A journey to Fantasy Land

As a kid I was as an avid reader of Fairy Tales but I’ve never experienced a journey into the fantasy land till today. The first time ever, I was flown in the magic carpet of Aladdin into the world of Fantasy by around 100 kids in the age group of 2-5. These were the tiny Tots of Kangaroo Kids, Malad, Mumbai, of which one is my son too. Though these were the stories I would have literally known by heart when I was young and still continue reading night over night (Bed Time Stories) I never enjoyed and understood them as I did today.

Well coming back to the show, before I entered the hall, though I knew my son is dancing as a Hawaiian for a bollywood hit song, I was not told about the theme and backdrop. The teachers were wanting to give a surprise to the parents and it was no doubt a pleasant surprise. Well it was a very well detailed show that when we entered the hall we were all given whistles, read again, Whistles to blow to cheer up the kids. I remember when I had my school annual day celebrations some of the guys used to whistle when girls dance and they were punished if caught. But today, this school got me thrilled and I used the whistle to the maximum.

As I mentioned, Aladdin flew me into a Whole New World of Fantasy where Simba, The Lion King, reminded the meaning of “Haku Na Matata” and it was magic 3 hours where in there were no worries and no tension. Later came all the animals of the Under Water World with the Little Mermaid dancing for quite a few English songs. I need to say here that these kids were just between 2 and 3 years old and though most of the time on the stage they hardly danced or moved they looked so cute and enjoyable. There was one tiny little girl who was busy picking her nose and forgot to move of the stage even after her song got over. That’s what we call Innocence. Later the beautiful mermaid and her dear Prince rocked in a beach party with a group of Hawaiians for a Hindi Medley. Then came our Jungle boy Mowgli with his friends dancing for the title song of “Friends” and also having a medley with Tarzan and Jane. I remember when I was in primary school we as a class were taken to watch this movie at least 3 times but never did I enjoy so much as I did today. Finally came one of my favourite story “Cinderella” which was presented as a musical. There wasn’t just one Cinderella but two of them who interchanged places according to their attire. Wow! Believe me this was done so gracefully by some 4 year old kids. And the way the prince did Ballroom dancing with her, not a second we felt bored or tired of clapping and whistling. I heard from another parent later that this Prince had fewer practises than the others as he was finalised much later than the others. Hats Off to all such young talent in our country. Then we had the fantasyland medley with all the cartoon characters dancing for different tunes. Name them everyone were there- Noddy with his red cap dancing for “Tirchi Toppy Wale”, Snow White with her Seven Dwarfs, Nemo, Mickey and Minnie, Barbie and all our Superheroes from Spiderman, to Power puff girls to Drona. Then there was a fashion show by these young show stoppers. What attitude Man! Finally as a Grand Finale the kids were spread all around the auditorium and the parents could not resist getting up from their seats to shake a booty. Last but not the least they did remember to salute the national flag and appreciate the Oscar Winner by presenting a “Jai Ho” Medley.

Through these stories the kids brought to us the Universal Human Emotions like Love, Hate, Courage, Kindness and Cruelty and once again confirmed that Hope and Love Wins over Fear and Hate. I just hope and pray that they remember this all through their life and teach their elders the right lessons.

It was worth every second and every penny! (Earlier all we parents cribbed about the school collecting money from the parents for tickets to this show)