Photo: Prabha Ravi - credit to Ruchika Jain
In celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Natraj Dance School is a beacon of creativity and expression in Wellington.
A first-generation migrant in her family, Prabha embarked on a new chapter in her life when she moved from India to New Zealand with her two young children in 1999.
Although the transition was not without its challenges, Prabha quickly embraced her new home in Wellington, where she found herself drawn to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the city.
Reflecting on her early days in New Zealand, Prabha recalls, "Everything was different for me when I first arrived in New Zealand, especially the time zone and weather. I lived in Canada for six months before moving to New Zealand, so I was quite used to the silence. However, it was a culture shock for my husband, who came straight from busy India to a very quiet New Zealand."
Natraj School of Dance
In just three weeks of her arrival, Prabha embarked on a journey that would change the lives of countless individuals in her community.
With a passion for dance, she founded the Natraj School of Dance, the first of its kind in Lower Hutt.
Recalling the humble beginnings of her school, Prabha says, "I remember that day as if it was yesterday. I arrived in NZ on 22 April, and the school opened on 1 May. At that time, I brought with me only one dance costume and some jewellery. In October 2023, we celebrated our 25th anniversary with a grand production attracting over 700 audience members to the show. I can't believe how time flies so fast!"
Over the years, Prabha's school has trained over 1,600 students, promoting a love for dance and creativity in the hearts of individuals from diverse ethnicities and faiths.
Photo: From Natraj School of Dance’s 25th Anniversary celebration in October 2023. Credit to Sasi Harsha.
Fusion in motion
One of the hallmarks of Natraj School of Dance is its commitment to celebrating diversity through the fusion of cultures.
Prabha's innovative choreography has brought together Indian dance traditions with elements from Māori, Samoan, Sri Lankan, and Western classical ballet, creating breathtaking performances that captivate audiences and inspire unity.
Recalling one of her most memorable fusion performances, Prabha shares, "An unforgettable experience was the Māori Kapa haka and Bharatanatyam fusion dance in 2019 at Sky Stadium in the opening of the New Zealand vs. India cricket game with 24,000 spectators attending. It took us eight months to prepare for this performance."
Watch this unique fusion on this link: Maa Tuje Salaam - Bharathnatyam & Māori Kapahaka Fusion dance.
Recognition of an inspirational journey
Prabha's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Her dedication to the arts, education, and ethnic communities has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Queen's Service Medal (QSM).
More about Prabha’s QSM Award is in this article: Legwork earns Queen's Medal | Stuff
From Civic Honours to Best Actress Awards, Prabha's achievements testify to her advocacy for equity and inclusion.
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Photos: Parbha Ravi with the former Governor General, Dame Patricia Lee Reddy and a group photo for the 2017 QSM Awards.
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The Ethnic Communities Development Fund
As a panellist for the Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF), she plays a pivotal role in allocating funds to community organisations that promote cultural diversity and social cohesion.
Speaking about her experience with the ECDF, Prabha says, "It’s an incredible experience. I love my colleagues and the diverse perspectives we all bring to the table. We always have respectful, robust discussions. Even when we disagree, it’s more about the work and not about the person.”
A voice for equity and inclusion
In addition to her work with the ECDF, Prabha is a governance and management consultant, facilitator, coach, and mentor. She is also the first Indian woman appointed Judicial Justice of Peace in Wellington – another voluntary role she plays in the community.
Looking to the future, Prabha remains committed to building bridges between cultures and fostering a more inclusive society for all.
As she often says, "Change begins with every one of us. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all."
Through her work, Prabha has empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and celebrate their unique identities.
More photos and news from Natraj School of Dance are available on their Facebook page.
Find out more about Prabha Ravi and her achievements on this link: Our Team - Community Governance Aotearoa.