A group of girls trained in classical dance forms - from various schools and colleges in the city - are hoping to realise their dream of performing at the London Olympics within the next few weeks – only if their frantic search for sponsorships meets with success soon.
The students of Bharatanjali Dance School in T. Nagar put together a dance ensemble of various traditional dance forms in March to send out a demo DVD to the London Organising Committee for Olympics and Paralympics Games Ltd (LOCOG), which is in charge of organising cultural activities at the Olympics Park.
The idea was mooted by K. Srimathy of global tour operators SpaceKidz, a company specialising in organising overseas educational tours for students. She had networked with the organisers of the Olympics committee when she was in London for the World Trade Mart in November last year.
Though LOCOG was initially considering sourcing only local talent for the games village cultural activities, its organisers contacted Ms. Srimathy on what the contingent from India could showcase.
The dance group was one of 22,000 applications that reached LOCOG. Only 100 groups have been approved to perform.
“The entire demostration was put together in less than two weeks by gurus Madhusudanan (Bharatanatyam), Jigyas Giri (Kathak), Vasanth (Kalari), Gopika Varma (Mohini Attam), Sanhita Basu (Odissi) and Guna (a fusion played out to A.R. Rahman’s “Jai Ho”),” said Ms. Srimathy. “The committee liked what they saw and they have given the girls the chance to showcase their show for 40 minute duration on two days of the Olympics games.”
If the group manages to find its sponsors and makes it to the games, the 70-strong group could well be one of the biggest foreign cultural contingents. China, among a few other countries, is expected to send a big contingent as well. The girls have been told that they will be getting an opportunity to perform at the Olympics Park on July 30 and August 2.
Most of the girls are understandably quite excited. S. Lakshita, a class XII student from Good Shepherd Convent Matriculation School, said even being considered was a dream.
S. Janane, a college graduate who is currently looking for employment opportunities, says even job hunting could wait if the opportunity materialises.
“Just how great would it be on the resume! I wish that we all get the chance to go.”
For further details, email spacekidzindia@gmail.com or call 044 2820 0113.
Keywords: London Olympics
I think this is a great opportunity for the dancers! If the girls take part in the Olympics cultural section, it would not only be a proud moment for the dancers themselves, but also for India and its ancient heritage. I think, it would be a pity if the team does not find funds to participate in this event. I strongly feel, that the Government should step in and do its part and also NRI's associations, particularly in London, should do their bit. Their main expense would be their flight tickets. If at least half of this expense could be met, then I hope, each participant can also pull in some resources on his/her own. I sincerely hope and pray, that the dreams of these young performers are realized!
The 70-strong group could well be one of the biggest foreign cultural contingents, this is why LOCOG asked them to find their own sponsors. K. Srimathy could have gathered even a bigger dance ensemble, such as the 1000-strong ensemble in Tanjore's Brihadeshwara temple.
Quantity is not a problem. This is why Alarmel Valli or Sujata Mohapatra do not need to appeal for sponsorship in the media.
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