Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 25, 2021
The cultural significance and aesthetic values of the dance formats of a number of countries will form a magnificent part of a colourful programme that will be staged from 7 pm on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Uxbridge Arts & Culture located at 35 Uxbridge Road, Mellons Bay, Howick, East Auckland.
Called, ‘DANZ,’ the cultural rhapsody is a product of imagination of popular performer, artiste and presenter Yugendran Vasudevan and his enthusiastic wife Hayma Malini Yugendran (nee Radakrishna) under the banner of their company, Rambutan Media Works.
A scintillating journey
Yugendran said that DANZ is a train journey that starts in China, proceeds to India and Sri Lanka boarding passengers who look to make New Zealand their home.
“The event will showcase cultural symbols, languages and art forms from the different countries and coalesces them with Maori culture as the train reaches its dream destination-Aotearoa,” he said.
Yugendran said that the event will feature seven segments and that each segment will be bilingual-English and a language relevant to that culture.
“For instance, the East segment will carry unique information about the state or the country, its food, a ramp show showcasing ethnic wear and a traditional art of that state and country.
We invite you to hop on board the train for an exhilarating journey,” he said.
Charu Chutani and Harsha Prakash (Kathak and Mohiniattam) Facebook
Performers and Hosts
Among the performers at the May 1, 2021 show are Harsha Prakash and Charu Chutani (Kathak and Kuchipudi presented by their Grandiose: The Creative Company), Niranjana Sethu (Bharata Natyam), Dr Dhanya Sreekanth (Mohini Attam presented by Tapasya School of Classical Dance), Kandyan Dance, Lion Dance, Nepalese Dance and Maori traditional dance, to mention a few.
Among the hosts are Ambika Krishnamoorthy, Athulya Mohandas, Gabriella Gonzalez, Lavanya Komal, Namratha, Pavithra Ashokkumar, Saankhya Soundhar, Sreekala Srihari, Sulaiha Ahmad and Vijay Padmanabhan.
A Cherished Tradition
Every country, state and region can boast of its culture and heritage, expressed through the medium of performing arts, especially dance, accompanied by music. Over the centuries, these dances have been cherished and promoted not only in the places of their origin but across the world with the expansion of the Diaspora.
The forthcoming event in Auckland is a demonstration of not only the penchant of the communities to showcase their cultural heritage but also the talent inherent in these communities. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate their competence.
All cultural dances have experienced an evolution, where traditional standards were either upheld or given up to more modern style choices. No matter what direction they have taken, cultural dances continue to hold our history, our livelihood, and our passions as a people.
Niranjana Sethu (Bharata Natyam) Picture Supplied
Movements of India
In modern times, the film industry of India dominates the dancing trends of this vast nation, much as how Hollywood has directed America toward hip hop dancing and social dance.
While the mainstream dances of Western culture can be found throughout India, this country has succeeded well at holding onto its original classical dance forms.
There are several distinct styles of Indian dance, and these can all be traced back to a specific people group or region. Among them are Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri and Sattriya.
There are also separate traditional dances for various religious festivals and other cultural events not found elsewhere in the world. India holds fast to some of the oldest roots in dance, as its styling can be traced back to the year 400 BC, and many of their folk dances continue to worship and pay homage to the same gods as their ancestors did so many years ago.
Folk Dances: An International Hobby
While most cultural dances are limited to a certain area of the world, folk dancing has enjoyed wide exposure and popularity internationally.
In fact, International Folk Dance itself is a wonderful fusion of multiple ethnic groups performing various dances as one. To participate in International Folk Dance, you do not have to be a certain nationality, as the dances are derived from different regions all over the world, providing a melting pot of movement that is beautiful and impressive to watch.
The history of folk dancing is rooted in the aspirations of early 20th century American immigrants, namely the Lithuanians who emphasised the importance of dance within a community and began the joining together of cultures and interests.
Today, international competitions and festivals are held all over the globe, and there are dance clubs focusing on International Folk Dance in many countries.
Dr Dhanya Sreekanth (Mohiniattam) INL File Photo
About Rambutan Media Works
Rambutan Media Works is a TV content and events production company established in Singapore in 2009, producing content for Singapore’s only local broadcaster MediaCorp Pte Ltd. The Company has been nominated for its works at all the Television Awards Ceremonies since its inception. It expanded into New Zealand in 2018 and has been successfully organising community events in Auckland. Miss Heritage 2021 and Mrs Heritage 2021 held on February 12, 2021 marked the launch of the Company’s annual pageant.
Rambutan regularly organises events for ethnic communities.
About Yugendran Vasudevan
Yugendran Vasudevan has hundreds of songs to his credit in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam and has experience as a Music Director and Programme Host.
Yugendran performed at the launch of ‘Swarna Oli’ a Radio Station in Sri Lanka in 1999, where he met his wife, Hayma Malini, a popular RJ host.
“Rambutan Media Works New Zealand Limited will be conducting another International music composers contest soon. We will be collaborating with a popular record label in India,” Mr Yugendran said.
For further information, write to yugendranvasudevan@gamil.com
The above story has been sponsored by
