Natya Anjali takes Bharatanatyam to Walt Disney World for Diwali

Natya Anjali, a Bharatanatyam dance school, has been chosen from a selected few studios worldwide to perform at the prestigious Diwali Dance Fest at the popular Walt Disney World in Florida, USA from October 9 to 12.

Bharatanatyam is a South Indian classical dance form from Tamil Nadu that combines expressive hand gestures, eye movements, and rhythmic steps to narrate stories, often of a spiritual nature.

Subashni Moonsamy-Naicker, Natya Anjali's artistic director, formerly from Verulam, now based in Johannesburg, said they were thrilled to be one of 25 studios globally that will be performing with dancers from around the world.

"When Jashn Productions, directors and producers of the festival, put out the worldwide call for dancers, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity. From the videos of previous festivals it looked very vibrant. This is the festival's third year, but the first time it's open to international dance studios.

"I applied and sent through my motivation on why we should be selected, together with videos of our performances. I was thrilled to receive feedback that we were selected. We are taking Indian classical dance to a global stage. Disney is where the magic happens. It is every young person's dream to visit Disney, let alone get to dance and perform," said Moonsamy-Naicker.

The 26-member Natya Anjali group will leave for the US on October 5.

The international dance showcase in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature 25 performances by over 450 performers from around the world, including the Natya Anjali dancers.

They will also participate in the Grand Diwali Parade in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park, which is taking place for the first time ever.

Moonsamy-Naicker said the festival will have a Bollywood and bhangra feel.

She added that Jashn Productions have choreographed dance routines for the parade which they have been practising.

"We want to showcase our rainbow nation, and how Indian classical dance is part of the art landscape in South Africa," she said.

Natya Anjali was founded in Verulam, Durban in 1998 by Moonsamy-Naicker, before she relocated to Johannesburg two years later.

"When I established Natya Anjali, I dreamed of creating a space where young South Africans could connect with their roots through Bharatanatyam. To see our dancers chosen for Disney World validates not just our standards, but nearly three decades of cultural preservation,” said Moonsamy-Naicker.