Maira Gupta, Grade 11
UWCSEA East Campus
UWC is home to an array of different activities and traditions. Not only are these traditions diverse and fun, but provide opportunities for us students to actively engage in activities outside of class- which is very important for a student to have a balanced life. Such traditions are a key part of what defines UWC and are an integral part of student life here on campus. From all of the many traditions at UWC, my favourite would be Kahaani, a service event that is hosted annually. Kahaani is a dance show that is hosted by the Kolkata GC at UWCSEA East to raise funds for people with disabilities in Kolkata, India.
This dance show sees the participation of over 100 high school students, teachers and is watched by the student and parent community. While this show is not a ‘tradition’ at UWCSEA, this annual event is an integral part of the school, the beliefs and values.
This show is my favourite out of all other shows and traditions at UWC because of the energy and excitement that it can fill on campus. It brings a whole new life and aspect to campus life as the back end team gets ready to welcome the viewers of the show into the main hall.
At the same time, behind the beautiful set of the main hall, all the dancers are busy getting ready into their vibrant costumes for their dances, makeup and rehearsing for their dances for a last time.
There is also a beautiful message conveyed through the entire performance. This is usually related to Indian history/cinema or work of the NGO that the GC supports. The theme is conveyed in an interactive and engaging manner that entertains audiences of any age and background. There is a whole aura of positivity and high energy that fills the main hall, and the loud cheers and claps that motivate the dancers to further complete their performances with enthusiasm and big smiles.
The best part of this show is that one can enjoy it being a dancer, an audience member, backstage crew etc. The different roles that are a part of this show not only mean that many people can be a part of this show but also allow one to experience the show from different perspectives. Being engaged in this show as a dancer and back stage crew member, both, I have been able to experience the show from both these roles. It is just as exciting, fun and enjoyable.
This event is also the place where dancers are able to build connections and new friendships with other fellow dancers, in their grade level and in other grades too. This allows the show to be a connection builder and is an opportunity to meet new people and get out of one's comfort zone. The positives of this show are countless and is a fun, enriching experience to take part in at UWCSEA East.
Image Courtesy: https://dailyiowan.com/2021/11/07/photos-indian-student-alliance-and-south-asian-student-alliance-hosts-diwali-festival/
This dance show sees the participation of over 100 high school students, teachers and is watched by the student and parent community. While this show is not a ‘tradition’ at UWCSEA, this annual event is an integral part of the school, the beliefs and values.
This show is my favourite out of all other shows and traditions at UWC because of the energy and excitement that it can fill on campus. It brings a whole new life and aspect to campus life as the back end team gets ready to welcome the viewers of the show into the main hall.
At the same time, behind the beautiful set of the main hall, all the dancers are busy getting ready into their vibrant costumes for their dances, makeup and rehearsing for their dances for a last time.
There is also a beautiful message conveyed through the entire performance. This is usually related to Indian history/cinema or work of the NGO that the GC supports. The theme is conveyed in an interactive and engaging manner that entertains audiences of any age and background. There is a whole aura of positivity and high energy that fills the main hall, and the loud cheers and claps that motivate the dancers to further complete their performances with enthusiasm and big smiles.
The best part of this show is that one can enjoy it being a dancer, an audience member, backstage crew etc. The different roles that are a part of this show not only mean that many people can be a part of this show but also allow one to experience the show from different perspectives. Being engaged in this show as a dancer and back stage crew member, both, I have been able to experience the show from both these roles. It is just as exciting, fun and enjoyable.
This event is also the place where dancers are able to build connections and new friendships with other fellow dancers, in their grade level and in other grades too. This allows the show to be a connection builder and is an opportunity to meet new people and get out of one's comfort zone. The positives of this show are countless and is a fun, enriching experience to take part in at UWCSEA East.
Image Courtesy: https://dailyiowan.com/2021/11/07/photos-indian-student-alliance-and-south-asian-student-alliance-hosts-diwali-festival/
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