by Evvi Persad

On Wednesday October 11th, 2017, students of the APA Dance Studio and the Certificate in Indian Music programme led the annual APA Divali celebration under the guidance of dance instructors Mondira Balkaransingh and Susan Mohip, and Assistant Professor of Indian Classical Music, Dr. Ruby Mallik.

With a theatre style setting in the foyer of the Academy for the Performing Arts (APA), the presentation commenced with the ceremonial lighting of deyas by APA Director Professor Kwame Ryan and members of the dance faulty, following which Dr. Mallik welcomed the audience.  She reminded them that Divali symbolises the ushering of light into the world, and then allowed a moment for reflection on this message.  Regrettably, the ghungroos (bells) on the dancers' ankles and boisterous students elsewhere in the acoustically challenging APA building made it difficult for stillness to settle over those sitting in the foyer.

…a "competition" among the dancers to see who could impress the most…

Once the performance began however, any irritation was forgotten.  Ragas performed by students of the Certificate in Indian Classical Musicians  programme by five vocalists accompanied by tabla, harmonium and keyboard opened the welcome space for reflection and introspection in what was an otherwise busy day at APA.



The musical sections were followed without interval by the first of five dance pieces. Dressed in brightly coloured costumes in shades of purple, green and pink Level Three students opened the programme of dance with an Odissi invocation piece - a simple and a lovely ease into the second part of the afternoon's proceedings.

This was followed by a much-anticipated performance by the Level Four students, presenting their fast-paced kathak choreography. Mondira Balkaransingh described it as a "competition" among the dancers to see who could impress the most. And impress they did all dressed in gold! This style of choreography always generates excitement as the audience applauds after each isolation. Kernesha Ramai and Ariel Thomas stood out amongst the group with their captivating expressions and high energy.

…the bringing of light to all corners of the earth…

The Level Two students followed with a slower paced Kathak performance. The ladies wore pink and green while the men wore blue and green, all accented with gold. The kathak was then followed by an atmospheric Odissi piece with sticks as props, the location management of which caused the occasional delay.  To close the show and spread blessings within the building, the Level One students performed a deya dance. As a first experience with Indian Classical dance, theirs was a poignant offering, symbolising as it did the bringing of light to all corners of the earth.

E.P.