Classical dancer defies the norm
Mayendran Moodley has defied all odds by following his dream of excelling in classical dance.
The 39-year-old graduated from the Natya Kala Keseri Dance Academy, in Mackenzie Park, last week.
He is the school’s first male to graduate in Gauteng.
Moodley said being a classical dancer takes dedication.
“I have been a classical dancer for eight years,” he explained.
“I started by being involved in modern dancing, but migrated towards the classical form purely out of admiration for the structure required to perform such a dance.”
He added that classical dance is beautiful, with statuesque poses and rigorous routines, a challenge that appealed to him.
“Dance is also considered a form of prayer and dedication, so it coincides with my frame of mind on a spiritual level,” said Moodley.
The Natya Kala Keseri Dance Academy has branches in Witbank, Emmarentia and Benoni – teaching close to 30 pupils.
“The primary focus of the school is classical dance and preserving cultural traditions, but it also focuses on folk and Bollywood dance,” he said.
Moodley’s family was unsure when he first told them he was interested in dancing.
“At first they did not understand why classical dance, because in South Africa it is exceptionally hard to find acceptance and not many male classical dancers,” said Moodley.
“However, they did not stop me and gracefully allowed me to pursue my passion.”
Moodley said he wants to encourage male dancers to make this form of dance one of the most recognised and accepted art forms for males in South Africa.
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