Dances of India set to dazzle for second year

Fabulous dancing, glorious colour, exciting music, tasty Indian food.

That's what last year's Dances of India featured at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.

"The best part about our style of dancing is how it makes you feel," said Maleeha Sheikh of CTV Morning Live in Saskatoon last year as she introduced a variety of colourful and exhilarating Indian dances to a North Battleford audience. 

It was the first performance of the season for the Dekker Centre, fully organized and supported by Drs. Mini and Mahesh Khurana of North Battleford.

Dr. Mini says she was inspired to organize the first event because people often come to her wondering where they can learn or participate in Indian dancing. Due to the response to last year's show, she is planning another one this year.

"It's going to be even better!" she says.

Being held once again at the Dekker Centre, the show is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 11. Curtain time is 5 p.m. and tickets are $40 plus GST. During the intermission, there will be East Indian cuisine available for $10.

"There will be lots of food," says Dr. Mini.

Dance of India is an evening that brings Saskatchewan-based students and performers together for an evening of dancing so people can be entertained and perhaps choose to get involved in Indian dancing themselves.

In addition, a fusion of two Indian dance forms – Odissi and Kathak – will be presented by international acclaimed artists from Canada Enakshi Sinha and Sueshna Maulik.

Enakshi’s goal is to create an awareness of the rich cultural heritage of classical Indian art by creating collaborative dance productions with artists from all over the world.

Sinha has been cultivating a life-long devotion to Indian classical dance from the tender age of five. Based in Canada and India she maintains an active performing career that spans North America, Europe and Asia.

Maulik has been studying Indian dance since the age of seven. She began her training in Calcutta, India,

For more information on Dances of India or to purchase tickets call Dr. Mini Khurana at 306-446-4303 or email her at [email protected]. Tickets may also be purchased from the Dekker Centre Box Office.

Mayor Ian Hamilton and Dr. Mini Khurana at last year's Dances of India. Dr. Mini has organized another showcase for this year due to the popularity of the first one. File photo

Colour and excitement will be part of Dances of India to be presented at the Dekker Centre Sept. 11. File photo