Dancing their way to the top spot

COMMEMORATING the 158th anniversary of Indians’ arrival in South Africa, the Kumari Veloshani Manicum Dance Academy showed the world how the country’s melting pot of different cultures has influenced the arts.

It won first prize in the semi classical group category at the India International Groovefest in Dubai.

The Phoenix-based dance academy, which was started by Veloshani Manicum in 2002, performed at the Hartland International Auditorium, Dubai on November 16 – which is also the anniversary of the first Indians to arrive on the shores of Natal. Manicum, a dance choreographer, said her academy specialises in bharatha natyam, modern and fusion dance.

“This was our first international performance and we are thrilled to bring home the trophy,” said Manicum.

The dance performance was a fusion of Alisha Chinai’s Made in India and Shakira’s Waka Waka. Manicum said the performance emphasised that while “come from India, we are proudly South African”.

“Winning this award has proven to us that we can compete at an international level and with the best,” she said.

“We hope our win inspires other local dancers to participate in international dance competitions. The world is starting to see that South Africa does have talent and it our time to shine.”