Navin Sewlal revives the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company

NAVIN Sewlal, a molding technician from Tongaat, carries a vibrant cultural heritage with him after he revived the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company, which was founded in 1938.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER [e-mail]

A PERFORMANCE by the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company: Next Generation. | Supplied

In 2023, the revived group was renamed the Riverside Sanathan Dancing Company: Next Generation, but the style and music, said the 52-year-old father of three, remained the same.

Sewlal is determined to preserve and promote the unique Indian musical and dance traditions of Chutney and Nagara, ensuring these art forms continue to thrive in his community.

"Nagara is often misunderstood. It is actually a reference to the drums used during performances. What many people see on stage is a Chutney dancer, a performer who dances and sometimes sings to this vibrant genre of Indian cultural music. The dancer is usually a male dressed in female clothing and adornments."

Sewlal said Chutney and Nagara music originated as cultural entertainment for traditional occasions such as pooja (prayer) ceremonies, weddings, and other celebrations.