A short and entertaining video featuring Monisha Kumar, choreographer, dancer and teacher prefaces this performance, informing and encapsulating the essence of Bollywood cinematic form and the characteristics of the dance.

My theatre partner, who is a complete novice viewer of dance, describes the first two dances as breathtaking.

Kumar opens the show with the prayer dance Natraj-The Dance of Shiva. Prostrated in the side splits that give way to a series of poised balances and sustained movements the dance symbolises the balance between form and void, hauntingly imitative of the image of the god Shiva, projected on the back wall.

As the other dancers enter, stunning in shining red satin crop tops and long skirts the young dancers showcase beauty and skill in Dheem, the welcome dance, their long black hair swishing, and the characteristic use of eyes and hand gestures, traditionally used to tell stories are captivating.

As the show progresses the fusion of Indian classical dance and Western style builds. Use of hips and torsos increases, referencing belly dancing, and we see Flamenco, ballet, modern jazz, funk, Samoan, Māori, hip hop and even a snippet of rhythmic gymnastics features, not to mention a touch of contact duet work in Love Song.

It’s fun, flirtatious, repetitive, rhythmical and effervescent. Typically performed in lines to lively music and a strong beat, the choreography diverts from this periodically, adding variety through duets and solos as well as groups. The costumes are vibrant and sparkling golds, reds, turquoise, and orange are also fused. Aspects of traditional costume and jewellery, glittering ankle bells and coin belts juxtapose hoodies, feathers, white gloves and belts adorned with Māori Koru patterns over black in the Māori/ Indian fusion dance.

The cast from the Monisha school of dance, aged 6  to 40 give a joyful and ebullient performance to a full house. Although they not professional dancers, and the transitions at times between dances were not always smooth the energy, youthful exuberance, smiles and expressive eyes warm our hearts. Some really dance their hearts out, and the younger dancers are particularly appealing, with a great sense of style for their age.

From the opening moments and throughout Kumar herself displayed charisma and star quality, her unexpected but fabulous entrance en pointe in luscious yellow making her look every bit like an exquisite butterfly in Vive La Bollywood Love Song. 

What better way to mix culture than through a showcase such as Viva La Bollywood. It is a melting pot of cultural expression in a  dance style that incorporates a variety of western genres, music, Māori motifs and a multicultural mix of dancers thus it appears to be the ultimate fusion of dance.

Interesting that this was also reflected in the audience which was diverse, both in ethnicity and age, and Vive La Bollywood has perhaps brought a whole new set of viewers to return to TAPAC and the Tempo festival.
_______________________________
For more production details, click on the title at the top of this review. Go to Home page to see other Reviews, recent Comments and Forum postings (under Chat Back), and News.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer