Umbrella Youth Culture programme: 9th June 2012
After weeks of hard work and preparation finally the talented youth of Umbrella got to show case their routines they have put together with the help of their tutors and volunteers. The briefing was they were to dance, sing and act to anything they wanted.
The previous day the rented stage and tent arrived into Sagarmatha where the youth chatori helped set up. They decorated with coloured balloons and coloured string. Saturday was here the sun was shining and the breeze was blowing, another perfect day in Kathmandu. First up were the beautiful girls of Sagarmatha. They had traditional Nepali dresses on and had their hair and makeup done. They danced like professionals and the crowd went wild when they finished. It was a great opening to the show. Then there was their drama piece of snow white and the 5 dwarfs. We had girls acting as trees, soldiers, mirrors, witches and of course snow white and dwarfs. It was very funny watching their take on the Disney classic which of course had the ultimate happy ever after.
Up next was the volunteers dance. Louise, Alice, Olivia and Maggie dressed up in their saris took to the stage to dance. After weeks of practicing with the help of Sushila miss our moment was finally here. We were extremely nervous not to mess up as the kids were very excited to see us. All the children were so energized, clapping us on so we didn’t miss a beat. We all really enjoyed it, think the staff did also.
The girls of Gauri Shanker were up next where they put on a drama piece involving dancing and acting. 2 girls acted as boys trying to find their perfect partner. Girl after girl came out to dance for them, each one funnier than the last. Eventually they got paired up with their true love. They kept the crowds full attention throughout the piece through their talents of dancing beautifully and comedy. Well done girls.
The boys in Manaslu showed us their skills of singing and dancing. A group of 6 boys got up waving the Nepali flag high, singing. Then Mayla took to the stage by himself and sang. He was incredible and the crowd loved his courage to get up by himself. Their dancing involved some of the boys as young as 10 break dancing, they showed us personality and charm blowing kisses out to the audience. Their piece involved 3 different songs all at different beats where with each change of song new boys came out show casing new skills. They were very impressive, and the crowd cheered them on.
Both Kanchenjunga and Annapurna show cased their talents through dancing also. With some older boys the skills were taken up a level with boys spinning on their heads, cart wheels with no hands, and back flips. The crowd screemed and whistled as each skill got more complicated and exciting. For boys who have no dancing teachers, their skills should be admired; teaching themselves how to flip up walls takes courage. They were fantastic and all of Umbrella are extremely proud of them.
There was a guest performance by the British School. They sang a song for everyone, and they must be thanked for doing so. All the children really enjoyed seeing their talents. Over all the culture program of 2012 was a huge success and highly enjoyed by all who attended. It would not have been possible without the dedicated youth chatori who supplied drinks and chocolate to everyone. Special thanks to sushila Miss and their president Sanu B.K.
