Natraj group mesmerises NCC patrons
by Linda Rutherford
SEVEN American-bred young women, all extremely talented, under 21 and of Caribbean roots, charmed their way into the hearts of their audience two Wednesday evenings ago as the New York-based Natraj Cultural Group presented an evening of dance at the National Cultural Centre. Included in the star-studded troupe was the internationally acclaimed Vashnie Ambu, who, at 18, is not only a top-notch dancer, but an accomplished model as well, her latest assignment being with Tommy Hilfiger outfit. Others were Pratiksha Gosain, whom Agriculture Minister Mr Reepu Daman Persaud held as baby and had the privilege of naming, Ashwini Jairam, Sabriena Matthews, Sharon Ramgolam, Christina Singh and the baby of the troupe, 12-year-old Julia Devi Subrian. Their vast repertoire included bits of the classics, semi-classics, filmi and Bhangra (folk). The dance which fascinated the most and brought the house down was `Tarangam', said to be in praise of Lord Shiva and one of the most challenging items in the Kuchipudi repertoire in terms of abhinaya (expression) and nritta (steps). The artistes, Vashnie Ambu and Pratiksha Gosain, were made to prove their dexterity by performing complicated nrittas on the edge of a brass plate while balancing a jug of water each on their heads. Less technical, but equally mesmerising, was a sensual solo done by Vashnie Tambu to the music of `Chuma, Chuma'. Minister Persaud, who is credited with having been instrumental in the group's gaining access to the National Cultural Centre at short notice, described the evening's performance as "fantastic". "All the artistes performed exceptionally well," he said, noting that though they lived in the US which throbs of western customs and influences, they have yet managed to keep the Indian culture alive. He said that the first segment, which comprised the classics, like `Takshak' (a combination of Kathak, Bharatanatyam and Odissi), `Tarangam' and `Ramayana Sabdam', "truly brought out what Hinduism is". The Natraj Cultural Group was founded in New York in 1988 with the objective of helping a group of young dancers become innovative whilst at the same time sharing their knowledge of their Indian culture and heritage through dance and drama with other youths in the community. Throughout the years since, the group has assisted many religious and other cultural organisations here in Guyana in their efforts to promote cultural awareness, and in other fund-raising activities as well. It was the group's first performance here, though some of its members have graced us before with their presence. They also performed in Berbice and in Essequibo. The proceeds of all three shows are to go to local charitable causes such as the construction and repair of Mandirs, Ashrams and certain schools.
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