Stay tuned for a new offer coming to you soon. Subscribe Log InGEORGE TOWN: A sales manager by day and a dance teacher in his free time, T. Thilagaraj always looks forward to Deepavali gatherings with his dance students.“I have a day job but dancing is my passion; I want to pass on the art form which I have been learning since I was five.“I teach dance for free at a temple nearby and my students have become like my family.“I’ll host a party during the festive celebration so we can all gather and have a good time tucking in traditional delights,” said the 37-year-old at his dance studio in Paya Terubong.Thilagaraj teaches traditional Indian dance forms like classical, semi-classical and folk as well as contemporary and modern.His students from the local community are from age six to 23.“I just want to make sure the various classical dance forms do not disappear as there are not many places in Penang offering such lessons.“My students have become very dear to me.“They have taken part in many events and celebrations,” he said.His friend K. Darmendran, also a dance teacher, said he would celebrate with his family first before joining them for the gathering.“I help my mother in the kitchen before visiting and catching up with relatives whom we hardly see,” he said.Darmendran, 18, teaches the students kolattam (dance form using sticks) for free.He started learning the moves when he was eight and shared Thilagaraj’s hope of preserving the dance form.P. Janani, 11, who has been taking the lessons for the past year, said she has never been happier learning the dance.“I have always wanted to learn traditional Indian dances but did not have the opportunity until I found out about the classes offered at the temple.“Now I make sure I practise whenever I can to better my moves,” she said.

Source: The Star October 25, 2019 22:30 UTC