Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to share the journey behind the creation of “The Dancing Elephant”children’s theatre production, touring April 2023, funded by Arts Council England. As the concept creator, co-writer, and director, this project has been a labour of love and creativity.
The Inspiration
“The Dancing Elephant” was inspired by the rich cultural heritage of India and the magical stories that surround the Elephant Festival of Jaipur. This festival, known for its vibrant celebrations and majestic elephants, sparked a vision (amongst many other visions including a cross stitch of a dancing Ganeshiji which I came across fifteen years ago!) to create a children’s theatre production that would bring these enchanting tales to life in an innovative and engaging way.
The Creative Process
As the concept creator, co-writer, and director, I collaborated with an amazing team of talented artists, musicians, and technologists to bring this vision to life. We aimed to create a performance that was not only visually stunning but also emotionally engaging. The show features a mix of traditional Indian dance, contemporary music, and captivating storytelling, all set within a mystical video game journey.
The Theatre Experience
“The Dancing Elephant” is more than just a performance; it’s an immersive experience. The audience joins Mahi, the protagonist, on a journey through a mystical video game to the Elephant Festival of Jaipur. The show explores themes of joy, freedom, and the deep connection between humans and animals, making it a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of nature.
Behind the Scenes
Creating this children’s theatre production was a challenging yet rewarding experience. From choreographing the dance sequences to bringing my vision to life with our team, every detail was carefully thought out. The elephant, a central character in the performance, was brought to life using a blend of real and virtual environments, adding a unique element to the show, including a character on stage.
The Impact
“The Dancing Elephant” had eight out of fourteen sold-out shows, receiving rave reviews and touching the hearts of many. It’s a testament to the power of art to inspire and uplift. As the concept creator, co-writer, and director, I am proud to have been a part of this magical journey, alongside a brilliant team.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I hope you enjoy “The Dancing Elephant” as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Lots of love,
A decade ago today, I received confirmation of my role as a Keynote Speaker at Europe’s largest Business Show, The Business Show —an unforgettable milestone in my journey. Sharing the stage with Piers Linney from Dragon’s Den 📺 was an honour, and little did I know it would ignite a lifelong passion for public speaking and interactive talks.
✨ What an unforgettable day it has been! As a special guest at Hyde’s vibrant Social on the Square event, I had the honour of representing Ri Ri’s Dance Academy and showcasing the energy and magic of Bollywood dance in the heart of Tameside 🎉
Scrolling back to September 2021 always brings a smile to my face 😄. It was a time when Ri Ri’s Dance Academy and I, Ria Meera Munshi, were proudly featured in the Manchester Evening News 📰 for our children’s touring theatre production, 🌈 Sue & Sita 🎊 The article captured an incredible journey, and I’m delighted to share some reflections about that special time.
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