Kuwait: Brilliant Young Talents Rule the Stage at KIDCHAMP 2008

Report & pics by Wilson & Priya Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait
for Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
 
Kuwait, Apr 19: Kanajar Welfare Association Kuwait (KWAK) an association of Kanajarians living in Kuwait organized a dance competition KIDCHAMP 2008 grand finale on Friday April 18 at Masrah Hawalli auditorium Hawalli. The event under the presidency of Lawrence Saldanha was open to all Indians without any barrier.

An elimination round of KIDCHAMP 2008 was held at the Indian Senior Girls School Salmiya on Friday April 11. The juries were Sr Mary Darshini of Carmel School, Lekha Ramachandran of Indian Central School and Nupur Sharma of Gulf Indian School Fahaheel. Of the 40 odd contestants, 5 were selected for grand finale under the junior category, 4 under classical and 2 for the senior championship. Veteran Bharatnatyam artiste Dr Francis Barboza, director, Satyaradhana Arts USA (www.drbarboza.com) was flown in as chief guest for the grand finale. 

The programme began at 6 pm with a welcome dance by Vijay Barboza followed by lighting of lamp by president Lawrence Saldanha and judges of the event Dr Francis Barboza, Sr Mary Darshini of Carmel School, Lekha Ramachandran of Indian Central School and Nupur Sharma of Gulf Indian School. Extra curricular and academic awards were presented to the members' children by Fr Melwin D'Cunha.

Lawrence Saldanha and Fr Melwin D'Cunha provided information on the association and contest. Veteran Bharatnatyam artiste Dr Francis Barboza  was felicitated with a shawl, memento and fruits by Fr Melwin D'Cunha. He was also honoured with the title 'Nrithya Samrat.' Dr Francis Barboza   expressed his feelings of gratitude and happiness after the felicitation.

The audience was entertained by Dilon Noronha, Glen Saldanha and Rhea Pereira with their melodious songs. Superb dances were presented by Nach Baliye and Ballarines. The final round of competitions were held for classical champions, junior champions and senior champions.  As expected performance by Dr Francis Barboza was a first and memorable experience for the Kuwait audience. Awards and medals were distributed to the finalists and winners by Dr Francis Barboza.  Rose Mendonca the delivered vote of thanks.

Following were the winners of the competition.

Classical champion: Thejaswini
Junior champions:  Rovita D'Souza
Senior champions:  Melissa Fernandes

All the finalists were honoured with medals by Dr Francis Barboza.  The music was provided by Rock Band 'Deep Impact' with up and coming singing sensation Glen Saldanha and the programme was compered by one of Kuwait's leading emcees Lloyd.

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