An Indian Dance School in the capital raised $1500 for the Wellington Free Ambulance, entertaining an appreciative audience with its students presenting scintillating performances of Bharata Natyam.
Students of Natraj School of Dance presented ‘Namasankeerthanam,’ with synchronised footwork and facial and body expressions, dancing to the songs composed by many well-known saints of India.
Sponsored by Asia NZ Foundation, the programme was held at the Victoria Memorial Theatre, Victoria University on September 29.
Founder-Director of the Lower Hutt based Natraj School of Dance Prabha Ravi, who choreographed the dance items, said that the programme showcased one of the most popular dance styles of India with a difference.
“It was a unique production and first of its type in New Zealand. The focus of each piece was different, with the energy level changing for each item,” she said.
Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, who was a Guest of Honour said that the dance school was contributing to the promotion of Wellington as the ‘Art Capital of New Zealand.’
Established in 1999, the institution has trained more than 350 students, with three students presenting their Arangetram.
“As a community based school to promote Indian art and culture, we provide an opportunity to all New Zealanders who wish to learn this art form irrespective of their ethnic background, age or gender,” Mrs Ravi said.
A recipient of the ‘Hutt City Mayoral Civic Awards for Cultural Affairs’ in 2011 and the ‘New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Council Cultural Award’ in 2012, she has been training her students to perform Bharata Natyam with passion, devotion and dedication.
Her students regularly perform at a number of events including the Diwali Festival organised by Asia NZ Foundation at the TSB Arena in Wellington on October 21.
Photo :
Students of Natraj School of Dance presenting ‘Thodaka Mangalam,’an invocatory dance item.
Wellington Free Ambulance Finance Manager Melanie Cotterill and Emergency Preparedness Manager Andy Parr with Prabha Ravi
