‘Ohm Namah Shivaya’ on Feb 17 in Lower Hutt
The Supreme Power of Lord Shiva, known as the ‘Destroyer of all Evils,’ and some of His manifestations will form the core of a dance production called, ‘Ohm Namah Shivaya,’ to be held in Lower Hutt next month.
Organised, choreographed, produced and directed by Prabha Ravi, Director, Natraj School of Dance, the dance drama is scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 twice- once at 330 pm and again at 7 pm at the Little Theatre located at Laings Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington.
The following is a report sent by Prabha Ravi:
This year’s thematic production is in praise of Lord Shiva, the Third Deity of the Trinity, with Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
The Sanskrit word ‘Shiva’ means Auspicious or Pure.
He is also known as Lord Nataraja, the Lord of Dance and Cosmic Dancer.
Centre of the Universe
His dance of creation is said to have been performed in Chidambaram, an important Shaiva Centre in South India, a place that is identified with both the centre of the universe and the human heart.
The forthcoming Dance Drama will see various forms of Lord Shiva and his Tandavams.
The gestures of the dance would represent Shiva’s five activities (Panchakritya): Creation (symbolised by the Drum), Protection (by the ‘fear-not’ pose of the Hand), Destruction (by Fire), embodiment (by the Foot planted on the ground), and Release (by the other Foot held aloft).
Over 50 students of Natraj School of Dance will be performing in this year’s production.
The two-hour performance will involve children as young as five years of age to adults.
This year two professional dancers from USA and Australia will also be performing at the show.
Transcending Time
Bharata Natyam is an art that transcends time and age.
Indian classical dance is not merely moving your body to a rhythm. It is a discovery of your roots, philosophy, mythology, language, culture and many other facets of life. Every child develops one’s personality and mind by learning this dance. Many youths have benefited immensely through the dance school in learning this valuable art.
Editor’s Note
About the School and Master
Natraj School of Dance is marking its 19th Anniversary this year, which in essence is a tribute to its Founder and Director.
The school specialises in teaching Bharatanatyam, and a number of its students have performed at community events in Wellington. More than 500 students have thus far been trained in Bharata Natyam at their School.
Ms Ravi has performed in Canada, Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand.
Over the past 20 years, she has also supported a number of community organisations including the Filipino community, the Multicultural Council of Wellington, the Wellington Tamil Society, the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council, the Wellington Mutamizh Sangam, Wellington Malayalee Association, Wellington Malaysian Association, Asia New Zealand Diwali Festival and ethnic celebrations hosted at New Zealand Parliament and for New Zealand Police.
Last year, she was on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and presented with Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for her contributions to Indian Arts and ethnic communities.
She is also a recipient of the Hutt City Mayoral Civic Award for her leadership in the field of fine arts.
For further information about ‘Ohm Namah Shivaya’ and tickets, please contact Natraj School of Dance on 021-817252; Email: natrajschoolofdance@gmail.com
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Photo Caption:
Prabha Ravi
(Supplied)
