By Indrawattie Natram
Through “folk dance”, the Dharmic Swarswatti Dance Academy, located on the Essequibo Coast, has been preserving their Indian heritage.
Founder of the dance group, Sursattie Singh, said that traditional folk dance is a feature of her Indian ancestry. It is a dance genre she has been teaching and practising to keep her “Indian culture alive”.
Singh, a classical dancer for over 20 years, explained that she has been using folk dance to help build her students’ confidence and to encourage them to learn more about their Indian heritage.
“The opportunity to express oneself and keep the culture through the medium of dance holds the benefit of keeping the culture alive. It’s a true blessing to be able to preserve and promote the culture we inherited from our ancestors,” Singh mentioned.
The professional dancer pointed out that dancing not only encourages the preservation of culture, but aids in being physically fit.
“Dancing makes you feel alive, like you’re young again. I don’t know anything else that can have that effect on you,” Singh declared.
Singh noted that classical dance is an art, because the bodily movements – such as hand gestures, facial expressions and postures – have different meanings. She also stated that emotions expressed in classical dance are known as rasas, which literally means “juice, essence or taste”. Rasa connotes an ancient concept in Indian arts about the aesthetic flavour of any visual, literary or musical work, that evokes an emotion or feeling in the reader or audience, but that cannot be described.
Singh recalled her journey as a dancer, which began years ago at the Reliance Mandir. She remembered being inspired by notable Guyanese dancer, Premie Naipaul, to pursue dance. Initially, Singh’s parents were not too keen on her pursuing dance as a career, but seeing their daughter’s passion for the art form encouraged their support.
“My journey in dancing began at age ten. Little did I know that one day dance would become my life and the springboard for my other interests. My journey thus far has been both rewarding and humbling,” Singh expressed.Singh recollected “freezing up” during her first performance on stage. But instead of allowing that moment of stage fright to deter her, Singh used it as a propeller to always be better in every performance. Today, that determination she passes on to her students. She even gave up a lucrative job to dedicate more time teaching dance for free. Singh currently teaches over 30 youths, including children.
In 2003, Singh started Annie Dance Troupe, which was later renamed Dharmic Swarswattie Dance Academy. Her classes are taught at the Anna Regina Kendra. Notably, Singh designs all her dancers’ costumes for stage shows.
The dance group also represents the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha at various cultural shows in Region Two.
“Dancing can be challenging, but also rewarding. It requires commitment and hard work. However, seeing how dance helps youths to be fit and disciplined has encouraged me to keep teaching. My advice to those pursuing dance is to stay focus and keep doing what you love,” Singh encouraged.
