Thirteen-year old Prachi Sinha from Kohima emerged winner of the Nagaland online open dance competition 2020 organized by Naga Manu Production, a YouTube channel. The results were declared on September 30 after two rounds of rigorous selection process.
A press release from Naga Manu Production stated the event was to provide platform for passionate dancers in Nagaland with the aim to encourage youngsters to keep themselves engaged during the Covid-19 pandemic and also to showcase their talent to a larger audience.
During the first round, top-5 dancers were selected by 10 judges after which the winners performed one minute video (unedited) as their final submission to decide the winner of the competition. The judging criteria were based on choreography, expression, creativity, execution, and musicality.
The winner Prachi Sinha received a cash prize of Rs 5000, while The AHNGs (J Ahng, Seiwang Funkfreak, Ahng David from Mon district) as runner’s up received Rs 3000. Ratolu received the highest views on YouTube crossing 40k views and received Rs 1000 and viewer choice award – Chuba Chang (Rs 1000).
The awards of the competition were sponsored by a electronic shop Mike Care, a complete computer solution based in Kohima.
14-year old Nomrita Mech from Dimapur district was adjusted the upcoming rising star award with a cash of Rs 1000 sponsored by Nuthipru Nienu.
The other top-5 dancers were Ratolu, Mixed X crew (Grace & Wewe), Chuba Chang. The youngest contestant was six year old Asheang Ngoung from Mon district. The winners were awarded with cash prize and e-certificate.
A total of 75 participants including solo, due and group took part including dancers from Bangalore, West Bengal, Manipur and Meghalaya also took part in the competition. While the online competition also crossed more than 5 lakh views on YouTube till September 30.
The judges for the final round includes Rahul Kataria, PDSP student from big dance and member the ACE crew, Lamgrace Touthang, freelance dancer and dance instructor, co-founder of Kohima Mega Dance Fiesta and Nagaland Dance Community. Abung Ningthoujam and Wattaba Mangang, martial artist, street-dancer mainly B-boying, Popping&Locking, member of Kanglei Trickers. Thokchom Tolen Meitei, a young versatile Manipuri dance artiste who did his master degree in Dance from dept of Dance and Music Manipur university with Shreemati Usha Devi Gold medal. Priyanka Yurembam, Bal Shree Awardee, Manipuri Folk and Indian Classical Dancer, Temjenmoa Jamir, dance instructor Chumukedima, trained at first step dance academy Kolkata, worked at Petros Dance Studio Kohima and member of Elemenz crew.
