By Candace Phillips
It was a night of elegance and frolic that showcased the loving bond between mother and daughter as Supa Stylistics held the 19th Annual Mother and Daughter Pageant last Saturday at the National Cultural Centre.
Celebrated under the theme ‘Love’s Magic Moment’, the pageant organisers Ingrid and Sulan Fung can be applauded for producing a programme which was successful in capturing the essence of the theme. In a nearly packed Cultural Centre, an atmosphere of anticipation hovered.
From the opening dance done by members of the National School of Dance, the stage was set for what was to be a truly enjoyable family-oriented evening. Contestants competed in the junior, middle and senior categories and displayed party, casual and formal wear respectively.
In the junior and middle categories, the art of costume transformation seemed to be the theme. There seemed to be a tinge of anticipation as to what surprise was to be had from the contestants. In one case a bag was rolled out and became a dress; chains doubled as headbands; parts of skirts were discarded to reveal pants.
In the junior category, Renita Duncan and Leshae emerged winners. They wore matching white dresses with red and purple spots for their attendance to a birthday party. Their dresses were designed by Olympia Sonaram and were complemented by white accessories. With ease they glided across the stage and captivated the audience.
In second place, Shivonne Gill and Donelle, in their green dresses with pink splashes sought to send a message about their concern about cancer and the environment. Their attire was designed by Sonia Noel.
Natalie King and Niveal placed third, and wore orange dresses with gold ruffles for a birthday party. From the moment they took the stage they had the crowd’s support and were able to set the tone for the rest of the competition.
In the middle category, ten pairs competed and the level of competition was keen. In this category, Shivonne Gill and Jenelle placed first. It was the night’s second prize for Shivonne as she placed second in the junior category with her other daughter Donelle.
In Sonia Noel creations they dazzled and effortlessly proved to be the best in this category. Their dresses were made of white linen accentuated with black and white stripes. The look was completed with matching red accessories
Karen Gordon-Boyle and Keziah placed second and were the strongest competitors for the first prize. They were dressed for a tea party in matching cream dresses which had painted peacock feathers. To complete the look, mom wore a large hat. Keziah’s skirt was able to transform into an apron which her mom would wear to serve persons. Her outfit then became a pants suit.
Kellianne Daniels and Keziah placed third. This pair had confidence and displayed their attire which depicted Guyana’s forests.
One of the notable pairs in this category was Shemane Short and Shemya who appeared on stage wearing blue tube top pants suits which later transformed into strapless orange dresses.
The much anticipated senior’s category lived up to the hype. Seven pairs competed in this category.
Sharon Singh and Lashauna, not surprisingly, emerged winners in this category. From the moment they took the stage they captured the hearts of the crowd. Dressed in matching rust-coloured gowns designed by Pat Coates they glided confidently across the stage. The similarity of their looks, the beautiful fit of their gowns and the apparent bond between the pair worked in their favour.
In the end, it was if the crowd anticipated the result, it was only left to decide second and third place.
Barbara Derrick and Tanisha who placed second, wore teal gowns, the colour selected was said to be a combination of the pair’s favorite colours. They beautifully displayed their gowns.
Veronica Charles and Micheala who were first on stage in this category, placed third. They wore gowns which were a combination of purple and silver.
There was a truly touching interpretive dance performed by a mother and daughter duo. With symmetric movements and beautiful choreography, the love and warmth between the pair could be felt and seemed to permeate throughout the cultural centre. This mesmerising dance may have well been the tear-jerker of the evening.
It was a well-coordinated show infused with creativity and tender moments. The audience was treated to a rare taste of wholesome entertainment. It leaves one to anticipate what the Fungs have up their sleeves for next year’s pageant.
