Dil Se Naach Mesmerizes and Captivates the Hearts of Audiences

By Malay Vyas

STAFFORD: What started off with a false fire alarm at the Stafford Center concluded in a fiery finale as Naach presented their Fall 2015 Dance Showcase – Dil Se Naach, Bollywood from the Heart on November 22, at 7.30 PM. As the audience settled in to watch this much awaited show, an overzealous smoke machine released some extra white clouds backstage prompting fire alarms around the theatre. Per city protocol, the fire marshals showed up to a rousing reception from the audience. Like a Bollywood movie, crossing all barriers, it all ended well. Meanwhile, Naach members put up an impromptu interactive entertainment show to keep the audience occupied.

8pm, The lights dimmed, everyone screaming with excitement, cross fade to an attentive silence, the curtain opens to reveal over 40 dancers tapping to beat of passion from the film Taal  – A visual treat with complex layers of choreography and hi energy performance.

Following the colorful film credits, Naach’s fall showcase opened with its first act ‘Musicology’ – exploring musical influences in Bollywood namely, Disco, Jazz and Latin.

This act featured notable songs such as the evergreen Dard E disco, Girls Like to swing and Senorita Senorita was a super hit with audiences highlighting Akash shah and Sahil Adhawade.

Act II, ‘Apsara Lounge’ a contemporary interpretation of classical dance & music in 21st century Bollywood movies. Exploring Indian Classical dance form, Kathak, to reinterpret in a contemporary dance form  ‘Kahe Chhed Mohe’ from Devdas, pushing the limits of creativity along with other memorable songs like ‘Ang Laga de’ performed like grace under fire and ‘Hai Rama’ from the 1990’s hit Rangeela.

The students show case, programmed between the two professional acts, included dances by Naach Students of all age groups. Prior to commencing the student dance act, Dr. Manish Rungta, the Diamond Sponsor and more importantly an active Naach parent spoke about the development of his kids at Naach and the lessons they learn through the participation and practice of dance, simultaneously nurturing alongside a deep and soulful friendship with their dance team mates grounded in mutual respect leading to positive growth and trust.

First up, Naach Juniors took stage wowing audiences with their irresistible charm followed by the Adults team and then a session of Bombay Jam routine with the ‘Young at heart’ seniors from the T E Harman Center, Sugar Land, The seniors were a super hit with the audiences, dancing led by Mahesh, Anita and Anum to Superman and Desi rock, having the audience on their feet, clapping with this group of really special Naach members. In November Mahesh was nominated as “Volunteer of the Month” by the City of Sugarland.

The third act Naqaab -The Mask a dance theatre piece as the title indicates is an exploration of the conflict between our true nature and the outer roles or the facade we play in society, to supposedly fit in.

Naach instructors Shah Ahmed and Anita Vyas played the lead role in Naqaab depicting characters, one that brings people together but is lonely within, seeking to connect with the other and the woman that desires but is afraid to express them. The struggle to voice the wordless. The dance work reaches its climax with Phir se ud chala that expresses the fearless free spirited child within, a reason to throw the mask of the false self and celebrate being oneself- concluded by Sun sathiya – unmasking and expressing the true self.

The final act Bollywood Broadway a celebration of diversity in dance styles and musical genres in Bollywood. High-energy songs such as Singh and Kaur, in hip hop style choreography Anita Vyas and Shah Ahmed followed by Aaj Ki Party, Manwaa Laage and Chamma set the Stafford Center up for a perfect finale.

Dil Se Naach concluded with a riveting  performance by all 110 dancers sharing  the stage rocking  to the popular track ‘Gallan Goodiyan’ from Dil Dhadakne Do. A Happy and jubilant Mahesh joined the team in the concluding section Mahesh Mahbubani the Artistic Director outdid himself along with the entire Naach team raising the technical bar on professional dance performance. Breathtaking composition of visuals, costumes, lighting and innovative choreography with mesmerizing performances kept the audience spellbound for 90 minutes. Mahesh known for his pioneering work in dance, once again has successfully created another masterpiece.

A performance of such technical finesse is only possible with an awesome creative TEAM, artists that are unseen working behind the scene. Hence a shout out and a note of thanks to all the technical ‘artists’. Arif Memon of DMMS Events was responsible for lighting the show leaving audiences with visually fascinating images that will linger for a long time. SCA Production’s Chris Peltier the technician for the show on video, Ketki Parekh of Shivam Beauty Salon did make up and hair for the dancers, Navin Mediwala the official photographer for the event has done an amazing job capturing magical moments in time. Thomas Thekkemala of Asianet TV our media sponsor for TV broadcast on Asianet and Indo-American News as our Press sponsor.

Naach is grateful for the support from all parents and well-wishers like Harish Jajoo, Manish Rungta and  Vanshika Vipin who have been consistent supporters to all Naach events, affirming community spirit and investing in community arts development.  Naach announces the launch of Moksh a non-profit organization.

While Naach Houston’s shows this year have been blessed by torrential storms and fire alarms, the dancers from Naach continue to move to the rhythms of life embracing every moment, straight from the heart.

For further information on Dance and Fitness classes visit : www.naachhouston.com