Promoting classical dance among children

SURAT, June 29: Classical and folk dance has kept him going. Meet Paresh Vora, director of the Noopur Nritya Academy and the Kathak Dance in...

SURAT, June 29: Classical and folk dance has kept him going. Meet Paresh Vora, director of the Noopur Nritya Academy and the Kathak Dance institution, who strongly believes that classical dance can preserve our rich cultural heritage from the 8220;onslaught of western culture.8221;

Though all forms of classical dance arouse his interest, the nritya natika has been on top of his mind for more than a decade now. 8220;Nritya natikas have been disappearing fast and these need to be preserved although they cost much and are the least appreciated,8221; Vora says. Along with his wife Smruti, an expert in classical dance, he has been involved in keeping this form of art alive in the city.

Born in Mumbai on September 25, 1955, Vora did his schooling and graduation from Mumbai itself. 8220;I was never interested in classical dance. However, it was my family8217;s involvement in drama, that drew me towards it,8221; Vora says, explaining the reason why he took to dancing as a vocation.

However, today dance has become a part of his life.

He shifted to Surat in 1987, after getting married. Initially they ran dance classes at his wife8217;s place, then later set up the institute.

Noopur has over the years tried to instill values and the importance of preserving dance forms into the minds of its students, some as young as three or four. Individual training and various examinations like the vishaarad and alankaar prepares them to become thorough.

And in the process, the academy has produced a few gems, that have received critical acclaim both in the state and otherwise. While Rhythm India8217;, dhara gurjari, ahuti, roop garvita tarpan are a unique expression of the folk dances of the state, pran purya pashanma and ritu saunhar are but a couple of dance ballets that have been produced by Noopur. In fact, ritu saunhar, based on Kalidasa8217;s acclaimed poetry, brings out the magical impact of the different seasons on the mind and soul.

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Performed in Sanskrit, a colourful backdrop of related pictures by acclaimed poet Vasudev Smart, a Hindi script written by Suren Thakar mehfil and music composed by Ashit Desai, the dance ballet is indeed a marvellous production although Vora has spent much time and money on it. Vora says this is the best he has even produced.

Thought he has been honoured with many awards for promoting dance, he feels that a lot still needs to be done for there are many who can8217;t even spell out one form of classical dance. 8220;Many parents come to me and ask to teach their children classical dance, without even specifying what they want the kids to learn,8221; he regrets, pointing out that a show featuring a pop star of a film artist would draw packed houses, but hardly anybody turns up to watch a classical dance programme.

8220;People should realise that classical dance is the only way of preserving our rich culture, that we so proudly speak of,8221; says Vora, who has been chosen by the Rashtriya Kala Kendra for the best award this year for his contribution to art.