Help for the needy via dance

WITH flashing eyes and stamping feet, the dancers moved to the fast- paced music under the watchful eyes of their dance guru Dr Amirtha Devi Sakathevan. 

As the dancers changed positions swiftly to create different formations, their shared dream to make the charity dance performance a success, was slowly taking form.  

Expressivelot: Thedancerspractising theirmoves for theupcomingcharity danceperformance.

“This is our 16th annual production, and 60 dancers aged between six and 39 will take to the stage in aid of two charitable organisations - Divine Life Society in Kuala Kubu Baru and Persatuan Kebajikan Annai Illan in Batu Caves,” said Amirtha, the founder of Amirthanjali Dance Academy.  

The former takes care of those without parental care while the latter provides food, shelter and elementary education to children and their single parents, and also needy families.  

Themed Nrithanjali, which means “salutation to dance” or “welcome to the dance” in Tamil, the classical Bharatanatyam performance will take place on Jan 12 next year at 7pm at Dewan Sivik, Petaling Jaya.  

The main highlight of the two-hour performance is Vannam, which narrates the stories of Lord Shiva rejecting a devotee.  

“This main piece will be performed by eight girls. Many tales will be conveyed through their expressions and dance moves,” said Amirtha.  

The more than 10 dances will climax with Thillana, where the audience is set to be awed by the skilful formations.  

“Thillana is so full of life. The dancers come in and go, creating different formations. It is a joyous dance,” said Amirtha.  

The performance is a combined effort between Amirtha, the dancers and also their parents. 

All of them had a part in the preparations, including the production of backdrops, stage decorations, souvenir programmes as well as seeing to the dancers’ costumes and make-up.  

“We are very much a family. This event wouldn’t be a success without their cooperation,” said Amirtha.  

The entry to the performance is by way of donations between of RM50 and RM100.  

For more information, call 016 – 243 5580 (Vilasini), 016 – 372 8751 (Nisha) or 012 – 344 4273 (Vani).