Keekli Reporter, 25th-29th October, 2014, Shimla
YWCA in collaboration with the Art and Language Department, Shimla, presented the BALLERINA — A Cleansing of the Soul, a dance performance by the students of Kala Sangam, which was directed by Poonam Sharma, here today at the MP Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. This five day charity event is being organized to raise funds for the reconstruction and renovation of the buildings housed in the Constantine, the present location of the YWCA, enroute to the Kali Baari Road. The organizers and Anamika Malhotra warmly welcomed the Chief Guest Upma Chaudhary (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Language, Art and Culture Department, Shimla, who lit the lamp soon after which the programme commenced. Then former Vice Chairperson, Meenakshi Faith Paul briefly outlined the history of the YWCA Shimla and its importance for working women.
The fusion musical play titled ‘Ballerina – The Swan Lake’ was quite engaging and enthralling, keeping the audience mesmerized and captivated. The dance moves, a perfect fusion of Indian classical dance with Ballet, flawless synchronized steps, riveting music coupled with wonderful storytelling was just perfect in every sense. The scenario, initially in four acts, tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse and how the Prince learns the truth and frees the princess with his true love. The narrative however deals with yet another issue of egoism, jealousy and insensitivity towards the feelings of others.
The main character portrayed are by Rupali, who plays the part of the Swan Princess Payal; Maanvi as Prerna, the second lead selected to play as Swan Princess; and Aayushi as the Prince. A conflict of emotions is seen between the lead actors, Payal who wants to play the main role in the play at any cost whereas Prerna being a good dancer forgoes the part for her friend. In the end Payal realizes that what she had done was mean, selfish and egoistical and that each and every role is equally important to collectively achieve success. Other dancers who complimented the leads were Prakriti, Manika, Sakshi, Preeti, Alisha, Himanshi, Joytika, Sanjana, Jaanvi, Alisha Sood to name a few.
Chief Guest, Upma Chaudhary applauded and commended the organizers and the team for putting up such an excellent and awesome show and requested all to give a standing ovation for the performers. The director of the play Poonam Sharma said, “It took us almost three months to present this musical, as the students practiced between five and seven in the evenings at YWCA. About 45 girls aged around 6 to 26 years participated in the event. Lots of hard work and dedication went into its production”. Shruti Sethi mother of Manika said that the musical was just excellent and it is amazing to see how well our children performed on the stage. In unison, parents and guests who witnessed this spectacle had only praises and appreciation for the kids who gave a wonderful presentation.
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