Dear Editor,
Popular dancer and choreographer Dheeraj Guyaram delivered a glittering and memorable performance last night (Nov 23rd) at the Caribbean Fest Lounge on Rockaway Blvd and 116th St, South Ozone Park, Queens, NYC. Dheeraj’s India-based gurus, Birju Maharaj, Tirath and Reva Armani, would have been exceptionally proud of his sparkling performance.
Dheeraj’s performance was backed up by his Ghungaroo dancers, as well as by prominent singers Terry Gajraj, Son Son, Farouk the Farishman, Saman, Sherwin Mathura, and DJ Logic and DJ Fess. The occasion was to commemorate Dheeraj’s 50th anniversary as a multi-talented dancer (who excels in Kathak, odissi and folk-dance forms), and he wanted to crown this glorious journey with “The Last Dance.” His finesse, agility, and immersion in his craft were as great as ever, and he never showed any sign of faltering in his remarkable role.
Dheeraj’s daughter Nikita joined him in performing two beautiful and touching dances. Dheeraj’s dance to Manna Dey’s classic, “Laaga Chunarie mey daag,” was done with exquisite grace, elegance and great artistry. Not only was the audience mesmerized, but became more animated with his body’s symmetrical movements during this dance. Members of the audience unhesitatingly asked him not to quit dancing, but to continue to share his exceptional gift as a cultural icon for many more years to come.
Dheeraj has performed before many Heads of States, and also before Queen Elizabeth II and Nelson Mandela of South Africa. He has been honoured with scores of citations, trophies, and plaques. During the programme last night, he received a powerful proclamation from NYS Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar. Although Mayor Eric Adams could not make it to the event, he sent a congratulatory message with a staff member. Mayor Adams has a strong connection with the Guyanese diaspora, and so does Assemblywoman Rajkumar.
The programme was emceed by popular radio host Shamella Karim. Based on last night’s response to Dheeraj’s performance, we believe he would reconsider his decision to retire from professional dancing. But he did caution that such a stellar presentation demands great sacrifice, challenges, rehearsal time, and resources.
We applaud Dave West Indian Imports, Golden Crown, Vinty, Metro Auto Body Shop, Caribbean Fest, and Island Zone Radio for supporting this awesome project. The Guyanese community in the diaspora as well as in Guyana owes Dheeraj Guyaram an immense debt of gratitude for his immeasurable contribution to cultural revival and continuity in Guyana and the Guyana diaspora. He is one of Guyana’s prized cultural ambassadors.
Sincerely,
Dr Tara Singh