VIDEO- Aerial drone footage shows the spectacular dance.
Over 1,100 Bharatanatyam dancers paid tribute to Canada as they performed in a spectacular red and white maple leaf flag formation in Toronto.
Bharatha Mile 1000 was hosted by Canadian Tamil Arts and Cultural Organization. The Sri Lankan Tamil community come together to celebrate Canada’s 150 years, by combining the ancient traditional dance Bharatanatyam consisting over 1,100 dancers along with 150 singers.
Aerial picture of the dancers in a Canada flag formation. (Picture courtesy Ninavukal)
A young dancers sprints back to her position in the Canadian flag formation. (Pictures by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Over 40 dance teachers trained the students to participate in the iconic event held at L’Amoreaux Sports Complex, Scarborough on a bright summer day. The performance was in benefit of Scarborough Grace Hospital to fund the purchase of a kidney dialysis machine.
All the dancers contributed $50 towards this collection.
Members of the organizing committee.
The performers, who ranged from age five and above, worked tirelessly ahead the event.
The event was the brainchild of dance teacher Nirothini Pararajasingham, choreographed by acclaimed Indian dancer and professor Madurai R. Muralitharan.
Over 40 dance teachers were honoured by Dr. Menaka Thakkar who gave away Canada 150th pins, Ethel Doyle, Chronic Disease Prevention and Management at Scarborough Hospital, and MP Gary Anandasangaree who gave away certificates, while lawyer Meleni David handed over trophies.
Earlier, Meleni David narrated the dance, “150 Canada Day Celebration greetings and Lord Shiva’s “Natiya Samarpanam”.
More 1,100 dancers performed completing the extraordinary feat as their parents, guests, well-wishers cheered for them.
The main dance was followed by a performance from the teachers.
A cheque was handed over for $50,000 to the Scarborough Hospital.
A dance teacher offers water to the participants ahead of performance.
Over 1,100 dancers performed.
In a special tribute Canada’s national anthem was sung in Tamil.
Section of the dancers as they perform.
Over 1,100 dancers perform.
Parents strain to get the perfect picture of their children participating in the iconic community event.
Over 40 dance teachers took up the task in training the performers.
