17th Naya Andaz Dance Competition … Another Success Saga

The Dance Competition of the year - Naya Andaz, possibly the longest running show in the USA was held on March 21 at the prestigious State Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ. Hundreds of talented young participants danced away in the melting night on numbers like Azeemo Shan Shahenshah and Aham Bramasami,- leaving all worldly differences aside to create their own magical universe inside this mesmeric theatre. Sultry Malaika Arora Khan and handsome Arbaaz Khan were flown in from Mumbai to judge. Accomplished actress Apara Mehta played the role of a gracious host exceptionally well. As junior category started competing, kids 15 and under, displayed skills, grace and synchronization to add to their cuteness. Group after talented group made their choreographers proud. Judges and Master of Ceremonies were stunned by this fabulous display of style and grace amid clouds of glitter and colors. As Arbaaz Khan expressed correctly, while there have to be winners in a competition, all participants were winners on this exemplary stage of Naya Andaz.

Corporate Sponsors like Air India, Star Plus TV & Star One TV along with Continental Airlines, Bhavani Foods, Swad, B4U TV, TV Asia, Aaj Tak & Headlines Today as well as Kohinoor foods and many more supported this one of a kind show and were recognized along with the team Naya Andaz. The winners were announced in Junior category, Costume Trophy and 3rd prize was awarded to Ghungroo Creations for Azeem O Shaan Shahenshah from movie Jodhaa Akbar. 2nd prize went to Satrangi School of Fusion for Pyar bina jindagi from movie Family and top honors were awarded to Arya Dace Academy for number Yeh Mera Dil from popular Bollywood flick DON.

Seniors had a very close contest, winners were: Costume Trophy and 3rd Prize was picked by Sudhamini Dance Academy for Tu Muskuraa from movie Yuvraj. Runners up were performers from Nritya Creation for Dastaney Om Shanti Om from movie Om Shanti Om and the pick of them all per judges from Bollywood were Satrangi School of Fusion for Mitwaa from super hit film Lagaan. As the curtain closed for 2009 competition, organizers are promising to bring another thrilling display next year at the same address - look out for NAYA ANDAZ 2010.

BY RITU PANDEY