Pellau Magazine

The bmobile Shiv Shakti Dance Group.
 

Mere Maa is Hindu for my mother, a fitting name for the fourth Annual Mere Maa concert at the Divali Nagar on Friday, put on by national dance icon Michael Salickram and his dance company, the bmobile Shiv Shakti Dance Group. The concert is the highlight of the dance group's 25th anniversary celebrations. Showtime is 7 pm. Communications officer of the Shiv Shakti Dance Group, Rennie Mohammed, said Salickram—choreographer and head dancer of the top local Indian dance troupe—started hosting the Mere Maa concert after his mother died in 2008. "His mother was his biggest fan," Mohammed said. "and to keep her memory alive, Michael hosts this concert. It is from this he gets his inspiration." Mohammed said celebrating a 25-year anniversary was pure bliss. 
 
 
"It is a huge milestone," he said. "It is amazing the amount of congrats we're getting. We're overwhelmed." Shiv Shakti means power of God, and the group truly portrays this. The name Shiv Shakti in T&T is one that is synonymous with colour, creativity, Indian culture and excellence. The group is known for its contemporary style, which is taken from authentic East Indian dance styles. He said the concert aims to show how dance has evolved. It also coincides with Indian Heritage Month, so highlighting where Indians came from to where they are now will also be a focal point. The Shiv Shakti dance group has won many awards, and Salickram is the only male dancer to have won the first prize in the prestigious Mastana Bahar competition. "It is really amazing to see the transition that has taken place especially with the influence of cable TV and channels like ZeeTV," he said of the growth of Indian dance in T&T. However, Salickram, who has been a dancer for 40 years, insisted that a lot more can be done to improve and promote Indian dance here in T&T. 
 
 
"Indian dance in this country is sometimes misunderstood. If one studies it properly then we will definitely have great dancers. A lot more can be done here in T&T especially in terms of guidance for upcoming dancers" Salickram, maintained. So what challenges has this icon faced? "Being a male Indian dancer dressed in costume was a challenge in itself," he said. "I got a lot of negative feedback but a lot of positive feedback as well. Over the last 25 years we have done an amazing job. We listen to all the comments and we remember that people give comments based on their intelligence. "To everyone, I have to say, pursue your dream with passion and the love that you feel. Even goddess Sita was chastised in the Gita; so listen to what people have to say but don't let negativity ever keep you back. Dance is indeed a great art form."  At first glance, one would notice all the beautiful colours and costumes worn by Shiv Shakti dancers. Anyone knowing of Salickram's creativity will not hesitate to believe that he is the designer of all the costumes. But the designs are actually done by Indira Salickram, Gail Boodoosingh, Taramatie Maharaj and others. For those who will be missing out on the colour and creativity of this concert, have no fear. There will be a repeat sometime in July.
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> from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2012-05-09/mere-maa-shiv-shakti-marks-25-years-dance-concert-tomorrow-0
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