The consistent quality and the variety of dance presentations this year kept away the fatigue of the long evenings. Professionalism is a welcome thing in the performing arts, with discipline in the timing and in the organization.

Even Shobana's indifferent music could not hold back the enthusiasm of the five girls all below ten years, who under Revathi Ramachandran's direction, sparkled in 'Kodhai Paadiya Paavai'. Resplendent in pink tissue, they were astounding in their nritta execution, timing, footwork and co-ordination. Verses from the Thiruppavai portraying Andal and her consorts singing in praise of Krishna, were portrayed by them.

Reflecting the discipline of today's young professionals, Lakshmi Ramaswamy and N.Srikanth's choreography, 'Sculptors Dream' scored on crisp execution. Four picturesque statues come to life and argue with their creator as to who is the best of them all. The confused sculptor wakes up to find that it was just a dream. An unusual concept by Leela Sekhar and well visualized, barring the uninspiring music.

Inspired by the old Tamil film, 'Vanji Kottai Valiban' and again conceptualized by Leela Sekhar, Guru K.J.Sarasa presented her students Lavanya Shankar and Bhargavi Gopalan as yesteryear actresses Padmini and Vyjayanthimala, in a fiery dancing encounter. The two dancers played their roles well, combining glamour and proficiency in their nritta. The orchestration was brilliant with the addition of a keyboard and special effects. Shobana Raghavan was in better form this time around. 'Partha Nyabagam Illayo' – a trip down memory lane...

A feast for the soul was the music by Changanessery Madhavan Namboodri in 'Thouratrikam,' a Mohini Attam presentation by Dr.Neena Prasad and her group from Thiruvananthapuram. A graceful presentation with a sollukattu in Natai, followed by a Jatiswaram in Behag, 'Sumasayakka' in Kapi and a pandattam in panchavadya talam. They finished with a thillana in Nattakurunji ragam, adi talam, a composition of the brilliant vocalist. The items were all fleeting, like a preview, but nevertheless, a treat.

'Ensemble' by Kokila and Gautam with western dances brought in a whiff of international flavour with ballet, hip-hop, jive, jazz, and street dancing. The little girls stole the show with their 'stars' number. Unfortunately, it was an ineffective presentation on the whole with the older dancers fumbling on stage unprofessionally.

'Tharana-Thillana' was the show-stopping finale that evening, of which O.S.Arun's singing was the crowning glory. The Bharatanatyam dancers led by Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala were geometrically perfect in their adavus. The Kathak dancers led by Sarmishta Sen Dutta were not impressive on their own, but their ethereal white and gold outfits made up for lack of technique. The last sequence with the dancers using purple dupattas ending in the formation of a star was eye-catching. Beginning in Hindolam ragam that metamorphosed into Malkauns, and reverted back to Hindolam in the end, the music was a superb effort by Arun.

This cultural extravaganza organized with the help of Narada Gana Sabha, exhibited meticulous stage management, which was always a hallmark of this event. One hopes these high standards continue with the change of guard with the retirement of Leela Sekhar, and the induction of Revathi Ramachandran and Radhika Surajit into the council.