Naya Zamana 15- Dancing through the ages offered up the expected beauty, intensity and diversity that has become synonymous with the production. It was also another sold out performance.

Two dancers about to begin their piece at the recently held Naya Zamana (Photo courtesy Naya Zamana)

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Dharmic Nritya Sangh delivered solid, impressive performances easily taking the audience through the evolution of dance, and proving yet again that precision and artistry is an essential part of what the annual production is about.

The dances flowed from the energetic Jai Hanuman to the pulsating rhythms of Desi girls. Strong classical dances in Kathak, Kuchipudi and Odissi displayed the groups’ versatility and sound training in dance.

The younger dancers were delightful and outstanding, delivering a memorable and energetic performance featuring a little magician. Other outstanding scenes included Sookrane Boodhoo surrounded by a bevy of beautiful dancers against a palace backdrop.

The popular ‘Teri or’ drew comparisons of a rich Bollywood movie as scores of dancers in brightly coloured saris gracefully moved across the stage, and the second floor of the breathtaking palace backdrop. There was also ‘Symphony of Emotions’ which highlighted the serious issue of domestic violence. Some of the more seasoned dancers excelled in this piece as their movements and emotions effectively communicated to the audience that victims should leave before it is too late.

Dr Vindhya Persaud, Choreographer and Creative Director of the production recalled that the audience  roared with laughter during the ‘Bachelor’s Plight’ as the dancers clapped roti, held up a burnt egg plant and the hen-pecked husbands bent to the wives’ wishes. ‘Run the track’ was another crowd pleaser.

The production came off at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday last and drew solid reviews. Calls have been sounded for the troupe to take the show across the country.

The sets for the production were designed by Andrew Arts which has had an enduring relationship with the Dharmic Sabha.