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Indian classical dancers dance their way into the record books

Thirty six young Indian classical dancers danced on a relay basis, covering a variety of devotional songs and logged a total of 35 hours

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 19 May 2021 1:00PM

Indian classical dancers dance their way into the record books — The dancers ages ranged from nine to 40 years of age, consisting of school students, college graduates and working adults. – Pic courtesy of Asia Book of Records, May 19, 2021

SHAH ALAM – Thirty six young Indian classical dancers from the Sri Rathakrishanan Music & Arts Centre participated in ‘Suaranatya’, in conjunction with the fifteenth anniversary of the dance academy. The event was a record attempt to enter the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) and the Asia Book of Records (ABR).

All 36 participants were awarded a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for 'Longest Non-stop Traditional Dance Relay' and 'Most Number of All Women Participants in a 24-Hour Barathanatyam Relay' earning themselves an Asia Book of Records (ABR) entry for 'Longest Non-stop Traditional Dance Relay'.

Each participant danced on a relay basis, covering a variety of devotional songs and cumulatively logged a total running time of 35 hours to earn pride of place in the MBR and ABR. They reportedly started dancing on May 1, 2021 (Saturday, 8am) and continued till the evening of May 2, 2021 (Sunday, 7pm).

‘Suaranatya’ in collaboration with Pertubuhan Kesenian & Kebudayaan SRFA, was successfully launched by the guests of honour, Datuk Mohan and Datin Velankani at Sri Rathakrishanan Music & Arts Centre’s dance studio at Kota Kemuning.

The principal, Ms Nalini Rathakris, also the brain behind ‘Suaranatya’, has passion and unadulterated dedication for Indian classical dance that led her teaching for 16 years. She wishes to ingrain discipline, stresses on good qualities and attitudes, and helps the future generation to develop leadership, communication and organization skills that produce great achievers and noble people for the community.

The participants’ ages ranged from nine to 40 years of age, consisting of school students, college graduates and working adults, who worked tirelessly and battled against all odds to set these records. Even in the face of the Covid-19 lockdown and global pandemic, the participants rehearsed and prepared vehemently.

“What we are trying to do is not to recognise achievements but inspire young Malaysian women to accomplish great things. We want to promote the spirit of human excellence and make the nation proud,” said Nalini. She added her dance academy will bring about an impressive attempt and intends to enter Guinness World Records in near future.

For more information on Sri Rathakrishanan Music & Arts Centre, please visit them at @srirathakrishanan_fine_arts on Instagram, their Facebook page, Sri Rathakrishnan FA and YouTube channel, Sri Rathakrishanan Fine Arts. – The Vibes, May 19, 2021