Amidst the enchantment of Walt Disney World in Orlando, a powerful South African story will unfold. The Shiva Thandava Cosmic Temple of Dance, based in Chatsworth, has been officially invited to perform at the 2025 Diwali Dance Fest in October, hosted by Jashn Productions at one of the most iconic destinations in the world. In a moment steeped in pride and significance, Shiva Thandava will make history as the very first South African Indian dance school to illuminate this international stage.
Founded in 2008 by Kumaran (Thiru) Yershen Govindasami and Kumari (Thirumathi) Mahlinie Ganasen, Shiva Thandava is not merely a dance school—it is a sacred space where tradition and innovation converge. With a philosophy that dance is the heartbeat of the soul, Shiva Thandava trains performers in both Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, and modern dance. The result is a dancer who is not only versatile in style but deeply rooted in discipline, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
Co-Founder, Ganasan said: “This is more than just a performance opportunity—it’s a moment of deep significance for our school, our dancers, and our entire community. We are honoured to represent South Africa and to showcase the richness of our Indian heritage on a global stage. At Shiva Thandava, we believe in cultivating not just dancers, but artists who understand the sacred essence of movement. We also train in modern dance, which allows our performers to explore and express the complexities of the present. In this way, we honour the past while embracing the future. These dancers have poured their hearts into their training. They are incredibly dedicated and understand the responsibility of what it means to represent not just our school, but South African Indians on an international stage.”
The group of twenty dancers selected to perform in Orlando ranges in age from eleven to forty-eight. Each performer carries with them not just years of rigorous training, but the pride of representing a vibrant, resilient community on an international stage. These exceptionally talented dancers include: Sri Reddy (11), Aarya Naidoo (12), Kourtney Thungavelu (12), Devashree Kisten (14), Nataania Naicker (16), Dayanita Reddy (16), Akhayla Naicker (19), Andrea Pillay (23), Natya Illavarasi Caitlin Chetty (23), Natya Illavarasi Deirdre Venketess (23), Porlenejade Onyebinama (23), Anrica Mohan (23), Utthishtha Naicker (23), Natya Illavarasi Thashmika Naidoo (24), Trishandra Nadesan (25), Sueyanka Subroyen (28), Mayuri Nadesan (29), Bianca Mohan Pillay (29), Delicia Venketess (29), and Theressa Padayachee (48). The talented performers span a diverse range of ages and experiences, each bringing their own unique energy and passion to the stage.
Shiva Thandava is no stranger to major stages. The school has performed across South Africa, including Durban and Johannesburg, and internationally at sacred sites and festivals throughout South India, such as the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, Thiruvanamalai Arunachalam Temple, and Melmalyanaoor Amman Thiruvizha, among others. In 2024, they were also featured performers at the International Dance Festival at Batu Caves in Malaysia. Yet, the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World is a milestone unlike any other—placing their artistry before a global audience, and bringing South African Indian dance into mainstream cultural consciousness.
Bharatanatyam, with its intricate gestures, expressive storytelling, and spiritual depth, demands not only technical skill but a profound inner devotion. The dancers of Shiva Thandava embody this tradition with grace and passion, while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries through their modern dance training. Their movement becomes a dialogue between the ancient and the contemporary—a bridge between generations, identities, and worlds.
For the dancers, this journey to Orlando is more than a performance opportunity. It is a recognition of who they are and where they come from. Sri Reddy (11) said: “I dance to be fit and try new things in every class. I love dancing. It is a passion I have. Dance has always taught me manners and discipline. This opportunity means I can showcase my talent abroad.”
Akhayla Naicker (18) said that dance serves as a powerful form of expression. “Dance helps me to express myself by sharing my feelings and experiences through dance. It helps me to push myself artistically. Performing at the Disney Diwali Festival is a dream come true, celebrating my culture and unity through artistic expression. Being able to perform at Disney World is a big accomplishment and I will forever be grateful.”
Mayuri Nadesan (28) said that dance has been a cornerstone of her life since childhood. “Dancing for me means stepping into a perfect moment perfectly. It’s discipline and hard work, and it’s definitely worth living in that fulfilling beautiful result. This opportunity to perform at the Diwali Festival in Disney World is a dream we never imagined possible and it’s finally so close to manifesting. It’s a chance to make those who have supported us proud.”
In the spirit of community support, the mothers of Shiva Thandava invite the public to a Mother’s Day High Tea for a Cause, taking place on Saturday, 10 May, from 2pm to 4.30pm at Maytri Hall, 10 Rose Height Road, Arena Park, Chatsworth. This elegant afternoon promises laughter, light entertainment, refreshments, and raffled prizes—all in aid of the dancers’ international journey. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for raffle entries. All proceeds will contribute to fundraising efforts for the school’s trip to the United States, where these talented local performers will represent South Africa on a world stage.
“In every step we take, we honour those who came before us,” says Ganasen. “This invitation is not just for our dancers—it is for every South African Indian who has held fast to culture, to expression, and to the unbreakable rhythm of identity. We are proud, we are ready, and we are going to shine.”
To book tickets or find out more, contact the event organisers at shivathandavadanceteam@gmail.com.
