Trinidad audience enthralled with Indian version of , “Romeo and Juliet”
By PARAS RAMOUTAR.
It was executed with cinematic precision at Divali Nagar on Saturday night before an appreciative audience which newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner, ShriArun Kumar Sahuattende.Also, present were ShriJagoria, Director, Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Cultural Co-operation, ShriAnnirudhaDass, Second Secretary, Indian High Commission, and MPs DrSurujRambachan, and DrLackramBodoe, both are Opposition MPs.
Dr. Bodoe delivered the feature address, and High Commissioner Sahu gave a short addressing promising to assist anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in dancing in India on scholarships.
The three-hour show is entitled, “Aarohan” called the Indian version of, “Romeo and Juliet”, and it was produced by Kathak exponent, PoojaMalhorta founder of the now famous,Pratibha Arts Dance company(PADC).
The concert was, “a piece of creativity and as well a cultural treat in dance performances showcasing kathak, classical and Bollywood styles.” The show was an intricate view of the art of kathak. Additionally, there were several light moments, thus ensuring that it was a perfect family and cultural event.
Malhotra teaches dance at several locations across the country, including Caparo,Debe, Divali Nagar, Corinth and Saraswati Girls’ High School.
Dancers at the show ranged from two and a half old, with a cast of 44 participants, who received standing ovations because of the professional inputs by Malhotra.
Malhotra holds a Master’s degree in Kathak Dance, a Master’s degree in Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and she began dancing at the age of four years under her first guru, the late ShriChamanLallKhanna. During her early ears, she excelled and won many competitions and awards such as the coveted Bal Shree Award and performed for Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi and the setting president at the time.
In 1980, she joined the world famous Kathak Kala Kendra and studied Kathak under guru, Srimati Reba Vidyarti for 11 years. She went on to a post graduate diploma in Kathak living under the guidance of PadamVibhushan, the living legend dance, Pt. Sri BirjuMaharaj, and after teaching for almost 31 years she founded the PADC with the aim of promoting and perpetuating the art of Kathak. She came to Trinidad and Tobago pursuant to an agreement with the Government of India through the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation to teach dance, after developing a great love and affinity for Trinidad and Tobago she stayed on.
The PADC, brain-child of SrimatiMalhotra was founded in 2014 and its aim is to promote the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India. It encourages innovative approaches to movement, and is working to explore similar interests in the Caribbean.
Source: World Hindu Network