Chennai:
“I don’t comprehend the language but the exquisite expressions and graceful movements of the Bharatanatyam dancers have captivated me,” says Alan Smith, a visitor from USA.
Like him, over 300 foreigners join a number of locals in flocking to watch a performance at the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, venue of the Indian classical dance festival. A plea from various quarters for a running commentary in English for the benefit of international audience has not materialised this year too. Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation have still managed to come up with a rewarding experience for foreigners.
“This time we honoured with a shawl foreigners who attend the festival all days. We encourage them to give away certificates to the artistes,” a senior TTDC official said.
Marina Arkell from London has been a regular visitor to this month-long festival, which draws to a close on Sunday. Moved by her attachment to Bharatnatyam and Tamil Nadu folk arts, TTDC’s managing director Hemant Kumar Sinha honoured her with a shawl and memento. Like her, Leomie Sechkelaar and Marjoe Roze from Holland have also been watching the events daily. “It is the great culture and tradition of Tamil Nadu that has been attracting me to this festival since the last two decades,” Dalach from Israel.
“The annual dance festival is attracting foreigners and domestic tourists alike, in large numbers, and we have received many repeat visitors from London, Holland, Russia and France,” an official said. About 1,500-2,000 persons flock to the venue in weekends and sit enthralled watching the intricate footwork and elaborate abhinaya of dance. The festival has been attracting top dancers who have won the coveted Padma Kalaimamani awards. About 8,000 foreigners were said to have patronised the festival last year as opposed to 7,800 in 2011.
source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> News> Current Affairs / DC, J.V. Siva Prasanna Kumar / January 25th, 2013