(Above: Chal Naach- Lets Dance. Pic supplied)
These companies offered a diverse dance experience in terms of style, costumes, and choreography. I was most impressed by the myriad body types and ages that took to the stage. (Review by Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy)
The Playhouse Company is a faithful supporter of local artists who are trying to maintain audiences for theatre. With their support, Chal Naach- Lets Dance, produced by Sayen Mirza and directed by Pavishen Paideya, brings five of Durban's Indian dance companies together to create a dance explosion on stage. Indian dance performances of all genres have endured a long history in South Africa. From Classical dance to Bollywood expression these dance forms have remained a crowd favourite with Indian audiences of all ages.
This year the production invites local audiences to relish in the dance practices of several dance companies, namely Rudra Dance Theatre, Paramathman Dance Theatre, Kumari Shiksha Dance Institute, Vande Mataram Productions and Nehaal Productions. These companies offered a diverse dance experience in terms of style, costumes, and choreography. I was most impressed by the myriad body types and ages that took to the stage.
The show has wow factor from the get-go. The energy on stage was electrifying. The colourful costumes were mesmerizing and the dance sequences utterly immersive. Concerts like this remind us of our connection to the motherland through Bollywood where many popular hits were reimagined with a uniquely South African flavour. I was truly blown away by the diversity in styles and music from old and new.
Some dancers looked a little tired in some dances but this is to be expected, and forgiven when dancers are pushing themselves in several dance numbers for two shows in the day. I certainly look forward to next year’s smashing show with great anticipation and expectations. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy