'I love visiting India' Performer Ann Sholem of the National Dance Company of Wales talks about her first performance in India

'I love visiting India'

Performer Ann Sholem of the National Dance Company of Wales talks about her first performance in India


How did you happen to plan this tour?
We planned the tour as an exchange programme with Stem Dance Company in Bengaluru. They are coming to perform in Wales in May next year. The exchange program has been made possible by support from the Welsh Government, British Council and Wales Arts International.

Is this your first performance here?
It's our first trip to India and as a part of it, we performed in Chennai, Bengaluru and Delhi.

Considering it's your first performance-based trip, what impression do you hold of India?
I have been very familiar with Indian music and Indian dance forms because I have been to India many times before. I especially like seeing the new contemporary India with fresh ideas and the wonderful energy that's coming out of the country. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing stem dance perform in Bengaluru as well as hoping to see as many other dance performances as possible while we are in India.

What, apart from the multi-city performance, fascinated you the most?
The great Indian food! I was really looking forward to it. I wanted to meet many people in India and of course performing to a new audience for the first time was a major thrill. I somehow feel that these cultural exchanges always stimulate new thinking and exciting new artistic collaborations.

What performances did you deliver here?
A great doublebill of new dance from two internationally famous contemporary dance choreographers. We have 11 great dancers in a wonderful passionate show. It's sharp edgy and beautifully performed.

Would you be keen on doing more shows in India or collaborating with Indian artists?
I love visiting India, so the chance to perform there again in the future with more new work would be fantastic. And yes, it would be wonderful to do more exchange programs with contemporary Indian artists in music dance and visual art.

New York diaries Actor Ali Zafar, who was in New York recently, can't stop gushing about the place as he talks about his favourite spots in the city

New York diaries

Actor Ali Zafar, who was in New York recently, can't stop gushing about the place as he talks about his favourite spots in the city



Actor Ali Zafar has been to New York a couple of times, but every time before he leaves the place, he already begins planning his next trip to the city. The actor, who was there to shoot for a film a couple of months back, says New York is one of his favourite destinations in the world. He says, "New York is one of those places I can keep visiting again and again. It is not my first visit to the city, but each time I come here, the place surprises me. This time we were shooting at the Hudson River bridge and incidentally at the same time, the Batman crew was also there shooting for their next film. Hudson River is a beautiful location and we were shooting there for a week, but the rest of the time I was pretty much running all around the place." Ali says the best thing about New York is the vibe and the energy of the place. This time he was in the city during the Halloween weekend, when the entire place is buzzing. "The last time too I was in New York, it was the Halloween weekend. Halloween is that time of the year when everyone dresses up and parties. I missed the parade and couldn't get to party. But the last time around, I witnessed the parade, dressed up and went partying all night," he says. He also recommends that the best time to visit New York would be sometime in July and August. His favourite place in the city is obviously The Times Square. "If anyone has a day to spend in New York, I suggest they have lunch at Tribbiani's, head out to the city later and then spend the evening at Times Square. If one has some more time, a Broadway play is the best way to unwind," he says. Ask him what the best thing about New York is and he quips it's the freedom to walk around and just be at ease. "The place has a vibe similar to that of Mumbai. The people, the culture and the energy... everything is lovely. I am that kind of a person who loves to soak up on the city and explore the place on foot. So any place where I get to walk endlessly is the best bet. In New York, I can do that; I can be myself for hours together. I love that feeling. Also, New York is very special to me because I got all the equipment for my music studio from the New York Guitar Centre. And music in an intrinsic part of my life. So the city too holds special importance."

Top 10 Things to Do in Malaysia

Malaysia is a modern nation of amazing ecological beauty and a rich mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Arabic, European, Peranakan and other cultures

You can eat and drink your way through Malaysia. From stalls alongside the streets to food markets, from large-scale food courts within shopping malls to gourmet restaurants, its choice of gastronomic offerings is legendary.
Most importantly, Malaysia has world renowned attractions that make a trip here immeasurably rewarding. Here's a list of top things to do in Malaysia.

1. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, standing at 452 metres, are the world's tallest twin structures. Inspired by Islamic architecture, the gleaming mega-towers are joined at the 41st and 42nd floors by a 58-metre long double-decker Sky Bridge that offers spectacular views of Kuala Lumpur.

2. Melaka Historic City, Malacca
The historical city of Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a thriving port city, Melaka today is a hotchpotch of Malay, Chinese, Indian, European and sundry influences. Boasting a great blend of historic attractions - from the salmon-pink Stadhuys to the Jonker Walk Night Market - Melaka is also home to the famed Nyonya cuisine.
3. Georgetown Historic City, Penang
Georgetown, Penang's capital on the north-eastern corner of the island, is dotted with idiosyncratic Chinese shops, narrow roads, colonial-era mansions, ornate temples and Little India districts. A fascinating fusion of eastern and western influences, the island manages to embrace modernity while retaining its colonial traditions. Its well-preserved heritage buildings are instrumental in Georgetown's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site status.

4. Sarawak, Borneo
Sarawak, Land of the Hornbill, is located on the north-western shore of Borneo. Experience its colourful ethnic diversity and fascinating array of attractions - from breathtaking beaches to fascinating rainforests, from adrenaline-pumping adventure sports to museums filled with Malaysian wonders. Explore its historic capital Kuching on a walk along its beautiful waterfront.

5. Menara KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Along with the Petronas Twin Towers, the Menara KL Tower is easily Malaysia's most recognizable and popular landmark. The tower stands at 421 metres while its viewing deck at 276 metres, is at least 100 metres higher than the Petronas Twin Towers' Skybridge, and offers great views during the day and sparkling views of the city centre at night.

Christ Church in the main square in Melaka

6. Langkawi Cable Car, Pantai Kok - Langkawi
The Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok, is the entrance for the cable-car ride, which takes you all the way up to Mount Mat Cincang, Langkawi's second highest peak. Feel the temperature drop and the breeze blow as the cable-car ascends over the rainforest and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. Take in the fabulous views of the rainforests and the surroundings hills from the top of the peak.

7. Penang Hill, Penang
Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera rises 821 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island. With the right dose of history and nippy climate, Penang plays host to a variety of attractions ranging from beaches to historical architecture, from cultural hotspots to cuisine. The Penang Hill Railway's Swiss-built funicular that dates back to 1897 is a beautiful way to ascend the hill.

8. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah - Borneo
The Kinabalu National Park, located in northwest Sabah, is Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the 4095-metre Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak, it has one of the world's largest collections of flora and fauna.

9. Cameron Highlands, Pahang State
Take respite from Malaysia's humid cities and soak up the magnificent views from the mountain resorts of Cameron Highlands, a salubrious hill station located along the Pahang borders. At almost 2,000 meters above sea level, Camerons offers daytime temperatures of around 25°C and 18°C at night with beautiful surrounds.

10. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Petaling Jaya
Spanning an area over 80 acres, Malaysia's premier theme park in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, has thrills and spills to offer people of all ages! Divided into three sections; the Wild Wild West, World of Adventure and Waters of Africa, a day out in Sunway Lagoon is a fun-filled encounter to remember!

Come and visit magical Malaysia.