The Janat performing arts production on Feb. 12 was full of colour and culture. It was performed masterfully and inspiringly by the dancers involved and it was in support of a good cause.
The performance, Hope, was put on in support of and with the help of an organization called Pratham Canada. This organization is the Canadian branch of a Pratham India, the largest NGO in the country.
Pratham’s goal is the primary education of slum children to give them a head start to escaping poverty. It also trains young women at risk for trafficking to become educators in the education programs.
Danika Thakar, a representative for the group, addressed the crowd at the beginning of the show.
The performance itself was a tale of good versus evil and the triumph of good, and age old theme that has not lost its impact. The dancers were in sync, the costumes were flawless and the colors were vivid. Goddesses and demons were the characters and as they moved together those in attendance were taken back in time to India centuries ago. The performers didn’t just dance, they took on the nature of the characters. The choreography was flawless, the execution was perfect, but the dancers had the emotion of the characters right down to the facial expression. The performance was not just traditional dance, it was raw, emotional and moving. It was a genuine cultural experience and a spectacle to witness. It was supremely apparent that the dancers are passionate about their performance and the culture that underlies it and that passion translates into a thrilling experience for the audience.
“It’s a great opportunity to express yourself.” said Rashmi Das, a dancer and logistical head for the group. “It’s just, I think one thing, a really committed, really passionate team that really love to dance. A good team and good passion makes and amazing production.