Group dance draws big crowds at the school festival

Group Dance (HS Girls) proved a big hit on the penultimate day of the 63rd State School Arts Festival. It drew probably the biggest crowd so far here.

There they were on the stage at the Central Stadium -- one group of girls after another. Stunningly attired, beautifully made-up, and often backed up by spectacular props, they danced with grace, and in sync.

Group Dance (HS Girls) proved a big hit on the penultimate day of the 63rd State School Arts Festival. It drew probably the biggest crowd so far here.

The capital’s response to some of the events may have been lukewarm, but the art lovers here, like the rest of the State, seem to love Group Dance. There was a big turnout for the competition in the HSS Girls’ category too, on the opening day.

Drama is another hugely popular event at the School Festival. And the Tagore Theatre came alive with the Drama competition in the High School section. Among the highlights was the performance by the students of Vellarmala GVHSS, Wayanad, which had been ravaged by the landslide last July. The students presented a play adapted from Thakazhi’s famous short story Vellappokkathil, something they could relate with after going through the horrific tragedy.

The day also witnessed some quality performances in classical dances -- Bharatanatyam (HS Girls) and Kuchipudi (HSS Boys). Rakhin Regunath (GVHSS, Muttara, Kollam) surprised many in the audience in the Kuchipudi competition as he performed dressed as a woman, portraying the role of Seetha. That actually shouldn’t have come as a surprise as in Kuchipudi, men have traditionally performed female roles.

Folk Song (Nadan Pattu) and Mono Act also attracted good crowds. There were some fine performances in those events, too.

Meanwhile, the race for the Gold Cup is poised for an exciting finish. When the results of 197 events were available, Thrissur was in the lead with 945 points, replacing the overnight leader and defending champion Kannur, which was on 943.