Dancers happy to showcase classical Indian dance to wider audiences
GEORGE TOWN: Dancers from the Temple of Fine Arts Penang have been performing across the state this festive month, spreading Deepavali cheer through the art of classical Indian dance.
For K. Yushitra, 23, Deepavali is about sharing her passion for dance with wider audiences.
“Every Deepavali, I perform with other dancers at various malls. Sometimes, we even perform internationally.
“It’s fun, and I enjoy that we get to share our heritage and classical performances with crowds that might otherwise not experience them,” she said.
Yushitra, who has been dancing since she was six, said she often took part in multiple performances around the festive season.
Yushitra loves to dance and is deeply passionate about classical dance.
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in strategy and organisational management.
She will be celebrating the Festival of Lights with her family.
“My parents and I will go to the temple in the morning and then celebrate the festival at my grandmother’s house,” she added.
For chemist M. Pooja, 25, performing the Bharatanatyam during Deepavali brings her immense joy.
“I’ve always been interested in dancing, and my parents wanted me to learn classical dance as well.
“I’ve learnt Indian classical dance for 13 years and performed it at various events and celebrations over the years,” she said.
She said each performance requires about two weeks of preparation, with practice sessions held twice a week.
“We perform at different malls and even at state-organised celebrations,” she added.
Performing during Deepavali, Pooja said, gives her the chance to share her culture with others.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Indian classical dance forms, whether Bharatanatyam or Odissi,” she added.
As for this year’s celebration, Pooja said she is excited to spend time with family and friends.
“I have many relatives to visit, so it will be a memorable day.
“I’m mostly looking forward to eating all the scrumptious festive food,” she added.
