A power outage just before the end of the Nrityageet 25 dance production which was held at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday night, failed to stop the proceedings as performers clapped out the rhythm of their tunes and continued to dance.
Nrityageet, an annual production of the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe, celebrated its 25th anniversary. In an almost packed Cultural Centre, patrons enjoyed a variety of classical, folk, modern and chutney presentations. The production was also in commemoration of Indian Immigration day.
The show saw students of the dance school and their trainers taking the stage in 22 well-choreographed dances. The dancers wore rich costumes, which complemented the stage settings and helped to create a beautiful atmosphere.
Some of the dances included 'Shiva Vandana' which saw participation by the whole cast, 'In the Middle' which was performed by Nadira and Walter Berry, 'Giga', 'Bring Me back to life', 'Butterfly' and others.
The dance school is divided into juniors, intermediate and seniors. The three groups did performances separately and together.
Over the years the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe has won the Guyana Theatre Arts Awards for 'Best Dance Production', 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Set'. In 2002 the group received a national award - the medal of service - for sustained and outstanding contribution to the cultural mosaic of Guyana.
In addition to the Shah family, the troupe has over 35 dancers.
Over the years, a number of Nrityageet's senior dancers represented Guyana through performances and workshops in a number of countries around the world including the United States of America, Canada, Germany, Sweden and Egypt.
They were also part of the Guyana contingent for 'Caribana' and 'Carifesta' on a number of occasions, including last year in Suriname.
The music for Nrityageet is usually chosen from a universal repertoire. The producers for this year's show were Bhanmattie Shah who is responsible for the costumes, Seeta Shah Mohamed, the director, Nadira Shah Berry, the producer and artistic director, Indranie Shah Lennartson and Suzanne Shah Mohamed, the dancers and choreographers and Rajendra Shah also a dancer and the music co-ordinator. (Afeefah Stuart)