By Alesha Capone
Hoppers Crossing dance teacher Nayana Panchal and her students will perform at a community learning centre next week.
Mrs Panchal runs the Shivarpanam Academy, where she teaches traditional Indian dance styles including Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, folk dances and Bollywood dancing, along with Kalaripayattu, a martial art form.
She teaches students ranging in age from five to 45 years old.
“I tell my students that they may not become a professional artist, but dancing is very helpful in other ways – for your energy, confidence levels and discipline,” she said.
Mrs Panchal, who migrated to Australia in 2016, studied at the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in India under Dr Mallika Sarabhai, a famous Indian classical dancer, choreographer and instructor. In 2017, Mrs Panchal starred in a video that was shown as part of an exhibition called Dancing Place, at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.
At her upcoming performance, which will be staged at the Point Cook Community Learning Centre, a narrator will explain the meaning and stories of the Indian dances being performed by Mrs Panchal and her students.
The event, to be held on Saturday, March 23 between 4-6pm, is supported by Wyndham council.
