India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria presents the 6th Annual India Mela Classical F Bollywood F live Bhangra Beats F Authentic Cuisine by local Chefs F Multicultural Performances F DON’T MISS Jewelry F Fashion F Arts & Crafts F A RARE CHANCE TO SEE THIS HIGH ENERGY AND ULTRA-TALENTED SHIAMAK DAVAR TEAM LIVE! 2015 August 7 F 4:30–7:30pm August 8 F 11am–8pm August 9 F 11am–7pm CentenniAl SquAre Media Sponsors Funded by iccavictoria.com Contents Welcome Dear Brothers and Sisters in Culture: About the ICCA . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Membership Info . . . . . . . . . . 3 Mela Committee . . . . . . . . . . 5 Performance List. . . . . . . . 7-18 Performance Schedule . . . 10-11 Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mela Kiosks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The India Canada Cultural Association (ICCA) is a registered not-for-profit society mandated to celebrate and raise awareness about the power, diversity and color of India’s rich culture in Victoria. The ICCA is driven by community and volunteers, and has a rich history of more than 36 years of contributing to Victoria through events like the India Mela and Vaisakhi. A Mela is a gathering or fair that incorporates art, culture, music, food, sport and other celebratory elements — it is a way of life in India. Here, it is an opportunity to share the richness of Indian culture, create community partnerships and demonstrate a healthy, respectful way of life. The ICCA thanks you for participating in and supporting the 2015 India Mela. This is our 6th annual event and we proudly offer you the best and biggest Mela yet! Your support and presence is greatly valued by the entire community — particularly our youth who are the future leaders. We look forward to working with you on future events. Thank you! Gordy Dodd President, India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria Performer photos were submitted by the individuals or groups, but several other photos in this book are courtesy of Island Video, including the one of Gordy on this page, and those on pages 3, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 & 21. Thank you Island Video! And a special thank you to Bonnie Light for putting together this beautiful program. 2 2015 India Mela About the ICCA The India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria is a registered non-profit society that has been working hard for more than thirty-six years to build a stronger and more inclusive community. Our goal is to promote education and tolerance, and to celebrate the social, cultural and language traditions of India. We focus on providing youth with opportunities to develop self-esteem, pride and confidence. We have raised and donated generous amounts of money to various charities over the years through the Red Cross and other major charitable organizations for things like diabetes and cancer research, flood and earthquake victims, tsunami relief, and many other humanitarian causes. The ICCA also works to strengthen its ties within the community by sponsoring different athletic teams, having a scholarship fund at the University of Victoria and hosting cultural events, such as India Mela, Vaisakhi Celebration and the ICCA Variety Show to showcase local talent. ICCA Board of Directors Mr. Paramjit S. Bhalla, Past President (Ex-officio member) Mr. Gurdial Singh (Gordy) Dodd, President Mr. Jagir S. Virk, Vice-President Ms. Kamal Panesar, Secretary Mr. Kanwaljit S. Kuckreja, Treasurer Ms. Mano Sandhu, Director Mr. Amit Dewett, Director (Youth) Mr. Vikram Bawa , Director Mr. Sunil Bhatia, Director Mr. Sukhmeet Grewal, Director Mr. Massa Singh, Director www.iccavictoria.com 3 Membership We invite you all to become a member of the India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria. You will find information at the ICCA kiosk or by asking one of our Mela volunteers. For more information, visit: iccavictoria.com You can also find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ICCAVictoria And we meet in person as well! …the old fashioned way, for a cup of tea. And we want to hear from you! Some of the events that the ICCA produced or was involved with in 2014 include: • • • • • • • • • • • Diwali Dinner & Dance Family Picnic Feedings at Our Place Guru Nanak Dev Ji Walk for World Peace ICCA Variety Show India Mela Kavi Darbar Nepal Earthquake Fundraiser Saanich Fair Vaisakhi Celebration Victoria Day Parade, Float 4 Message from Chief Constable Frank Elsner It is my honour to be included in this program for the 2015 India Mela. This celebration of diversity and inclusivity is what makes communities strong and healthy. On behalf of the men and women of the Victoria Police Department, I applaud all of the members of the India Canada Cultural Association of Victoria for their hard work and dedication in making this event such as success year after year. Sincerely, Frank J. Elsner, Chief Constable Victoria Police Department 2015 India Mela 2015 India Mela Organising Commitee Chair: Sabba Sall Co-Chair: Vikram Bawa Food Vendors: Paramjit Bhalla, Vikram Bawa, Sunil Bhatia Fundraising & Sponsorship Coordinators: Sabba Sall, Gurdial Dodd, Sunil Bhatia, Vikram Bawa MC Coordinator: Suneil Sall Media & Printed Program Coordinators: Amit Dewett, Serena Rai, Sabba Sall Money Managers: Mano Sandhus Music Coordinator: Anil Kapur Programming Coordinators: Anju Samra, Vikram Bawa, Jay Iyer, Raj Grewal Venue Coordinators: Amarjit Bhalla, Kamal Panesar Volunteer Coordination: Kalbir Parmah 5 2015 India Mela 6 DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HIGH ENERGY AND ULTRA-TALENTED SHIAMAK DAVAR TEAM LIVE! 2015 India Mela Event Listing 7 Al Ahsan Sidney, BC Some of you may have spotted Al Ahsan at the local Night Market — they’ve been a fixture since the beginning! Along with more traditional Middle Eastern music and folkloric dance styles, Al Ahsan performs a wide variety of Middle Eastern & Western Fusion, Modern Egyptian, glamorous cabaret numbers and even comedy routines. They also teach at their Sidney Studio, offering regular belly dance classes as well as specialty workshops. As a troupe, they are well-known for their togetherness, precision and of course the fabulous costumes designed and created by their very own costume Goddess, MAYA. Apna Virsa Dance Group Victoria, BC Apna Virsa means “our culture” in Punjabi, and we are proud to be celebrating this, through dance. We will be performing bhangra, giddha, bollywood, haryanvi, rajasthani, and are dedicated to exhibiting the energy and excitement that comes with it. Since our humble beginnings in 2009, we have grown enormously while adhering to our mission of exposing the community to dance traditions and culture. We love performing on the India Mela stage because we can express our passion and talents here! Asmira’s School of Oriental Bellydance Victoria, BC Asmira’s School of Oriental Bellydance was founded here in Victoria in 1987 by Artistic Director & Founder Asmira McConnell. Dancers from the school have joyfully entertained audiences at festivals, private parties, weddings, birthdays, theme parties and other festive occasions. We welcome you to join us at our Annual Theatre shows at the Metro, celebrating the Joys of Spring and the Christmas Season. Classes are available for all ages, all levels and all sizes in a convenient downtown Studio location. www.asmiradance.com 8 2015 India Mela Event Listing Bollywood Beats Victoria, BC Directed by Yamini Iyer, Bollywood Beats is created to spread the love of dance. Inspired by Bollywood Cinema, these classes are based on simple yet exciting steps to keep you on your toes. Our goal is to infuse traditional Indian dance styles with a modern form, which helps us keep the eastern and western cultures together. Bollywood Dance is very popular around the world, and Bollywood Beats is the first to offer classes in Victoria. If you would like to join our classes and experience the magic of Bollywood, please get in touch with us: www.bollywoodbeatsvictoria.com Dance with Meet Surrey, BC Dance with Meet started in November 2008, mostly as volunteer work for helping ladies learn dance or as a workout or stress buster. Since November 2009 Dance with Meet has been providing Bhangra workout classes in the Fit For Women Gym in Surrey, BC. Come check us out! Furusato Dancers Victoria, BC The Furusato Dancers perform traditional and contemporary Japanese folk dances called Odori. These are either national folk dances or regional dances which are performed at festivals and on special occasions throughout Japan. The Furusato Dancers is led by their Sensei Tatsumi Yoshikiyo who received her professional designation from the Tatsumi Ryo Dance School in Tokyo in 1970. The group has performed for a variety of private and public events throughout Vancouver Island since 2006 and has received several ethnic dancing awards. 2015 India Mela Event Listing 9 Harmony Belly Dance Company Victoria, BC Directed by Candace Aldridge Sanchez, Harmony Belly Dance Company offers classes from Level I through to Level 3, belly dance boot camp and the authentic teachings of American Tribal Styles. Celebrating her fourteenth year of belly dancing, and eleventh year of instructing, Candace focuses on building and teaching a solid dance form and foundation, and integrates all styles into her dance: tribal fusion, dramatic fusion, contemporary American tribal style and more. www.harmonybellydance.com Isabel’s Zumba Cuban Troupe Victoria, BC This group performs Latin dance with Cuban style, and, they offer Zumba Dance Classes. Zumba dancing is very easy to follow and in addition you will learn Latin and International dances. Zumba is a party and in parties we don’t make fun —we only have fun! If you like to live with joy and happiness come try a Zumba class. To learn more or join Zumba classes see our website: www.isabelfitness.com Kathak Dancer, Neha Munshi Vancouver, BC Kathak is an Indian style of classical dance from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Katha means story telling, so Kathak dancers tell Indian epics through dance. This style evolved as a pure entertainment form in the Royal Courts and has since evolved more as an expression of movement and rhythm — although the storytelling aspect is still an important part. The main characteristics of Kathak are rhythmic movements and patterns, sudden poses, footwork and spins. A typical Kathak dancer also uses torso, wrists, neck and eyes to express movements and hand mudras are used for expression. 10 2015 India Mela Performance S Friday 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 12:30 PM 12:45 PM 1:00 PM 1:15 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 2:30 PM 2:45 PM 3:00 PM 3:15 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:30 PM 4:45 PM 5:00 PM 5:15 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 6:00 PM 6:15 PM 6:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM Saturday Opening Ceremonies Apna Virsa – Giddha Mast Mayuri Mast Mayuri Uminari Taiko – Japanese Drummers Uminari Taiko – Japanese Drummers Bollywood Beats Ocean Rain Shiamak Dance Academy Shiamak Dance Academy Kathak – Neha Munshi Apna Virsa – Bollywood Dance with Meet – Giddha Salsa Dance (Calientedance ) Asmira (Belly Dancing) Asmira (Belly Dancing) Bollywood Beats Furusato – Japenese Dance Radhika – Veil Dance Shiamak Dance Academy Al Ahsan Dancers Al Ahsan Dancers Al Ahsan Dancers Apna Virsa – Bollywood Apna Virsa – Junior Girls Indian Music Interlude Indian Music Interlude Indian Music Interlude Dance with Meet – Giddha Indian Music Interlude Ram Taderpati – Instrumental Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Zumba – Isabel Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Zumba – Isabel Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Zumba – Isabel Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Apna Virsa – dance to Duet song Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Apna Virsa – dance to Pahari Song Shan-e-Punjab VFCA – Filipino Sampaguita Dancers Apna Virsa Bollywood Beats Shiamak Dance Academy Bollywood Beats Maya – Fusion Dance Apna Virsa – Bhangra + folk dance to Khoo Song Apna Virsa – Folk Dance Punjabi duet dance A-Slam Radhika – Veil Dance A-Slam Apna Virsa – Giddha A-Slam A-Slam Schedule 11 Sunday Vinod Bhardwaj & Friends Apna Virsa – Junior Co-ed Little Bird Group Apna Virsa – dance to Shokan Mela Dee Apna Virsa – Junior Boys Group Salsa Caliente Radhika – Veil Dance Bollywood Beats Ocean Rain Mast Mayuri – Bollywood Dance VFCA – Filipino Sampaguita Dancers Al Ahsan Dancers Al Ahsan Dancers Apna Virsa – dance to Mixed Songs Apna Virsa – Junior Co-ed Ram Taderpati – Instrumental Bollywood Beats Lilia’s Polynesian Dancers Lilia’s Polynesian Dancers Harmony Belly Dancing Harmony Belly Dancing Apna Virsa – Junior Girls Bhangra Apna Virsa – Middle Boys Mast Mayuri Shan-e-Punjab Nalini – Bharatnatyam Apna Virsa – Senior Boys Bhangra Zumba – Isabel Zumba – Isabel Apna Virsa – Bhangra by Senior Co-ed Shan-e-Punjab A-Slam A-Slam A-Slam A-Slam A-Slam A-Slam A-Slam DJ A-SLAM Vancouver, BC DJ A-SLAM is a Juno nominated artist, DJ, and producer who mixes Top 40, EDM and Hip-Hop. He has been a favourite at the India Mela every year for the past four years. He first made a name for himself in the World Music market fusing hype beats with Indian influences — now he’s taking his sound mainstream, releasing high energy mixes. www.facebook.com/deejayaslam 12 2015 India Mela Event Listing Lilia’s Polynesian Dance Company Victoria, BC Under the direction of Lilia Peterson, Lilia’s Polynesian Dance Company has been entertaining audiences on Vancouver Island, British Columbia for over 20 years. The spectacular, high quality, and professional shows feature award winning dancers in authentic traditional costumes delighting their audiences with the sights and sounds of Polynesia. Students of all ages and all levels are welcome to learn the authentic songs and dances of Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Cook Islands and Tahiti. Lilia is an accomplished professional dancer, winning many awards in national and international competitions. The ICCA celebrates diversity. 2015 India Mela Event Listing 13 Mast Mayuri Victoria, BC Mast Mayuri was formed by Sangita Sharma. She and her friends Dipti, Jaspreet, Deepika, Archuna and Meena are from various regions of India. They have come together to express their love of dance and Indian culture. Bollywood was part of their lives growing up, and remains so. They are ecstatic to be performing as a group, for the first time, at the India Mela! They will perform dances that are frequently showcased at various Indian seasonal festivals, along with a Bollywood number. MAYA Victoria, BC This Victoria-based, Indian fusion dance group will be showcasing a collage of popular Indian classical dance forms, from Bharathanatyam to Kathak to Odissi. These are three of seven traditional art forms rooted in sacred Hindu musical theatre styles that can be traced to the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni (400 BC) — and the aim of MAYA is to promote these dances through a single piece, showcasing the differences and similarities of these respected dance forms. MAYA is proud to present an Indian classical fusion dance performance at the Sixth Annual India Mela 2015 in Victoria. Nalini Victoria, BC Nalini's cultural background in dance, music and art is strongly influenced by her birthplace Calcutta, India. She will be performing to the Bollywood song, Radha Kesai Na Jale. Her choreography is inspired by her years of formal training in Bharathanatyam and passion to narrate stories from the popular epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. 14 2015 India Mela Event Listing Ocean Rain Victoria, BC Ocean and Rain Lu are professionally-trained Chinese Ethnic and Classical dancers. They have many years of prefessional training and experience in performing, teaching and choreography. Together, they are devoted to promoting Chinese dance arts and are determined to introduce the real beauty of Chinese performing arts. Recently, Ocean and Rain have become certified teachers of Chinese Dance Examinations Syllabus (CDES) from Bejing Dance Academy. CDES is recognized by the BC Ministry of Education — who awards CDES students with 12 credits to meet their fine arts and/or applied skills graduation requirement. www.oceanrain.ca The ICCA celebrates community. 2015 India Mela Event Listing 15 Radhika Menon Victoria, BC Originally from Uganda, Radhika is a UVic student in her final Undergraduate year in Chemistry. She loves to make make her own cosmetics and do research in this field. When not studying she is playing soccer, swimming and doing other sports to remain fit. Radhika has led an adventurous life,having living in countries such as Haiti, India and Mozambique. Living in these places has shaped the person she is today. Ram Tadeparti Victoria, BC A recognized Bansuri (Flute) player in the Hindustani (North Indian) classical music genre, Ram is also versatile in other musical instruments such as Harmonica and Keyboard, and in other musical genres too — such as Bollywood classical/semi-classical music. He performs Western classical music on Grand Piano and Harmonica and has worked and performed with renowned Indian classical musicians and classical dancers. Locally, Ram has given several classical music performances on Bansuri (Flute) and other instruments at major events and venues. Salsa Claiente Victoria, BC Caliente Dance, directed by WSU certified instructorChristina Morrison, offers dance lessons and performance opportunities for all ages and levels here in Victoria. Known for their professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude, their top dancers have been touring internationally for over 10 years, with performances in Italy, Puerto Rico, New York, Chicago, Mexico and more! They have also represented Canada in the World Salsa Open Championships and have appeared in music videos, and on stage, with some of the top Salsa bands and dancers in the world. 16 2015 India Mela Event Listing Shan-e-Punjab Victoria, BC Shan-e-Punjab Dance: Performing Arts and Heritage School has been part of Victoria and Vancouver Island for 23 years. We marked our 20th year celebration in the presence of the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of BC, at UVic with 200 performers. Our program is an avenue for learning culture and sharing that culture with others — a program for youth, lead by youth, and open to everyone. Many scholarships have been achieved and many students have progressed in their professional careers. In this photograph, taken at the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration (VIBC), are advanced students as well as teachers. www.members.shaw.ca/shan-e-punjab/home.htm The ICCA celebrates youth. 2015 India Mela Event Listing 17 DON’T MISS A RARE CHANCE TO SEE THE HIGH ENERGY AND ULTRA-TALENTED SHIAMAK DAVAR TEAM LIVE! Shiamak Davar Vancouver, BC Singer, choreographer, performing artist Shiamak Davar is known as the Guru of Dance in india. He is largely responsible for modernizing India’s dance scene, especially in the film and theatre industry. With the motto Have Feet. Will DanceTM Shiamak Davar International is the world’s biggest dance academy — enriching the lives of over a million dance enthusiasts across India, Canada, Australia, the UAE and the UK. Spreading the joy of dance to ages four to eighty four, the faculty teaches Shiamak’s original dance styles including Shiamak Style (Contemporary), Shiamak’s Bollywood Jazz™, Shabop (Hip Hop & Street Funk) and Shiamak’s Yoga — Inner Dance Movement, amongst many others. www.shiamak.com 18 2015 India Mela Event Listing Uminari Taiko Victoria, BC Uminari Taiko is Vancouver Island’s first Taiko drumming ensemble. Its mission is to share and promote the art of Japanese Taiko drumming through teaching and performance. Uminari is a Japanese word that can be translated as “roaring sea”— the sound of the crashing waves and the silence in between. It is a name that captures equally the essence of Taiko and of our windy, wave-swept island. Since it’s founding in 2002, Uminari Taiko has performed at numerous schools, festivals and holiday events both public and private functions, in Victoria and around Vancouver Island. www.uminaritaiko.com VFCA – Sampaguita Dancers Victoria, BC The VFCA - Victoria Filipino Community Association's dance group, Sampaguita, has taken part in various events over the past 30 years. Currently there are two groups of performers: the junior dancers are 3–9 years old and intermediate dancers are 10–18 years old. Each year we try to highlight different aspects of our multi-faceted Philippine culture, such as rural dances, Muslim suites, Spanish influenced, and mountain/tribal dances. For more information, contact Jhoanna,Stephanie or Lizel: pinoydancing@gmail.com Vinod K. Bhardwaj & friends Victoria, BC Vinod Bhardwaj is a musician and poet whose performs under the name Nashad Raza Jaunpuri. He can play the bansuri, sitar, tabla, harmonium and express himself in the medium of Urdu Shayari. He was invited to recite at the famous Shankar Shaad Mushaira in 1995, and the Ghalib Yaadgar Mushaira in 1998 and 1999. Vinod performed at the World Bank in Washington on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti in 1999. He was inducted into the Edmonton Arts and Culture Hall of Fame in 2008 and Folkways Alive at the University of Alberta has archived Vinod’s work. www.vinodbhardwaj.com 2015 India Mela 19 The ICCA is blessed to have terrific support from the municipal and provincial governments, plus several local business — and our untiring legion of volunteers.We send out a great big thank you to everyone who had a hand in the organization of this year’s Mela. You’re the best! Lon ndon Rooter G GOBIND FA ARMS 2015 India Mela Kiosks 20 You’ll find kiosks with representatives for these groups, companies, and activities at Centennial Square, during the 2015 India Mela: Arts & Crafts Bell Canada Dewachen Healing Diversity Committee Police First Aid Gobind Farms Henna & Threading ICA (Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria) ICCA Membership Booth India Clothes & Jewellery Information Lost and Found Magician Face Painting Masala Bites Mithai Palm Reading & Astrology Pashmina Pizza & Beverage Pop Corn Saaj Save on Foods Seniors Booth Sprott Shaw College Varsha The ICCA celebrates India. 2015 India Mela The ICCA thanks YOU! 21