The musical event was part of celebrations to mark the school’s annual day, which was celebrated separately on Jan. 10-11 in the school’s girls' and the boys' sections.
Indian Consul General Sayeed Ahmed Baba was the chief guest in the boy’s section, while Hind Al-Khateeb, an official from the Ministry of Education’s Female Education Department, was the guest of honor in the girls’ section. Muslima Al-Nadvi and several other dignitaries also attended the function and applauded staff and children for putting together a wonderful show.
The school’s tiny-tots rose to the occasion with a bang and presented several items that included meticulously choreographed dances, skits and musical performances with instruments. The musical shows that filled the auditorium were greeted with repeated applause that was interspersed with whistles and acclaims as the school’s boys rocked the stage. But the highlight of the day was the Al-Ardha.
Amid clapping and cheering from the audience, a group of young students performed the traditional war song and dance, which is originally from Najd but popular all over the Kingdom.
The dance performed by students donning traditional Saudi garb earned them a thunderous round of applause from the audience, which enjoyed every bit of the tune, costume and presentation.
Music, they say, is a unifier. It proved so at the DPS function with Indians and a host of Saudis banding together due to their passion for music. They couldn't have chosen a better occasion to show their good will toward each other and to the Kingdom. The joy of Saudis among the audience was also evident when some of them joined the students.
The dance began with a single line of poetry that was repeated as the drums beat in the background while the sword-wielding participants danced.
As the show progressed, it turned out to be a nostalgic day of music. Everyone present enjoyed the dances and musical renditions, which brought the audience to its feet clapping along with the beats.
Speaking about Al-Ardha, DPS Director Zia Nadvi said, “Al-Ardha used to be performed before warriors would meet their enemies in battle. It demonstrates that they have no fear of fighting and it is used to stir up enthusiasm among soldiers and leaders.
“Although Al-Ardha is associated with war, it is also performed during special occasions such as the Eid celebrations or at weddings and has become a widespread practice throughout Saudi Arabia.”
In addition, specific Najdi clothing — consisting of a white thobe, a black headband and a diagonal ammunition belt — is worn for the dance.
The program started with a touching recitation from the Holy Qur'an followed by the school’s academic director's address in the girls' section and the principal's welcome address in the boys' section.
The little ones were ready with such astounding performances that took the audience’s breath away. The cultural programs were both varied and humorous.
A skit, titled "Unity in Diversity," effectively sent across the message that India's strength lies in its diversity, different languages and cultures.
The cultural programs for the day were well conceived, wonderfully choreographed and professionally delivered.
One of the shows highlighted the bond between Saudi and Indian culture.
Another pick of the day was a song "Baba Abdullah," a patriotic Saudi dance and song performed in dedication to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, in which the singers prayed for the monarch’s speedy recovery and health.
The fashion show by the school’s pre-nursery section also won the heart and minds of the audience. The captivating catwalk by young children with popular numbers played in the background kept people spellbound and glued to their seats.
The main objective of the Annual Day celebration was to provide a platform to the budding talents of the school and the function was able to achieve its objective. It was also a humble effort to highlight the bonding between the two rich cultures — Saudi and Indian, said Nadvi.
