Water Ballet
ILSS is probably best known for its Water Ballet. Unique in many ways it has been a huge draw in town. It was also the main fundraiser for the club. Galleries are erected on all sides of the Pool where the viewers are seated. Tagore Musical Dance Dramas were the eternal favourites - as well as various Mythological Stories and Adaptations of Children's Plays. Swimmers Swimmers play-acted in water under arc-lights, dressed in over the top costumes made out of coloured water-proof material, to the live/recorded audio.
For members of the club, the real entertainment has been the rehearsals that started several months in advance. Several well known names like, Shanti Bose (direct disciple of Uday Shankar), Reena Chakraborty, Meenakshi Goswami (well known thespian and cinema actor), Sutapa Talukdar (nee Banerjee - well known Odissi danseuse), have directed, played lead roles in the various water ballets.
What set the Anderson Club apart from other clubs was the spirit of bonhomie of an extended family, which blossomed during these Water Ballets. For many years the Club did not even have a regular restaurant. Only a modest canteen that served tea and snacks. There was no other sporting activity throughout the season - except table tennis and carrom. Not even cards. But, what it did provide in ample measure were the ingredients for wholesome "Adda" which is the primary source of sustenance for the Bengali soul and which happened between performers, their parents and all others during these water ballets
Photo Gallery of Previous Water Ballets
