Overview
Nrityanjali Fest 2021, organized by St. Thomas School, brought together more than 30 schools from across the state to celebrate the rich traditions of Indian dance and music. The interschool competition segment was designed to foster talent, encourage cultural exchange, and provide a professional platform for young performers.
Running from 12th to 18th March 2021, the fest featured eight distinct categories ranging from classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak to contemporary styles such as HipHop and Fusion. Judging panels comprised eminent choreographers, academicians, and veteran artists, ensuring fair evaluation and constructive feedback.
Schedule at a Glance
- 12 March Opening ceremony and Solo Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak)
- 13 March Group Folk Dance and Musical Instrument Showcase
- 14 March Contemporary Solo (HipHop, Contemporary Jazz)
- 15 March Semifinals for all categories
- 16 March Workshops and masterclasses by invited artists
- 17 March Finals All categories
- 18 March Prize distribution and closing ceremony
Featured Competitions
Classical Dance Solo
Students performed classical forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam. Emphasis was placed on technique, expression (abhinaya), and adherence to traditional repertoire.
- Age groups: 1012, 1315, 1618
- Judging criteria: Posture, footwork, rhythmic precision, storytelling
- Prize: Gold, Silver, Bronze medals + certificates
Folk Dance Group
Teams of 1015 members showcased regional folk dances Bhangra, Garba, Dandiya, and Chhau. The vibrant costumes and synchronized movements reflected community spirit.
- Groups: 815 participants
- Judging criteria: Energy, synchronization, authenticity, costume
- Prize: Cash award for winning school + trophies
Contemporary & Urban Solo
A platform for students proficient in HipHop, Street Jazz, and Fusion. Choreography allowed creative freedom while maintaining technical rigour.
- Age groups: 1214, 1518
- Judging criteria: Originality, musicality, stage presence, technical skill
- Prize: Scholarships for advanced dance training
Instrumental Music Solo
Performers presented classical and contemporary pieces on instruments such as Veena, Sitar, Flute, Violin, and Guitar.
- Age groups: 1013, 1418
- Judging criteria: Tone quality, rhythm, expression, repertoire choice
- Prize: Musical instrument vouchers
Special Mention: The Best Fusion Performance award was introduced for acts that blended two or more dance styles. The winning piece, a blend of Kathak and HipHop by Greenfield High, received a standing ovation.
How to Register
Participation was open to all schools affiliated with the State Education Board. The registration process was simple:
- Download the registration form from the official website.
- Fill in school details, event selections, and participant information.
- Submit the form along with a nominal entry fee of 500 per participant (online payment gateway).
- Upload a short video (max 3 minutes) of the performance for preliminary assessment.
All entries had to be received by 31st January 2021. Selected participants were notified via email and provided with competition guidelines and rehearsal schedules.
Contact & Further Information
For queries regarding the competition, accommodation, or media coverage, please reach out to the organizing committee:
- Email: nrityanjali2021@stthomas.edu
- Phone: +91 98765 43210
- Address: St. Thomas School, Main Campus, 12Lane Road, Pune, Maharashtra, 411001
Follow the official social media handles for live updates, result announcements, and photo galleries:
- Facebook: Nrityanjali Fest 2021
- Instagram: @nrityanjali2021
- Twitter: #Nrityanjali2021
