Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
Lovers of Indian classical dances in Wellington will enjoy a double treat as ‘Nritya Sandha,’ a programme of Bharata Natyam and Kathak gets to the stage at 530 pm on October 1, 2016.
Suparna Basu, Founder and Director of the Academy said that such programmes evince widespread interest.
Double Opportunity
“The forthcoming programme will be an opportunity not only for the students to demonstrate their skills, but also for the capital to witness an impressive blend of graceful moves, beautiful costumes, foot-tapping rhythm and lilting music, in a visual and auditory feast. Our programmes are creatively choreographed with lighting and special effects, well-knit structure, smooth flow and artful combination of the traditional and modern,” she said.
Growing Students
“The Academy started with 11 children in 2012 and has grown to be a major Indian Classical Dance institute in Wellington with classes held in Johnsonville, Petone and Miramar. It prides itself of a syllabus and an examination system with certificates and mark sheets, for each of the dance forms taught. The Academy follows a skill-based system under which students are categorised by their skill level rather than their duration as a student,” Ms Basu said.
About Kathak
Kathak is a classical dance form that traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient Northern India, known as Kathakars or storytellers, primarily as a means of portraying the epic tales.
It absorbed traces of temple and ritual dances, the influence of the Bhakti Movement and certain features of Persian and Central Asian dances imported by the Royal Courts of the Mughal era.
Out of three major schools or Gharanas of Kathak, Mayur Dance Academy specialises in the Jaipur Gharana, which was born in the courts of the Kachwaha Rajput Kings.
Tickets on Sale
Tickets priced at $45 (Family with two adults and two children up to the age of 12), $20 (Adults), $15 (Children between 5 and 12 years) are on sale. Free entry for children below five years of age. Website www.mayur-dance.co.nz, through the link Production 2016.
Further details can be obtained from Suparna Basu on 021-1431341.
Email: suparna.basu2010@gmail.com
Photo:
- Suparna Basu
- Students performing a Kathak number
- Bharata Natyam students of the Mayur Dance Academy (Pictures by Ashutosh Mohanthy)
