a million dollars; caked in makeup, long hair extensions, beautiful jewellery draped around our necks and ankles and gorgeous sarees. This was all in preparation for what was to be one of our most enjoyable performances at Putney church. Praise be to the God our Saviour.

by Helena Worthington

 

 

 

 

 

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