Vivacious youngsters showcase dancing talent

Energy in synergy: Kaushik Balan and Vidya Venugopalan, the ‘Best Couple’

Laughter, music, dance and fun dominated one of the most vivacious shows held in Auckland in recent years.

But most important of all, romance and companionship were concomitant at the Dorothy Winstone Centre of Auckland Girls Grammar School on February 6.

Dance Pe Chance lived up to its promise of delivering a well-organised and fast-paced programme and with a full house, it was also one of the most-well attended entertainment programmes in recent years.

Eleven pairs (not necessarily with matrimonial links) competed for the top prize, improvising scenes and choreographing movements that bespoke the mood of the evening – Be My Valentine.

I guess everyone was the winner as the curtains were drawn, including the organisers, sponsors, participants, judges and the audience, whose vote determined the outcome.

Vidya Venugopalan, known for her proficiency in Bharata Natyam (Indian Newslink, October 1, 2009) and her partner Kaushik Balan were declared the ‘Best Couple,’ in a keenly fought competition.

Kaushik also walked away with the ‘Star of the Show’ Award.

The Programme’s major sponsor Aashirwad Foods Limited Director Vishal Rikhi and his Manager Sudhir Bhandari gave away the top prizes.

Manisha Lal and Shalveen Lal, who showed ‘passion for each other’ in dancing to a medley of songs, took the rightful place as Runners-Up.

In addition, the ‘Best Dancing Style’ honour went to Taina Rai and Shawn Thomas.

Viraf Todywalla and Monisha Kumar demonstrated why they were judges with their Bollywood and traditional dancing styles.

The performances by Christchurch Boys and the initial Bollywood numbers rendered by Hema Jessie, Om Srivatsav, Rachit Bhatia and Sneha Mahajan added to the value of the show.

Kshitij Enterprises Ltd Director Jayesh Bateriwala, who has proved that he can successfully organise and manage an event, said Dance Pe Chance 2011 would be bigger and better.