Stage set for 13th Bollywood Dance Contest

The stage is all set for the 13th annual Bollywood High School Dance Competition which will be held in Auckland next week, August 27.
And the man behind it all, Binesh Sumer of Desi International Showbiz, is confident of another successful extravaganza.
“Students want a little more challenge, and this is where they get it,’ Sumer said.

“Desi International Showbiz encourages and inspires students to work on their steps until mastered, and most importantly gives them an opportunity to be challenged amongst the best.
“The 13th Annual Bollywood High School Dance Competition has showcased the best Bollywood High School teams of all time since 1999, that is a decade and ongoing

.“But now, it is time to show-off the Best High School Talent in Town,” Sumer told Indian Weekender.
“Desi International Showbz will display the creative abilities of a broad Bollywood dance spectrum from West to South, East to North of Auckland. This is your school’s opportunity to not only impress the judges but to make an impact in the dance age.”

Sumer said the competition would be judged in a very systematic fashion by the dance community’s recognised professions. The 2nd ($1500) and 3rd ($750) will be awarded, alongside $600-plus in total categorised prizes.
But all eyes are on the $3000 first prize.

“Schools are not the only participants at this well renowned event; you are part of it too.
“The Vegas Horror Show will exhibit the impressive Andre Vegas and his Magic.. Watch him saw a woman in half with a motor driven circular saw, dissect assistants and even himself, Suspend a woman on the tips of swords, levitate his assistant, floating up and down in mid-air, and much more magical display.

Venue is Logan Campbell Centre, Greenlane, starting at 7pm.
Tickets available from participating schools and from major Indian outlets.

Here’s what the participating schools said about their preparations, and involvement:

Kelston Girls – Schools group leader - Munirih Fatima Cameron
Preparation is going great. We're just completing the final touches for the night; should be an amazing experience for everyone dancing. We definitely won't fail to impress.
We definitely feel privileged have this opportunity to perform at Hsdc. It means that we not only have the chance to have fun dancing, but it means we gain another amazing experience on stage. We're loving every moment of it.

HSDC has supported us throughout the many years of the shows. They've offered a more and exciting show this year. The shows are always better than the last. So they definitely improve every year, which just motivates us to perform. It was something we were looking to do anyway but knowing that we were asked made us as a team feel like we were wanted.
What our school plans to change this year is that we're taking a more traditional approach to re-familiarise everyone just what Indian culture is. Of course there will be modern dancing and music but that’s a surprise for the night.

Westlake girls – Schools group dance leader – Richa Chandra
It is a great opportunity for people of our age to show off our talent and creative side in a competitive dance building up our confidence and maintain our heritage.

HSDC allows us to have first hand experience of preparing the dance for costume to choreography making us test our leadership and membership skills. Of course this all finally gets shown to the wide fan base of HSDC to hundreds of people proving to others that we've got what it takes to win.

Alfriston College
We feel great as it gives us a chance to showcase our schools bollywood stars. It is a great opportunity as it lets us students take part in a wonderful dance comp like this.

Well were different because were natural, passionate, and we all want to win just as much as others do.

Rosehill College –Schools Group Leader – Koyal Lal
My school is different because it has great ethnic group and we are gonna win because our school has Talent in dancing and performing.

RUTHERFORD COLLEGE – Teacher in charge – Asha Singh
It is hard work but the students are keen and it’s all about the students.

EDGEWATER COLLEGE – Teacher in charge – Debbie Mckinley
We are a small but very dedicated group. We like the discipline needed to be part of this competition.

PAPATOETOE COLLEGE – Teacher in charge – Keith Francis
The students feel privileged and excited to be able to perform in a competition that is specifically for secondary schools. Our school has only been participating in HSDC for the past five years and winning it in 2009 has been a definite highlight. For some of our students it will be their last year at school, so it will be a special night for them.

This competition allows the students to do what they love, which is to dance. We believe it’s a great opportunity for students to engage in a friendly competition while enjoying themselves at the same time.

We believe the most common type of dance is Hip-Hop. For us, dance is all about different genres. Just sticking to one genre doesn’t really demonstrate or utilize the combined talent that a group of students possesses. Bollywood isn’t all about Hip-Hop to us. It’s about uniqueness. We want to be different and try and stand out in our own way.