Dubai: Eight Kids March into Grand Finale of FAMAD Dance Challenge
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Mar 29: “Every Stage is a new start” said Ramesh Nair, speaking on the occasion of the preliminary round of Merit Freight FAMAD Dance Challenge 2009, held at the Al Mas Hotel Apartments party hall on Friday March 27.

FAMAD Pernal, well known for their innovative and excellent organizing skills, conducted their preliminary round of the dance competition for Konkani speaking kids aged between 8 and 14 years with grandeur and style. The event proved to be the very first of its kind to be organized by any recognized organization in the region. Eight Contestants proudly marched towards the Grand Finale to be held as a part of the mega event which will be held on Friday, May 1 at Sheikh Rashid auditorium. More details of this mega event will be announced shortly.

Prizes for the winners are as follows:

1. Winner: Dh3,003 plus trophy with “Konkani Nach Kumvor / Kumvorn” title
2. First Runner-up: Dh2,002 plus trophy.
3. Second Runner-up: Dh1,001 plus trophy.

Apart from the above, there will be special prizes for ‘Best Choreography’ and ‘Best Costume’. All the finalists will receive mementos and gift hampers.

The event began sharp at 3.00 pm. by taking lots. The competition was inaugurated by traditionally lighting of the lamp by the chief guest Joseph Mathias (managing director of Merit Freight Systems Co. LLC and brand sponsor of the competition), Walter Nandalike (editor-in-chief of daijiworld.com), Dayan D’souza (founder convenor of Daiji Dubai Writers’ Forum), Vijay Barboza representing the judges and Meghna Bhat who was the youngest contestant. 
 
Vijay Barboza, trained Bharatnatyam exponent, Ramesh Nair, well trained Salsa and Latino dance Instructor and Rajesh Kuttar, noted choreographer were the judges of the competition.

This competition was aimed to promote dancing skills among Konkani speaking children. There were 17 contestants who gave a stunning performances whereas top 8 contestants were selected for the grand finale which will be held in style on May 1. All the contestants performed to their level best leaving the judges and the audience spellbound. Every single person at the venue was dumbstruck and amazed by the talents of these young kids and waited till the last performance wanting for more. 

All the fourteen contestants were felicitated with certificates and gifts. The judges were then honoured with mementos. “All the contestants were excellent, and we have done a fair job without any bias”, said Vijay Barboza addressing the crowd. Rajesh Kuttar thanked the organizers for providing an opportunity to kids to excel their talents in the field of dance. Ramesh Nair further motivated the contestants by asking them to consider every stage as a new start and wished them great success. 

Then was the moment of desperate wait, for the contestants, their parents, Choreographers and the audience. The names of the finalists were announced and they are as follows.

1. Clarissa Fernandes
2. Delvina Dsouza
3. Shelwyn Mathias
4. Gavin Rodrigues
5. Dalia Saldanha
6. Cleon D’sa
7. Florence Pinto
8. Brian Fernandes

A notable job by the emcee, Asha Correa who conducted the whole event with great promptness and excellent rapport with the contestants as well as the audience.

Every person who attended the competition could sense the professionalism and excellent planning of the organizers. Famad Pernal once again proved their ability to conduct unique and exceptional programme with great accuracy and punctuality. The event concluded sharp at 5.45 pm leaving a smile on the faces of tiny tots as they walked away with gifts and certificates of participation.