The Anavarata Dance Institute has
celebrated many successful achievements as the oldest Indian dance-based
organization on the African continent. In July 2013, it joined forces with the
Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Durban to raise funds for worthy
organisations in this year’s tour of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Anusia Pillay is an established classical
dance artist, a renowned choreographer and co-founder of the Anavarata Dance
Institute, which was initially established by Anusia’s late mother, Rani
Govender and her sister Prema Nydoo in 1961. She has made strides in the community
by introducing a multicultural; intercultural and diverse platform in which all
South Africans can be a part of – this is evident in this unique 100-minute
production. The first half promises a global feel that incorporates various
cultural delights, from Indo–African integration to medleys of Malaysia, Africa
and India; while the second part is 45 minute non-stop Bollywood Mashup. Especially choreographed for this event it brings
together golden oldies with current hits.
Anavarata has performed passionately for
packed audiences in Malaysia, South Africa, Mauritius and India. It was invited
to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 9th African Athletics
Championships in Durban in 1993. It made history by being the only South
African-Indian Dance based organization to participate in the SA Military
Tattoo, and the World Hindi Conference in Johannesburg in 2012. The dance
company is highly sought after and recommended by art connoisseurs. Anavarata
has always fostered a long term and definite vision – to be the best in the industry
and exceed performing arts expectations, both creatively and professionally.
“No short cuts to success”. Each company
member has gone through the process of exhaustive training in Sufi, Kathak,
Mughal, Odissi, Bollywood, Mauritian, Classical Dance, Authentic Folk, Indian
Tribal and Folk, Contemporary, Oriental, African and other allied performing
art skills. Integrity and Dynamism is the driving force behind the company.
“Our journey over 52 years within the South
African, African and global landscape also incorporates a homage to our Indian
roots and focuses on the multicultural journey we have taken to become truly
South African”, says Anusia Pillay, co-founder of the Anavarata Dance
Institute. Currently, the Institute provides free training and skills
development in dance and theatrical performances in various areas in Gauteng.
There will be two performances in KZN before
Anavarata’s return to Johannesburg:
August 24 at 16h00 in the Umzinto Hall
August 25 in Phoenix, Newcastle
For more information contact Anusia Pillay
on 084 510 5148 or email: marueafrica@gmail.com
or visit www.anavarata.co.za
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