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Namasankeerthanam: A Symphony In Motion

Published: Wed 12 Sep 2012 12:20 PM
Press Release
September 10, 2012
Wellington
Namasankeerthanam
A Symphony In Motion
Bharatanatyam Dance Production
Wellingtonians will be presented with an elegant ancient dance form by the students of Natraj School of Dance on the last Saturday evening of September 2012. The Bharatanatyam dance production “Namasankeerthanam – a symphony in motion” will comprise of dances performed by seventy dancers for devotional songs written by several saints from all over India in different languages.
It is a unique production and not done before in New Zealand. The focus of each piece is different; the energy changes throughout, says Mrs. Prabha Ravi -Founder, Director, Choreographer and Performer of Natraj School of Dance.
Bharatanatyam was being danced in temples and courts for nearly 1800 years in India. This dance tradition, although was known by different names from time to time, has come down through so many centuries. Bharata natyam which derived its name from the Natya Shastra (scripture) attributed to sage Bharata, is considered the foundation of most Indian performing arts.
Hindus believe that the easiest way to attain salvation,” Moksha” in this world is through music. Namasankeerthanam “chanting the name of the Lord in a musical form” presented as Bharatanatyam is not for mere entertainment alone, but through its religious and philosophical texture is meant to elevate the audience to a higher spiritual plane.
Natraj School of Dance, a Lower Hutt based Indian Classical Dance School has come a long way since its inception in 1999. The first production was at the Petone Library hall with a group of 15 children. Since then the school has trained over 350 students in the past 12 years. Three students have also successfully graduated from this school.
Mrs. Ravi, recipient of 2011 Hutt City Mayoral Civic Awards for Cultural Affairs and NZ Federation of Multicultural Council’s Cultural Award 2012, further adds that “we are a community based school and truly exist to promote Indian art and culture in NZ. We provide an opportunity to anyone who wishes to learn this art form irrespective of their ethnic background, age or gender. One of our missions is to provide as many opportunities as possible to our students to perform in public thus building the confidence to perform on stage at ease from a very young age.”
The students are regular performers at the Asia NZ Foundation Diwali festival, parliament Diwali celebrations, multi cultural festivals organized by the city councils and ethnic councils/organizations to name a few.
This dance production, sponsored by Asia NZ Foundation will be held on Saturday 29th September 2012 at 6.00 PM at the Victoria Memorial Theatre, Victoria University 19 Kelburn Parade Kelburn Wellington.
Tickets: $15 per person available from Radha 569 4420 or email geet777@hotmail.com
ENDS

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