There are 1,200 Zoroastrian members in the Tri-state area.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: The spectacular dance show ‘Mystic India: The World Tour’, will be performed at the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on September 13th.
The Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) will host the Bollywood-themed show, the proceeds from which will benefit a new community and cultural center for Zoroastrians in the tri-state area, said a press release issued by the organization.
ZAGNY was formed in 1973 and has now grown to over 1,200 members in the Tri-state area. It’s goal is to preserve Zoroastrian philosophy, history, culture and rituals by conducting classes for younger members, organizing social events to celebrate days of cultural significance, providing a platform for adults to volunteer their time, efforts and resources towards worthy social causes, and frequently sponsoring important educational conferences by bringing together scholars on Zoroastrianism from around the world.
“ZAGNY aims to instill a strong sense of identity and enlighten our community, particularly the youth, about our ancient Zoroastrian heritage while also providing an appreciation of the rich culture and vibrancy of our motherland. Mystic India embodies what we all love about the Indian Subcontinent. The colors, rhythm and passion that Mystic India brings to life on stage, gives us a glimpse of the diverse cultural and musical experiences and delivers a beautiful connection to our Indian roots.” said Astad Clubwala, President of ZAGNY, in a statement.
Similar to the previous show, audiences will get an opportunity to experience various regions of India through an explosion of color and culture as Mystic India embarks on a journey through dance which culminates with a celebration of the Bollywood film industry.
The dance team, part of AATMA Performing Arts, consists of a diverse, impeccably trained group who combine traditional Indian and modern dance techniques bringing the streets of Mumbai and New York into perfect harmony. Renowned musicians join the 25 brilliant dancers in opulent costumes to create a global spectacle.
The founder and director of Mystic India, Amit Shah, said in a statement: “We have travelled to four continents and performed for over 200,000 people. When I first created the show, my goal was to change the way Bollywood dance was represented on the international platform, as it’s being commercialized and losing its authenticity.”