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| Mahek Dance Academy’s Annual Recital Story & photos by Girish Modi There are many dance academies in Atlanta area that teach classical and Bollywood-style dancing to the younger generation who are born and raised in the USA. But there is only one academy where dancing is passion and its name is Mahek Dance Academy in Smyrna and Duluth.  On Saturday May, 8th Mahek Dance Academy held its second annual recital at the IACA Auditorium in Smyrna. The hall was jam packed with parents, grandparents, relatives and friends of the young artists that were going to witness first performances of this new generation. Many have come from faraway places like Florida, Texas, New Jersey and California. Audience saw passion running through young performers’ veins when each of them showcased their talent in exquisite dance forms. What can be better than the eve of Mother’s day to celebrate mothers-daughters bond? The performers are the current students, mostly girls, between the ages of 4 and 35 years old, of the academy. Before the show started, some cute little girls in nicely clad costumes were spotted running around in the auditorium receiving little bit last minute coaching, adjusting costumes and makeup and encouragement words from their mothers while fathers were readying their cameras to capture this memorable event. As the show time was about to begin, these young artists seemed ready and eager to show off their talents. The show started with a prayer to Lord Ganpati in a dance sequence performed by top artists of the night Mahek Shah – the teacher and owner of Mahek Dance Academy and Adithya Prem, a handsome, 9th grade student. He was the only male in the entire team for the evening. The audience were admiring every bhav, raag and taal, meaning BHARATA (real essence of bharatnatyam) of this classical performance.  After the prayer came the bollywood-style glitzy dance numbers. Young girls in different age groups danced to the tunes of famous Bollywood hits Gaate The Pehle akele (Film: Khamoshi), Nagaada (Film: Jab We Met), Zoobi Doobi (Film: 3 Idiots), Chale Jaise Hawaaein (Film Main Hoon Na), Dola Re (Film: Devdas), Chiggy Wiggy (Film: Blue), Hare Rama (Film: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai), Na Na Re (Film Guru), Yeh Ishq Haaye (Film Jab We Met) and Bhumbro (Film: Mission Kashmir). No dance recital is complete without a bhangra and it was a special treat for the audience. When Mahek performed a solo Chilman (Film Krishna), one can see young students in front of the stage, still in their costumes, trying to imitate every move and footstep of their teacher! Also, when Adithya performed a solo Kirtanam dance in bharatnatyam, not only the girls in front of the stage but also the audience was spellbound The last item of the evening was Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte (Film: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) and all the performers took part in it. It was an awesome grand finale! After the show everybody was treated with refreshments. I could see happiness and excitement
on every one’s face as well as some
parents extending their happiness to their children who took
part in the event. |
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| May-14-2010 |
