A festival of dance

The semi-finals of Danceotsav-II was held recently in the City. It was judged by Ansul and Sanjana’s Dance Academy.

In its second year, Danceotsav received an overwhelming response from the enthusiasts of the art form. Within two weeks of its promotional campaign, over 400 entries were registered.

Danceotsav is a social and cultural platform organised to give a chance to showcase dancing talent. 

The excited and anxious semi-finalists assembled at Alliance Francaise de Bangalore to showcase the best of their dancing skills and qualify for the finals. The semi-finals were divided into three categories — adult solo, group dance and kids’ solo.

Dressed in colourful, traditional attire, the participants were seen rehearsing before the semi-finals kicked-off. 

The event witnessed a melange of folk and western dance. The dance competition was started with the kids’ solo performance. Children rocked the stage to popular Bollywood numbers. The confidence of these young artistes was obvious as they performed to various songs. They were motivated by the cheering and clapping of their parents and the audience. Some performed to Chikni Chameli, while others to the ever-popular Why This Kolaveri Di?.

The kids’ solo round was followed by the group dance. These groups danced to different folk dances. Mona Sakunkhe, whose group Swapna Sundari performed to a Marathi lavani, says, “Our group has been participating in various dance competitions. This is the second time we have participated in Danceotsav and the experience has been fabulous.” 

Mona further adds that for the previous edition of Danceotsav, their group had performed a Rajasthani folk dance.

Another participant, Preeti Shetty, who showcased a semi-classical dance, says that she was very nervous as this was the first time she was participating in the competition.

“It has been an amazing experience throughout the competition. I hope everything goes well and I reach the finals,” she says. 

Talking about the dance competition, she adds that it was an opportunity for the artistes to showcase their skills.

A total of 21 participants were selected for the finals, which will be held at Palace Grounds on July 14.