Dance based on the planets

By Lia Bichel
MORE than 25 dancers from the City of Casey and City of Greater Dandenong will be taking centre stage this month.
After almost 10 months of preparation, Natyalayaa’s annual concert will show on 20 February.
The Indian Classical Dance Company specialises in classical dance, Bharatha Natyam, in Victoria.
This year’s concert will feature beginners, intermediate, advanced and postgraduate students performing in ‘geometry.’
Artistic director Usha Fripathmanathan, who has picked up a swag of awards for her work, said the production would be based around nine Hindu planets and Kethu – a descending shadow planet.
She said the group’s style of dance and costumes made them unique from other dance companies.
“It takes about two hours to get dressed,” she said.
“It’s Indian classical dance which is a very popular dance style in India.”
The dance group is made up of about 75 students, ranging from ages five to 18.
“Dancers are from a variety of cultures, including Indian, Sri Lankan, Fijian and mainstream (Australian),” Ms Fripathmanathan said.
The production will take place at Rowville Secondary College Humphries Road, Rowville, on 20 February at 7pm. Tickets are $15.
For more information, contact Usha Fripathmanathan on 9886 7990.