THE Schools’ Dance 1 and masquerade competitions were underway yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with participants showcasing immense talent, skills and values in the art form.

The children’s Mashramani competition is part of the many activities staged annually and organised for its aesthetic expression which captivated the attention of several spectators.

The hall was packed and the spirits were high as students vied for top honours in the dance and masquerade segments of the competition which forms part of the programme in the run-up to the annual republic anniversary celebrations.

The performances by the students were exceptional as the battle unfolded for the children’s costume competition to be held today followed by the dance and masquerade finals on Friday at the National Park, also in Georgetown.

The dance contest featured three categories: ‘Interpretive’, ‘Fantasy’ and ‘Religious Beliefs’.

Kingston Nursery won the judges’ approval in the ‘Religious’ category with their presentation of “Victory”, while Palmville Nursery, which presented “Jump for Jesus” placed second, followed by Lodge Nursery with their performance of “Glorifiers”.

In the ‘Fantasy’ category, South Ruimveldt Nursery emerged the winner with their performance of “Flower Jamboree”.

Stella Maris Nursery took second spot and Sherman’s Nursery came in third.

Moreover, Gacestock Nursery secured the winning spot in the ‘Interpretive’ category with their performance of “Celebrating Mash in Unity” followed by Smyth Street Nursery and Selman Fraser who placed second and third respectively.

Meanwhile in the 5-7 Dance 1 group, ABC Academy emerged the winner in the ‘Religious Belief’ category with their performance of “Glorification”.

St. Agnes Primary placed second followed by West Ruimveldt Primary who came in third.

Within the same group in the ‘Fantasy’ category, St. Agnes Primary claimed the winning spot since it was the only school that participated.

St. Agnes Primary for the second time secured victory in the ‘Interpretive’ category with their presentation of “Mash Alive” followed by Winfer Gardens and Stella Maris.

According to the Convener, Ms. Barbara Andrews, this year the support is overwhelming with the participation of over thirty-five schools from Georgetown.

She further noted that this year’s performance is better in comparison to last year as a result of the participation and its competitiveness.