Scarborough Academy of Music presents "A Taste of India."
Photo:- Sue looking forward to "A Taste of India."
At last, Saturday 21st November, the day we had all been waiting for, had arrived. Scarborough Academy of Music was transformed. It was unbelievable. We were surrounded by everything Indian. Beautiful drapes in vivid colours decorated the walls. Artefacts and brass statues replaced the books and ornaments in the bookcase. There were Indian pictures and artefacts everywhere.
It was fascinating to experience the Indian culture here in Wykeham. Our Indian friends, dressed in beautiful saris, were in the Reception area greeting everyone. They carefully placed a bindi on the foreheads of the guests. On the floor lay a rangoli pattern, made out of chalks and lit with night lights. It is a sign of welcome and is supposed to bring good luck. A brass oil burner was decorated with garlands of flowers. This too is a sign of welcome.
People mingled, absorbing the atmosphere.
One of our students, Aaysha Rashid, had offered to do "Henna", so many of our visitors enjoyed having beautiful designs painted on their hands.
It wasn't long before our guests were ushered into the main studio where they enjoyed the singing of our special guest, Sunita Menon, a professional Indian singer. She mesmerised the audience with her talent and versatility, singing in two different Indian styles, Arabic and English. Another of our students, Helen Inasu, joined with her singing in English while Sunita sang in Indian.
The audience were then treated to the energetic and lively dancing of Sunita's daughter, Kaavya Sudheer, who is training in Indian Classical dance.
Following this, the wonderful aroma of Indian food drifting through the Academy was a sure sign that it was time to eat. There was a variety of Indian delicacies on offer - samosas, onion bhajis, fish cutlets and chicken tikka. These were washed down with a choice of apple or mango juice.
This event was a huge success. Let’s hope there will be many more to come.
Watch this space........ I know Sue has something up her sleeve for the Spring term.
Enjoy browsing through some of our photos:-
The Academy Reception area is transformed
Display of Artefacts
Preparing the Flower Garland
The Welcoming Oil Burner
Lighting the Incense Burners
Rangoli Pattern - A Sign of Welcome and Good Luck
Anju and Jorlin awaiting guests
What a lovely smile, Helen
A Welcoming Bindi
The Guests Arriving
"Henna" with Aaysha
Food, Glorious Food!
Spices
Time to eat and chat
Sunita Menon - Our Special Guest
Sunita performing
Sunita and Helen treat us to a "fusion" duet
Kaavya - Bollywood dancer