Review Of Jhalak Dreams 2009

Through the eyes of a teenager

Hi aunty,

So sorry to get back to you so late but I figured I better write this well or not even bother to write it at all. Such impressive performances deserve at least a somewhat commensurate review.

I would like to congratulate you for putting on such a fantastic show. Sitting in the audience on Saturday opened my eyes first and foremost to what it is like to be a part of the IFDA family. I think that the greatest strength of the show had to be this warm feeling of being a close-knit family that came through at the recital- be it through the organic and thunderous applause that accompanied the tear-jerking performance of the talented Jeena kids, or in witnessing the army of dedicated stage moms that set up props between performances [which in and of themselves suggested an ingenuity of which even Martha Stewart would be envious] and finally even in the DVD that announced each performance, which strongly reminded me of those home videos that record the classic moments that we all grow to appreciate, but only after the healing balm of time can convince us that our most embarrassing moments were admittedly pretty amusing.

Sure there were a few gaffs- the DVDs timing was somewhat off at points and at one point the adorable, albeit decidedly dazed, performers had to be yanked into the proper formations mid-performance- but on the whole, these imperfections were what made the entire production all the more endearing. Unlike the mechanical sterility and robotic precision that characterize the productions of other professional dance schools, the tiny flaws of Jhalak Dreams were what made the production all the more human and thoroughly captivating. Watching the show especially inspired a deep sense of nostalgia within me, reminding me of my own humble run on the Tamil Mandram performance circuit, many, many years ago.

The next thing I must comment on is the talent of your wonderful pupils. Words cannot describe the reverence and passion with which they command the dance floor. I found it hard to digest that a lot of the performers were mounting the stage for the first time. Every one of them was the penultimate professional, unshakably confident although performing for an exacting and expectant full house.

The music was also an important mention: all of the numbers were incredibly peppy and I found it difficult to restrain myself from busting out my own moves in the aisles. Much to my familys relief, I managed to restrict it to some very loud toe-tapping in my seat. The choreography was also fantastic and the formations were innovative and eye-catching. I could definitely feel your influence as a classical expert, even in the strictly Bollywood pieces as a focus on pure moves alone were well balanced with an emphasis on enacting the emotions of the piece as well.

All in all, congratulations once again on the huge accomplishment. If you need any help with any future IFDA events, I would be honored to help with such a worthy organization.

Sincerely,
Shirley Edward\