Children of Tiny Tots English High School, Harmu, present a dance during their annual day celebrations; (below) students of Lala Lajpat Rai Senior Secondary School, Pundag, shake a leg in Ranchi on Friday. Pictures by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Jan. 30: It was celebration time at several schools in the city today. And dance performances dominated most of the shows.

The students of Sherwood (N) Academy, Bridgeford School, Tiny Tots English High School and Lala Lajpat Rai Senior Secondary School showcased a number of beautifully choreographed dance items ranging from fusion to qawali.

At Tiny Tots English High School, Harmu, the annual function began with a welcome song Aaye Hain Mehman Hamare Angaan Mein followed by Saraswati Vandana. Thereafter, the small children evoked feelings of patriotism on the stage by swaying to the Bollywood number, It happens only in India.

Parents were taken to the tribal heartland and sand dunes of Rajasthan when the students, flaunting colourful costumes, showcased a group tribal dance, Ucha nicha pahar parwat nadi nala, and a Rajasthani dance, Banan re baag mein jhula dalya.

Ghazals such as Hoto ko chu lo tum and Tumko dekha to ye khayal aaya drew a loud round of applause. The appreciation was no less when the kids shook a leg to the song Singh is Kinng.

But the crown was taken away by the comedy performance with the song, Ek Chatur nar kar ke singar, which saw the audience having a hearty laughter.

The cultural programme at Lala Lajpat Rai Senior Secondary School, Pundag, which was celebrating its annual day, was equally engrossing.

The chief guest was Union minister of state for food processing Subodh Kant Sahai. A host of cultural programme followed. Students kept the audience mesmerised by presenting songs such as Bam bam bole, Daddy cool, Hum hain hindustani but the Nepali dance was clearly the show-stealer.

Sahai said announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the construction of Lala Lajpat Rai Middle School.

At Sherwood (N) Academy, the students celebrated Saraswati Puja. The students came dressed in yellow. In the assembly, they were made aware of the importance of Basant Panchami and were told about Saraswati.

On the other hand, at Bridgeford School, a two-day annual function-cum-prize distribution ceremony started.