Kathak exponent Rina Singha, splendid in a maroon shalwar, her hair in a single plait reaching her waist, eyes accentuated with kohl, jewels on her forehead, and tinkling ghungroo strapped to her ankles, danced on a carpet as she told a story about Jesus.

The congregation at the Love and Faith Church was highly appreciative as the India-born Rina used the traditional Kathak choreography to tell about Jesus and the woman at the well. She did this first in mime and then in dance.

Her mime was seemingly effortless, the hallmark of a seasoned professional. Her hands and fingers assumed a life of their own as she related the story of the town's shady character who came to draw water in the heat of the day when the other women were indoors. Each crook of her fingers and flick of her wrists told their own story, and these subtle nuances were complemented by darting eyes and startling facial expressions. And then she told the story.

In the exciting, Kathak style, legs unbent, she executed flashing pirouettes, the bells on her feet jingling, her hair swirling and her arms and fingers fashioning filigreed patterns. All in all, the picture was one of oriental splendour that strangely, in a Guyana context that is, told the Christian story of divine forgiveness and the joy of having the burden of sin shifted from one's shoulders.

Cultural tolerance

Rina Singha is based in Canada, and her cross-cultural ministry in dance is her passion.

She grew up in a Christian family in India, in a Christian community, where she was spared the persecution from non-Christians that is the lot of Christian families in tribal districts and in neighbourhoods where religious extremists live.

"There is no persecution of Christians in the cities," Rina said in an interview.

"In my community, we lived as one big family," she said. "There were some Hindus and Muslims among us, but we visited each other's homes and shared in times of celebration such as weddings and birthdays and so on."

She learnt the Kathak at the feet of a celebrated guru.

In Toronto, where she is based, Rina is part of the Folk Dance Association, and under the association's aegis she dances all over the world. She holds a Master's in Education degree from the University of Toronto, and is involved in cross-cultural programmes in schools and universities around the world.

The focus of her programmes is always promoting cultural tolerance.

"I began by teaching my daughters about the world in a fair way, to be aware of their own culture and to be proud of it, while recognising the cultures of others and respecting these as well," she explains.

Rina Singha left Guyana's shores late last month, after performing in Christian churches in and out of the city.