Bollywood setting stage for India’s dance culture
Published:Wednesday | August 16, 2023 | 12:10 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
BEFORE MASAKUI Rungsung, the Indian high commissioner to Jamaica, and his delegation, close their chapter of leadership in the country, they hope to see Indian dance culture rise to a level of prominence as dancehall.
In continuing its efforts toward this goal, on the eve of India’s 77th Independence Day, the high commission hosted its Bollywood Extravaganza among the activities to celebrate India Week, with an infusion of local dancers.
The occasion spanned August 11-15, and 10 of India’s most prominent Bollywood troupe performers highlighted their country’s dancing expressions.
Rungsung noted the challenge of the high cost of plane fares, but shared with The Gleaner that it would be remiss of the Indian High Commission to not fly these dancers in from their nation to showcase their dance expressions at Bollywood Extravaganza. The dancers were flown in over a week before the event.
“As the airline sector is yet to fully recover in the aftermath of the COVID crisis, the cost of air tickets is higher than in the pre-COVID days. Coupled with the fact that one has to arrange connecting flights to come to Jamaica, the airfare was one of the biggest expenditures in arranging this show,” Rungsung told The Gleaner.
“Having said that, our sponsors have been very helpful and have made the show possible. The dancers were also excited to come to Jamaica and perform, and would not be bothered by anything. I am very happy that we have been able to keep the tickets for the show free of cost, which would mean that anyone can attend on registration,” he said of the showcase, which was held inside the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College on Monday evening.
Yesterday marked the completion of 76 years of India’s independence from British rule. Since the establishment of India’s High Commission in Jamaica, they have celebrated the day by hoisting the Indian flag at India House in the morning in the presence of Indian diaspora and Friends of India in Jamaica.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION
Indians have been well-known for making a significant contribution to the development of Jamaica after slavery ended. Two hundred and sixty-one Indians were first brought to Jamaica on May 10, 1845, as indentured labourers at Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, to fill gaps in the workforce, and, with them, they brought their cultural traditions.
Rungsung is elated that, three years after he took office, he is witnessing Indian culture become more alive and appreciated by the current generation.
“I don’t think it is a question of reviving Indian culture in Jamaica. If you see, the Jamaicans are already appreciating and enjoying Indian culture in the spirit of ‘Out of Many, One People’. The curry goat, peas and rice, all have some Indian imprint. So does chutney, music and festivals like Phagwa and Hosay,” Rungsung informed.
“Indian soap operas are also a big hit here. The same is also true in India where reggae and dancehall are making an impact. Indians also know Jamaica from Rastafarianism and cultural icons like Bob Marley. So, there is already a demand for Indian popular culture here,” he continued.
“We are trying to fulfil that demand by bringing in the best of Indian dancing talent for the culture-loving people of Jamaica.”
In an effort to bolster the participation of the Indian community and Jamaicans alike, there was a balance with Jamaican dancers also taking part in the Bollywood Extravaganza.
“The choreographer is a renowned French artiste who lost his heart to Indian culture. The idea to have Jamaican participation was due to two reasons. Firstly, dance and music are Jamaica’s life and blood. There is a natural rhythm in the body of Jamaicans which makes their dance effortless and lively,” Rungsung expressed. “We sought to use this Jamaican vibe in our Bollywood dance show.
“Secondly, we did not want the show to seem foreign to the locals. With the Jamaican participation, there is a joint ownership and commitment. This is the best example of cultural exchange and cultural collaboration,” he explained.
“As I say, pairing Indian girls with Jamaican boys is a planned and conscious decision. Both the Indian and the Jamaican dancers have learnt a lot from each other during the course of training together, experiences which will help them in their future endeavours.”
He added: “In so many ways, the show reflects the integration of Indians in the Jamaican society, maintaining their individuality but still immersed in the Jamaican culture and way of life.”
At Bollywood Extravaganza, there was a one-hour, non-stop dance marathon for guests at the reception. And, as part of India Week 2023, the high commission also hosted a health fair on Sunday, a reception for members of the Jamaican government, the diplomatic corps, business community, media personnel, Indian diaspora members and Friends of India, at the Little Theatre in Kingston.