Three-hour classical Indian dance performance enthralled audience

Tuesday December 7, 2010


Three-hour classical Indian dance performance enthralled audience

MALACCA: It was an enchanting night dedicated to the appreciation of classical Indian cultural dance through the graceful and intricate performance of R. Chandramohan and his disciples in Malacca recently.

For the first time, the renowned Indian dance guru from Kuantan, Pahang staged a three-hour show with his 38 disciples before a 500-strong audience at the Malacca International Trade Centre (MITC) convention hall.

Keeping the art alive: It was an enchanting night watching live performance of classical Indian dance by R. Chandramohan and his disciples.

Featuring intricate footwork and elaborate hand gestures, a line-up of 20 baratha natyam and kuchipudi captivated the crowd with their moves which were accompanied by traditional Telugu songs, mainly singing praise to the Hindu goddesses.

The graceful dance movements coupled with the dancers’ expressive eyes and facial expressions mesmerised the audience throughout the night.
A member of the organising committee K. Arendevi said the show was put up by the Warisan Seni and Kebudayaan Sri Nandhigeswarar to raise fund for its new academy building in Kuala Selangor.

The academy, founded by Chandramohan in March 2006, aimed at raising awareness, interest, understanding and appreciation for Indian dance and culture.



Expresive: A female dancer showing some of the elaborate hand gestures



“It started as a cultural academy for the preservation of tradition Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music. “Courses on traditional baratha natyam and kuchipudi dance, sangeetham or vocals, traditional music instruments, thevaram recital and yoga including nattuvangam (dance recital) are also offered in the academy,” she said.With 24 years of experience in the art of Indian classic dance, Chandramohan said he believed Indian dance forms should be firmly entrenched in the evolving Indian culture in Malaysia.“I wish to see more young people participating and committing themselves to perfecting and keeping the art of classical Indian dance alive,” he said.Throughout the years, his dance academy has expanded and he conducts dance classes daily in Rawang, Shah Alam and Cameron Highlands with his daily routine starting as early as 5am.

Start young: Two young female dancers clad in colourful costume dancing for the audience.

His students range from the youngest at four years old until “as long as you can dance”.
“I hope the direction I take would see the ancient Indian dance forms flourish in Malaysia,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk T.Murugiah who was also present to watch the performance said he was entertained by Chandramohan’s captivating performance.
“The younger Indian generation should learn to understand and appreciate their origins and roots before they are forgotten.“Culture is what makes a community unique and the values must be inherited,” he added.


http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?sec=southneast&file=%2F2010%2F12%2F7%2Fsouthneast%2F7512318