‘The Atkinson’, Southport, was the venue for an Indian Diwali extravaganza featuring over 200 pupils from Sefton Schools, drumming and dancing in the classical Indian style, for the culmination of a project organised by the Sefton Music Service in collaboration with MADCOS (Maghull and District Community of Schools) and Milapfest, the UK’s National Indian Arts Development Trust, whose mission is to ‘Unite Hearts through Arts’ by producing memorable and inspirational experiences through Indian Arts.
The ‘Discovering Diwali’ sessions introduced both Primary and GSCE music and dance students to Southern Indian dancing (Bharatnatyam) and drumming workshops using ‘tablas. Secondary students from Litherland High enjoyed the challenge of playing fast rhythms and were introduced to tongue-twisting spoken percussion (konokol) by internationally renowned artist Kousic Sen. All students performed on stage in front of each other at the end of the workshops.
Primary pupils also listened to classical storytelling and took part in creating their own Rangoli art pieces, the classical Indian art form where patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals.
The day was organised to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali in this the ‘India-UK Year of Culture’, which the Queen officially launched in February to mark 70 years of Indian independence and ties with the UK.
Chris Lennie of Sefton Music Service stated that, “Thanks to Milapfest the children really enjoyed the experience. What a fantastic introduction to Indian Culture, through dance, music and Art. I was particularly impressed with the performances that the pupils gave at the end of the day, where they really showed their understanding of the work that they had done throughout the day. This was a truly enlightening, informative day for all involved.”
Amanda Bennett (MADCOS) added, “Both students and teachers said it had been an amazing day. We are very grateful to ‘The Atkinson’ for allowing the children to use their auditorium. Performing on a professional stage really added to their experience and made this fun day even more special!”
Schools attending included St Georges, St Thomas, Lydiate Primary and Litherland High School.
Posted on 19 October 2017 under Learning
