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Mirror Magazine

Dancing into the past with Aavarjana
A hundred years is something to celebrate and that's what Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya has been doing these past months since February 3.

And a bright jewel in HFC's crown has been the rounded character formation of its students that this convent school is so proud of. As part of this process, Familians have been introduced to different kinds of cultural activities.

To show the world the high achievements and talents in the field of dance, HFC will bring to the stage Aavarjana, portraying the 30-year history of oriental dance in the school.

"I introduced dancing as a subject at Holy Family in 1972," says Visharadha Swarna Mihiripenne, who has guided the "hand and footwork" of hundreds of little ones, nostalgically. "At first, the dance classes were held after school for the little ones but spotting my talent and the enthusiasm with which the children took to it, the then principal took me onto the staff to teach the upper school children," she says with humility.

That was the beginning and the school has come very far in this field since 1972. Aavarjana will be a dazzling performance of colour and variety of dance forms ranging from Kandyan to low-country and North Indian folk and classical to South Indian classical. To add that extra dimension and keep the audience tapping their toes will be a special performance of kafferingha, which caught Sri Lanka by storm with the advent of the Portuguese and has become very much a part of the country's cultural milieu.

A production of nearly 90 past and present pupils in the age group 17 to 41, Aavarjana will also feature the music coming down the ages. "Most of the past pupils are mothers, housewives or professionals who have just one thing in common - that they love dancing. They've learnt under me. They and the present pupils have come together to honour their school through dance drama. It's a look-back of both dance and music. A series from yesteryear," as Ms. Mihiripenne aptly puts it.

While being "exciting and fun" for the participants including Lilanka Boteju, 18, there is a deeper meaning too for most of them.

As Deanna Brohier, 19, says, "I'm so proud to be part of this momentous occasion. I'm a Burgher but love traditional dancing. As you can see, it reflects what Holy Family is all about."

Yes, Aavarjana reflects just that - the strength of diversity.

Aavarjana goes on the boards at the auditorium of Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya on October 25 and 26 at 6.45 p.m.
(Kumudini)

Dear Coz
Be friendly
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Give it a try
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She's too young
Dear Coz,
I'm a boy of 16. I finished my O/L exam last December. I fell in love with a girl who comes to my English class. She's around 13. When her class ends, my class begins. That's how I met her. She's one of my friend's sister's friends. Even though I don't go to the class now, I see her quite often. My friend tells me she's too young for me. Is she? I tried to forget her several times. I love her so much, I could even die for her. How can I speak to her and express my feelings or even get close to her as a friend? I've got her phone number but how do I start a conversation? Please help me.

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Write again
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