An enchanting labour of love
BOLLYWOOD Enchanted is the latest presentation by the acclaimed Cape-based Indian dance troupe Taare. The dance interpretation of a timeless fairy tale will be staged at the Artscape Theatre on August 3 and 4 at 7.30pm, with a final matinee performance at 3pm on Sunday, August 5.
Taare, which loosely means Stars, was founded in 2012, with a mission to promote and preserve the Indian arts through the use of Bollywood song and dance.
The troupe provides a professional platform for aspiring dancers to pursue their passion. In doing so, Taare aims to contribute to the enrichment of the greater community through live performances. The dancers range from school-goers to university students and young, working professionals.
Taare have enjoyed great success with the “house full” signs going up for all their previous productions, including Dance through Bollywood, Rhythm India, Rivers of Emotion and Live Love Bollywood.
Ahneesh Valodia, the founder of Taare, excitedly explains the idea behind the latest production: “There was a desire to produce something innovative and theatrical, while still keeping within Taare’s mission. The idea of presenting a popular story through dance was inspired by one of the most beloved fairy tales of all time.”
Bollywood Enchanted plays host to several dance styles within the Indian dance genre, from Indian classical and folk dance to increasingly popular modern Bollywood dance.
In keeping with Taare’s vision to bring diverse people together using dance as a medium to break cultural barriers, these collaborations will see two very different styles at a time perform side by side.
A hallmark of Taare’s productions is the attention to detail, with elaborate costumes and props.
“Bollywood Enchanted is a truly visual spectacle filled with something for everyone,” says Valodia.
“Costumes are the most challenging aspect of a Bollywood show; however, we are proud that we can host an array of detailed costumes custom-made to specifically suit each dance style and scene included in this production”.
Valodia began dancing at the age of 8 and has never looked back. However, after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a degenerative muscular disorder, his career as a performer sadly came to an end. But his passion for dance remained ingrained.
At the age of 21, he founded Taare as way of pursuing dance through choreography, while creating a platform for dancers to pursue their passion for Bollywood dance and performance.
He is self-taught in Bollywood dance and trained in kathak (Indian classical dance), with exposure to several other dance styles. Recently he was approached to choreograph Bollywood dance sequences for the South African film Bhai’s Café.
The director, Maynard Kraak, initially concerned as to whether a local Bollywood dance troupe would be able to deliver international-class performances, was highly impressed with Valodia’s and the Taare dancers’ skills.
Valodia concludes, “Producing an entire story through dance has been a creative challenge, but a rewarding one, and we are excited to share this labour of love with our patrons.”
Tickets: www.computicket.co.za