The dance theatre presentation this year, Nrityageet 35 features fusion dances with Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Folk and Popular, Chutney, Soca and Guyanese roots-based influences are all part of the repertoire for this year’s spectacular show that promises to wow and educate at the same time.
“New dancers are joining all the time learning and exploring the world of dance, learning from the greatest while adding their flair for the modern and different,” said the Director of the troupe, Dr. Seeta Shah Roath. “Nadira Shah Berry, Suzanne Shah Nilsson, and Rewattie Datt DaCosta are also currently training new dancers in traditional and modern even as they explore new trends and create new experiences. We are exploring futuristic dance theatre with ballet and modern dancers blending with influences of traditional styles with the best dancers in Guyana exploring new frontiers in the art form.”
Thirty-five years ago, the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe first started celebrating the arrival of the first batch of East Indians, to the then British Guiana, with Nrityageet. This year Nrityageet 35 is being held on the 3rd and 4th of May at the National Cultural Centre at 8pm. A children’s matinee show is scheduled for May 2nd at 1pm.
Nrityageet’s presentations showcase multiple dance styles reflecting the diversity of Guyanese roots and contemporary lifestyles. Although with an Indian classical, semi-classical and folk dance base, Nrityageet dance theatre explores modern ballet, Caribbean and fusion pieces with spectacular costuming, sets and multimedia settings that set the standards for dance and indeed theatre arts presentations in Guyana.
As the month of May approaches, many cultural organisations are in the throes of preparing for marking the month that carries that special day that is significant for remembering our ancestral heritage – Arrival Day observed on the 5th of May every year.
Nrityageet presentations have been recognised internationally for its high standards in dance theatre in Europe, United States, with the prestigious Madame Iffel Award of Barbados for the “Best Traditional Dance”. The Guyana Theatre Arts Awards recognized this troupe for its “Exceptional Diligence in the Pursuit of Excellence,” for “Best Dance Production” in 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, and 1999; “Best Costumes” in 2003, 2002, 2000, and 1997; “Best Sets” in 2003, 2004.. Most significantly, the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe M.S. received the National Award – the Medal of Service – for “Sustained and Outstanding Contribution to the Cultural Mosaic of Guyana” and the New York Folk Festival Award for “Long and Sustained Dance Productions of Excellence.”
The troupe has performed for national and international programmes such as the Inter-Guiana Cultural Festival, CARIFESTA, World Expo and many other programmes around the world.
Dr. Seeta Terry Shah Roath, Ed.D.
DIRECTOR /PRODUCER, NRITYAGEET