Connecting to their heritage
Indian classical dance and music are ways to preserve and promote the culture
LEARNING the art of Indian classical dance, music and song has kept Oriana Jacobs and Larushen Rajoo connected to their Indian cultural roots.
The duo are students at the Natya Kalalayum Academy of Music and Dance.
For Oriana, 13, who is Christian, Bharatha Natyam is not restricted to those who follow the Hindu faith.
She said the classical dance kept her grounded in her Indian heritage.
While watching a Bollywood movie with her paternal grandmother in January 2015, she saw an actress perform the intricate dance style.
“I was in awe of the intricacy of the movements, the outfits, and the make-up. I was nine and was learning modern dance and ballet. I did not know this form of dance existed and I was adamant I wanted to learn the classical dance,” said Oriana, a Grade 8 pupil at Westville Girls’ High School.
She said she was also motivated to learn so she could perform at her paternal grandfather’s birthday party later that year.
“For months, I watched videos, taught myself a dance routine, and I also had an eastern outfit made.
“After the birthday performance, I felt good. I felt like I connected with my Indian heritage and, added to that, I met my dance guru, Kantharuby Munsamy, at the dressmaker.”
Oriana said coming from an interracial family (her father is Indian and her mother is white and Jewish), learning Bharatha Natyam helped her learn about her Indian culture.
Her dad Quentin is a doctor, and her mom Kalene is a nurse.
“Despite living in a modern society, it is important for us to preserve our culture.
“Parents need to encourage their children to learn the traditional dances, so it does not die off.
“We are lucky to live in
South Africa, where our diversity is celebrated, and we need to embrace it.”
Vocalist and harmonium player Larushen, 15, of Pietermaritzburg, shared her sentiments.
The Grade 10 pupil, at Raisethorpe Secondary School, began playing the harmonium at age eight.
“I was watching a video on how playing an instrument could relieve stress and teach discipline, and the look and style of the harmonium caught my attention.”
His parents enrolled him in classes, under the tutelage of Collin Munsamy.
“Every time I play the instrument and sing in the Tamil language,
I feel a strong bond to my ancestors.
“Parents should encourage their children to not only play Western instruments but the Indian ones as well.
“This will ensure our culture is preserved in the years to come.”
His dad Kumarin is an engineering clerk and his mom Alice is a business support assistant.