Indian Dandya Raas and Garba
by Vallari Shah
his folk dance style originated in the 9th century in the region of Saurashtra, in Gujarat, India. Two circles formed by men and women move in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions with two sticks called dandiyas held in their hands. The songs sung on the occasions are essentially love ballads. Raas is a very energetic, colourful and playful dance providing opportunity for acting and exchanging messages through eye contact.Please come and join Yesha Naik for this high energy pulsating dancing.
NATyA is a young Bay Area dance company. Founded by Smitha Radhakrishnan and Vallari Shah, it primarily focuses on bringing indian classical dance styles to mainstream audiences. NATyA has performed all over the bay area in theatres, schools, festivals and multicultural events. It also brings folk styles from India to audiences here and conducts workshops in some of the styles.
