My View of Independence Day

On Saturday night in the Win Mumby gymnasium I attended my first ever Bollywood evening. As I took my seat with other staff I had no idea what to expect. The evening was hosted by two members of the Delhi troupe Danz'n'Buzz.

Young dancers from Grades one and two took to the stage with huge grins and big concentration on their little faces to perform their practiced routines. The young dancers along with early junior school dances dressed in vivid orange danced like their lives depended on it. My year 11 daughter was in the next senior girls group of dancers. I watched in awe at the normally shy girl who never danced performing her heart out in dances a week ago she had never even seen. Perhaps the biggest round of applause was for the Staff whose performance had everyone smiling. Their enthusiasm and skill after only one week of practice was amazing.

Danz'n'Buzz then took to the stage. This professional troupe has performed in theatrical shows and international performances. The evening concluded with music rocking the gymnasium for the students to dance till 9.30pm. Bollywood owned the floor with students letting their hair down after an intensive week of practice

Saturday morning began with trying to put on our new Indian clothes for the Official Flag raising ceremony. After a hurried trip into our next door neighbors for a 'how to put on a sari' lesson colour coordinated we took our seats in the gym for our first ever Indian Independence Day celebrations. We watched performers and singers from the school and the official flag raising with the school singing the National anthem. The pride of living in this amazing country was transformed into staff and student performances and it was an honour to watch Woodstock celebrate India's national day.

Neva Whiteman, Communications Assistant