29 Sep 2023

Indian cultural institution celebrates 25 years

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 29 September 2023
A group of young women in traditional Indian garb surround their dance teacher a middle age Indian woman.

The Natraj School of Dance - and Indian cultural institution - celebrates its 25th year next month. Photo: Supplied

The Natraj School of dance - a cornerstone of Indian culture in Aotearoa - was founded in a seemingly unlikely place, Lower Hutt.

It's owner, Prabha Ravi opened its doors 25 years ago, and since then more than 1000 students have learned classical Indian dance under her tutelage.

In 2017, Prabha was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for services to the ethnic and dance communities and in celebration of the school's latest milestone she is embarking on her most ambitious stage production yet.  

She speaks to Kathryn. 

 

Head shot of middle age Indian woman in traditional garb.

Prabha Ravi, founder and owner of the Natraj School Dance in Lower Hutt. Photo: Supplied