Indian Dance Fusion Resonates With Audience At Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Photo:Timothy Norris for The Music Center via Lucypr.com
By Fatema Baldiwala
LOS ANGELES, CA – The 65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, held on December 24, was a cherished gift to the community. Hosted by LA County’s five women supervisors, including Janice Hahn, this beloved tradition has its roots in a poignant story. Hahn shared how her father, Kenneth Hahn, played a pivotal role in its inception. When the Music Center was constructed, he stipulated that one day a year, the center would welcome all theatrical ensembles that applied, offering their talents to the public at this world-class venue, typically known for its million-dollar performances.
Every year on December 24, the event showcases talent that disproves the assumption that true artistry requires a hefty price. The artists, singers, and dancers who perform are as gifted as those who command the venue’s usual premium ticket prices. What makes the celebration even more extraordinary is the sheer diversity and range of art forms on display.
The evening’s hostess was Whittier native Melissa Villaseñor, a voice actress, comedian, and the first Latina to become a Saturday Night Live cast member. Villaseñor, also a Golden Globe nominee, added a lively and engaging touch to the event. Every performer on stage was either an LA native or had strong connections to the city. The program featured over twenty-eight performances, ranging from musical chorales to various dance forms, and even circus and marionette puppet theatre acts.
Among the many performances, Joya Kazi Unlimited’s mesmerizing dance stood out. The troupe presented a brilliant fusion of Bharatanatyam with the high-energy modernity of Bollywood dance. The music accompanying the performance was a mix of lyrics that resonated with both Indian and non-Indian audiences. Songs like “Ye Mera Dil” and “Kalyoka Chaman” blended seamlessly with “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” by The Black Eyed Peas and tracks by American rapper Akon, creating a fresh genre of music and dance.
Joya Kazi has been a prominent figure in the dance entertainment industry for years. Her troupe’s performance infused traditional Bharatanatyam, a South Indian classical dance characterized by precise movements, facial expressions, and storytelling, with Bollywood’s energetic, modern elements. The choreography combined rhythmic gestures, aerobic movements, and a mix of hip hop, jazz, salsa, and funk. The dancers’ vibrant routine celebrated Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Carrying diyas—tiny clay lamps with lit wicks—they illuminated the stage with warmth and radiance.
The LA County Holiday Celebration exemplifies Los Angeles as a cultural pinnacle and trendsetter where every voice is welcomed. This event was not merely a performance but a reminder of art’s power to bring people together, uplift spirits, and celebrate humanity’s boundless creativity.
