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Auckland schools get a taste of Diwali
Media release
1 October 2013
Auckland schools get a taste of Diwali
“The mask is a vital element in the dance,” says choreographer Gopal Dubey, leader of the Trinetra Chhau Dance Centre set up in 1985 in Seraikella. It liberates the dancer and places greater emphasis on the movement of the body.”
Five Auckland primary schools will get a taste of Auckland Diwali Festival celebrations this month as part of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s ‘Asia Awareness in Schools’ programme.
A 90-minute programme of dance and music – including traditional masked Chhau dancing by a renowned troupe from Jharkhand State in east India – will be performed for Churchill Park School, Kauri Park School, Cornwall Park District School, Waterlea School and Mangere Central School pupils.
Jennifer King, from Asia New Zealand Foundation, says: “These schools are all members of our ‘Principals’ Asia Aware Network’ designed to promote studies of Asia in New Zealand schools. The visits will give students a unique insight into Diwali Festival and Indian culture which is outside their everyday experiences.”
The school programme starts on Monday, 21 October after a weekend of Diwali festivities in Aotea Square and Queen Street, where Aucklanders will have the chance to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of India.
The 12th annual Auckland Diwali Festival is one of three major social anchor events run by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). The event – on from noon to 9pm on both Saturday and Sunday – is Auckland’s largest free multicultural vegetarian festival and is set to attract thousands of Aucklanders.
Ella Kumar, Cultural and Heritage representative for Asia New Zealand is well known for her skills in teaching Bollywood dance and will lead the schools programme.
“The programme is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn more about the changing face of our city and means they can also interact with expert artists. The teachers rave about the programme and the kids just love it,” says Ella Kumar.
To find out more about Auckland Diwali Festival visit aucklandnz.com/diwali
Ends
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