Junior Akshaya Selvamani MC's for the event which she, along with the help of other junior Sindhu Keepudi, have organized as part of a fundraiser. Photo courtesy Akshaya Selvamani.

by Divya Kumar
News Editor

Classical Dance is a large part of everyday life in India. Several people with aspirations to live up to these dancing dreams are unable to, however, due to certain handicapped restrictions. Ability Unlimited aims towards raising money to teach these people how to dance, in order to gain a professional career in the art, despite their disability.

Though this organization exists mainly in India, two Coppell juniors have found a way to bring it to America, to help raise money and awareness of the issue locally.

Junior Akshaya Selvamani was in charge of organizing this event on the high school level. Selvamanni participates in all types of Indian classical dance, as well as being involved in competitive ballroom dancing. The idea for the program, however, came in response to her own injury.

“I tore my ACL [Anterior Cruciate Ligament] two years ago while dancing,” Selvamani said. “I had to get knee surgery, and ever since then, dancing has been much more of a challenge. It’s so devastating to have your dreams snatched away like that.”

This ability to relate to some of the disabled dancers pulls Selvamani much closer in towards the program.

“I was searching on Google and happened to stumble across this,” Selvamani said. “I realized that this program meant a lot to me, because these kids were so much more disabled than I was, yet they’re still willing to dance and go for their dreams.”

Selvamani then enlisted in the help of fellow IB (International Baccalaureate) junior, Sindhu Keepudi, who agreed to help out. Together, approached the Alora Performing Arts Center – an Indian dance group that does fundraisers similar t

o this one – and spoke to Vani Iswara, a dance teacher at the group. They requested help from the company in organizing the event and finding ways to reach other dance teachers around the area.

“She was really helpful,” Keepudi said. “Most teachers wouldn’t be responsive if two teenage girls asked them for help, but she was able to establish contacts for us, while keeping us in the loop with everything that was happening.”

The goal of the two girls was to have all the differe

nt types of classical dances in India performed during a show and raise money through the selling of tickets – which were $10 as a minimum donation, though more could be offered. All money through ticket commissions would be given to the organization.

“We figured a show would be the coolest way t

Several of the classical dances featured bright costumes and elaborate makeup. Photo courtesy Akshaya Selvamani.

o raise money,” Keepudi said. “We’re getting money by showing these people what they’d be sponsoring these kids in India to do.”

Together, the girls were able to book a venue at the Granville Arts Center on March 6, sell all the tickets and organize the event. However, for the actual day of the show, they enlisted in the help of IB students. In return, these IB students would receive CAS hours, which are certain types of service hours, such as helping out with the organization and running of the show, that are necessary for the students to have in order to graduate.

The performance featured several styles of classical dance found within India. These dances are often done to rhythmic beats of specific instruments such as the table, similar to the drum, and a sitar, similar to a guitar. Most dances require the wearing of ghungroos, which are bells attached to the ankles of dancers while they dance.

“It was really cool to watch,” IB junior Daniela Gaitan said. “I’ve never seen Indian dance, and I feel like I learned a lot watching it. Plus, the costumes and music and dances were all so beautiful. It was more fun than work.”

Selvamani and Keepudi raised $5,000 to donate to the program. Both express relief at the end of the show, but pride in its success.

“I loved the program – it was great,” Selvamani said. “I really want to make it an annual event and make sure these kids get to live their dreams.”

I can say with relative assurance I know quite a bit about Alice in Wonderland. Beyond it being my favorite book, I’ve also been working on a 4,000-word extended paper this year as one of my assignments, requiring research and understanding of the novel as a whole. Therefore, when I heard that Alice was going to be made into a movie, that too by Tim Burton, a director creepy enough to maintain the original twisted plot of the novel, I was beyond excited.

However, after returning from my trip down the rabbit hole, none of the positive sentiments I had anticipated were left behind. Besides being lackluster and original, the previous, cartoon Disney version of the film seemed to be more confusing and frightening than the one created by Burton, the man specializing in dark films.

While my dislike for the movie may be somewhat unfounded, since many of my assertions are based off differences with the book, there are some major attributes drawing me away from it. For starters, the very cliché “good vs. evil” plot surrounding the entire movie was not only typical of any alternate world movie, but draws away from the main appeal of Wonderland – its apparent lack of order.

Many are quick to judge Wonderland as an acid trip because of its seemingly mad characters and random occurrences. (I might add that it is not, notably since Lewis Carroll’s previous and following novels are all focused around rather logical subject matters, such as math and chess, along with the fact that Carroll did not indulge in any drugs.) This lack of order is created to symbolize how in a world of chaos, also known as the “real world” or the adult world, the most logical person is a child. Alice is, in fact, a satire on the delusions and propriety of society.

The movie, however, fails to follow with this theme. By providing a definite plot and sequence of events Alice [Mia Wasikowska] is to follow, Wonderland now takes on a more logical stance and is not as chaotic as before. The building tension towards a final war scene is common and overdone in many movies, and serves the same role within this one.

Yet another blatant similarity within the movie can be seen during its ending. A kiss from the ‘better’ sister, a wish to go home and leaving friends behind despite their urging and then returning to see characters reminiscent of those in the alternate world – similarities The Wizard of Oz are bitingly evident. And while these two novels can be comparable at points, the twist of the Alice movie to fit the end of The Wizard of Oz is simply unnecessary and another aspect changed from the book.  

Another overplayed idea shoved into the movie is the romantic tension between Alice and the Mad Hatter [Johnny Depp]. While this said romance is not blatantly brought forth, several scenes between the two characters were often surrounded by a more gentle tone than that which was focused upon in other areas of the movie.

Since that the characters are so different, it is obvious that no romantic affair would be produced, however, if they were to be placed in any other, less fantasy-like setting, the building romantic tension between the two would appear much more obvious. While I’m just as much as a sucker for love as any other moviegoer, the relationship between Alice and the Mad Hatter seems to have more of a basis on Burton wishing for more of Depp’s presence on screen, rather than character similarity.

That being said, the extended amount of Depp on screen proves to be one of the better facets of the movie. While his acting is usually impeccable, it reaches its peak within Alice, and I found myself craning for another glimpse of the Mad Hatter and whatever new façade he was to put on next. Alongside him, Helena Bonham-Carter, playing the Red Queen, also does a fantastic job within the movie, evoking the emotions of both fear and pity from viewers.

Perhaps the best part of this entire movie that had me hooked, despite my somewhat distaste for its plot, is its graphics. Since the release of Avatar, 3D animation and design is taking movie-watching to a whole new level, and Alice has clearly risen to meet the challenge. All of the creatures depicted seem to reflect the images I’d have of them in my mind, and the dazzling scenery of Wonderland – from the dark, twisted areas to the flowery, white ones – is intensified by magnificent imagery.

While I’m no connoisseur of digital animation, I can say the effects within this movie served to surpass almost all other features. The idea of a slithering fish servant or frog butlers may seem a stretch to many, but these unusual characters are featured brilliantly within Alice.

However, my personal focus when going to watch a movie is more on the plot, with digital effects only used as support – and despite the glimmering visuals presented, the lackluster theme still stood out strongly within Alice. While the movie on its own could stand for something relatively decent, in comparison to the intended effect of Wonderland, it barely met standards.

Maybe simply because it is rated PG, and therefore obviously directed towards audiences of younger ages, the plot line was reduced to something so basic. Regardless of the fact, my trip to Wonderland, instead of continuing to get “curiouser and curiouser” rather turned out to be wholly predictable.

Coppell High School’s tradition of a Spain trip over sping break is continuing this year. Eleven students and Spanish teacher Janine Kay will be traveling to the country of Spain for a week-long adventure.

The group has been planning for over a year to visit the Spanish-speaking country to immerse themselves in a new culture, touring, tasting and most of all speaking Spanish.

They will leave tomorrow morning on a 14-hour flight and return Sunday just before the start of school.

Planned activities include visiting museums, monuments, walks and tours, shopping and eating at restaurants. The best part about the Spain trip, aside from a grand experience in a foreign country as a high school student, is the freedom for the students to choose their own activities. The schedule is supposed to stay flexible and fun, the only promise being lots of walking.

Anybody was allowed to be in the group to travel to Spain when sign-up started last year, whether they be a Spanish class student or not. In past years, the vacation has been memorable and lots of fun, as is expected with any occasion with Ms. Kay.

Safe, fun and educational traveling to all who are going!

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/12/corey.haim.coroner/

The day before the glitz and glamour of the Academy Awards, a mimicry of this Hollywood flair unfolds in the ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel, as winners of the film contest are announced by well-coiffed professionals.

This scene, however, is set by teens, in the Student Television Network Convention in Anaheim, Calif. on March 3-6. The award ceremony closed a weekend of film contests, in which Coppell High School’s own KCBY competed—and, in promotional announcement, placed second out of hundreds.

Though the 21 staff members had a chance to hang out and bond on the flight to Orange County, as they were for the most part the only passengers, everything was all business as soon as the wheels hit the tarmac; the first competition was just a short time away, and it was a rush to make it in time.

The teams competed seven events: standup, short story, public service announcement, spot feature, promotional announcement, commercial and 60 second staged. Due to unfortunate circumstances, however, the teams in short film and 60-second were disqualified by missing deadline by mere seconds.

“The best part was the experience,” senior KCBY program director Hannah Gill said. “One group didn’t meet deadline, one couldn’t edit, but we did win an award, and it was more real world experience that we get from just our show.”

Moreoever, KCBY gained another important life lesson about learning the most from loss.

“It was a really good experience that taught about deadlines and playing your part together,” senior KCBY program director Sterling VanStrohe said. “Also, since we thought [our project] was really good but didn’t place, [we realized that] our [hard work and effort] should show and we should still be proud of it.”

Ultimately, the weekend was successful, marked not only by personal growth, but also by the unexpected victory in promotional announcement, which is similar to a commercial. 

In all, through all the successes and experiences, KCBY gives the high school something to be proud of.

“It was a tremendous opportunity for them to be surrounded by thousands of students dedicated to what we do: video production,” KCBY advisor Irma Kennedy said. “It was motivating for them to see kids motivated that way.”

Before you all go off into spring break, check out this happy great video from She & Him, “In the Sun.”

Imagine Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” video but for the hipster set.

And now for your viewing pleasure…

“We won, but in a game against a team like Canterbury we had hoped for better,” team captain junior Zack Korman said.

While the victory is a good sign after Coppell’s loss to Jesuit 54-0, the team had been hoping to have done better in the game. The team’s next match will be on March 27th against Keller.

Staff Writer

On Wednesday, I traveled with seven other newspaper students to SMU in Dallas where we all attended Dallas Morning News Day. The event consisted of two sessions where we were able to choose different seminars to attend.

The journalists who spoke at the seminars were extremely inspiring. Coming home, I felt like I now had all of the tools to become a successful journalist, even if I haven’t decided whether or not I will always want to pursue it.

Jean-Jacques Taylor, a sports columnist for the Dallas Morning News, and his colleagues from the sports world gave the room of budding journalists, innumerable journalism tips. I learned three very important lessons from him.

1. Develop relationships with sources, talk to people and deserve respect.

I didn’t realize how much of good reporting is just talking and making connections, something most of us have been doing since our elementary school day. Keeping the source in mind and respecting them when they ask something to be cut from a story is one of the important ways to maintain good relationships and mutual respect.

1. Dabble in multiple areas

To be a journalist, you have to be knowledgeable about a variety of subjects, but specifically whatever beat, or topic, you cover for the paper. In college, they said said, it is important to branch out and learn about a variety of things that interest you so you can sound credible when you write about an issue.

1. Work hard

Taylor said that he once asked a mentor the best way to succeed in reporting. His mentor said, “Work hard.” Taylor said he was already working hard, but the mentor replied, “Work harder.” He credits this advice with his success.

After all of the things I have learned, I hope to be a better, better-rounded journalist, who can deserve respect from sources. Oh, and I’m going to start working a whole lot harder too.

To view Jean-Jacques Taylor’s blogs, visit: http://jacquestaylorblog.dallasnews.com/

Staff Writer

The top movies of all time are not likely to relinquish their titles anytime soon, nor should they have to. These movies will make you look at actors, directors and producers in new light as they challenge what was previously known as a ‘good movie’, paving the road for those to come. Make some popcorn and settle in for a wild ride.

1.       The Shawshank Redemption

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman own big screen in this story about two men, a banker (Robbins) an inmate at Shawshank Prison (Freeman) in Maine. When the banker is accused of his wife’s murder he is sentenced to two year in the prison. Over the years the two men bond and find redemption through acts of common decency.

2.      Pulp Fiction

Another story about redemption, Pulp Fiction stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth Eric Stoltz, Bruce Willis and Amanda Plummer, star as two mob hit men, a boxer, and gangsters wife and a pair of diner bandits. These 6 stars are involved in four stories of violence that intertwine, forcing their lives together. Pulp Fiction won 44 awards, including an Oscar, and was nominated for another 40.

3.      Fight Club

Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and my favorite actress, Helena Bonham Carter (Tim Burton’s wife) star in this thought provoking narrative about two men who start an underground ‘fight club’ to help vent aggression. Simply put: AMAZING MOVIE. I better stop now because, after all, the first rule of fight club: ‘don’t talk about fight club.’

The top 10 box hits of all time:

1. Avatar
2. Titanic
3. The Dark Night
4. Star Wars (1997)
5. Shrek 2
6. ET: The Extra – Terrestrial
7. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
9. Spider – Man
10. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The top 10 movies nominated by users of IMDb:

1. The Shawshank Redemption
2. The Godfather
3. The Godfather: Part II
4. II buono, il brutto, il cattivo
5. Pulp Fiction
6. Schindler’s List
7. 12 Angry Men
8. On Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
9. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
10. The Dark Night