JOIN USIt was a dream come true for the young Bangaloreans who interacted with their favourite characters at the ‘Disney Princess Academy’, held at The Forum Value Mall recently.
With an elaborate set-up of a castle, the venue was a smaller replica of Disneyland. The children had learnt lessons in positive values like compassion, kindness and grace, which the Disney princesses usually personify. The participants were given a costume each, depending on their favourite among the three princesses present at the event — Ariel, Cinderella or Rapunzel. The excited participants went through two sessions — a makeover and tiara-making, where each mother-daughter duo worked together.
The participants were taught a few dance steps and gracefully followed the instructor as they did the ‘courtesy’ and ‘the grand courtesy’. The highlight of the event was when the participants got to meet the three princesses — Ariel, Cinderella and Rapunzel — and applauded crazily at their entrance. Each participant got a chance to click a photograph with the princesses too.
Sandalwood actress Sudha Rani was present at the event along with daughter Nidhi. “We have gone to Disneyland in Hong Kong, Paris and Orlando, and it’s always fun to see the characters, irrespective of one’s age,” said Sudha. She added that while she was doing Nidhi’s make-up, she felt like a kid again. Nidhi, ho was smiling while sporting the tiara that they had made together, said, “I always get to spend quality time with mom and this was a magical experience.”
Even volunteer at the show got to wear simple yet pretty dresses and gowns. Shabnam, a student who volunteered at the show, said, “It was fun to wear a gown. The show provided good entertainment to the children and I’m glad I could be a part of it in whichever little way possible.”
All the mother-daughter duos were excited and smiling away with cheer. “It’s such a blessing to meet magical characters like these in one’s own City. My daughter is still bubbling with excitement,” shared Kanchi Navaratnam, who had come with her five-year-old daughter Sanjana.
For Sonika, an artist, it was all about having a fun time with daughter Prisca, while getting involved in some activities as well. “We love doing art and craft together and it was nice to see that there was something for the mothers to do as well,” said Sonika.There were many, like Anita S, who didn’t expect such a large crowd, and were overwhelmed by the finer details of the event. “I didn’t expect such a grand event. It was nice of the organisers to let the participants keep the costumes. Also, I never allow my daughter to wear make-up at home or even for events. So she simply soaked herself into the experience,” she said.