Indo-Arab Cultural Festival celebrated in Abu Dhabi

Dubai, Mar 9: Expressing concern over the decreasing number of Indian students learning Indian dance forms, Koodiyatam dancer Margi Sathi said the next generation may have to learn country's own dance forms from westerners. Speaking at the Indo-Arab Cultural Festival in Abu Dhabi on March 8, she said there were more students from western countries than India to learn her dance form Koodiyatam, which was recognised by Unesco.

''Western students' curiosity and dedication towards the dance is far better than my own compatriot students.Their attitude towards art is admirable,'' Ms Sathi said. ''The audience reaches the venue in time and nobody makes any sound which may interrupt the artist. Whereas in my country and in other parts of the world, you may find people talking on mobile phones, taking water and food and leaving the venue from the front row in the middle of a performance,'' she added.

UNI