Sydneys' Royal Easter Show meets Indian dancers

Spicing things up... Indian Classical Folk dances
who will be performing at the Easter Show

Goodness gracious me: it's showtime
By LARISSA CUMMINGS
March 10, 2005
Daily Telegraph

THE infectious glamour of Bollywood is set to have crowds tapping their feet at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show which begins on Friday March 18.

A group of Indian dancers will perform numbers from recent blockbusters of Bollywood, India's famous movie centre, in a major highlight.
The dancers will be a feature of the show's cultural festival when they take to the stage on Bollywood Day - Saturday March 26.
Fans of new hit Bride and Prejudice will be wrapped in the colourful costumes and elaborate dances - two of which are from movies starring Indian "it-girl" Aishwarya Rai.
The group of five dancers will be on stage for three numbers, performing classical, folk and modern styles.
It will take the group up to three hours to get dressed and be made up.
"The outfits are based on a traditional classical dance costume called a Kathak," dancer Paridhi Garg said.
"It takes a long time to get ready," she said.
"You have to check that you can move in the costumes and you have to make sure that the extra parts, like your jewellery and hair pieces don't get caught in the material."
Ms Garg said Indian dancing was different to western styles in that it told a story and had a unique rhythm.
"Indian dances tell a story. For example, the classical dance we're doing is like a Romeo and Juliet love story," she said.
"Classical dances are hard to learn and they take a lot of practice. It's not easy to get the rhythm and keep up with it.
"A lot depends on footwork.
And there is movement in our facial expressions.
"We move our eyes and our necks a lot."
She said her favourite thing about Indian dancing was the colour and the grace.
"I like the colours. They're very bright and I like the rhythm - it makes the dances beautiful.
"I also love the way Indian dancers are so graceful," she said.
"Indian actresses have to have a form of classical dance as part of their training."
It is universally accepted in the world of dancing that costumes are almost as important as choreography, and Bollywood is no exception.
"You have to make sure the costumes are right," Ms Garg said.
"The classical costume is our most detailed.
"We're wearing tights, a frock and a huge scarf. It's white and maroon with gold edging."
"We'll also have hair pieces and chunky anklets."
CATCH the Indian Spiritual Dancers on Bollywood Day at the show on Saturday, March 26. They will dance in two street parades at 1pm and 5pm, as well as in a stage show at 2.30pm.