August 31, 2008 Mumbai  Tejaswi S Shetty presented Siva Marga, a Bharatanatyam recital at the feet of Lord Nataraja, as a tribute to her teachers and for the pleasure of the rasikas in ‘An Ode to My Teachers.’ She is a student of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya.  Venue: ISKCON Bhakti Kala Kshetra Auditorium, Juhu, at 6.30pm.  e-mail: tejurules@gmail.com

 

August 6 - 31, 2008 Bangalore  Schedule for Sai Venkatesh, lights director of Sai Arts International.   6th Aug: Stem dance company, Mumbai.  8th Aug: Natya, Dr. Maya Rao’s show, Bangalore.  9th Aug: Ananya show, Malleswaram, Bangalore.  10th Aug: Kirtana, Bharatanatyam, Bangalore.  13th Aug: Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography show, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bangalore.  17th Aug: Sangeetya Aasthana show, Bangalore.  22nd Aug:  Bharatanatyam rangapravesham, Guru Parul Shastry students, Bangalore.  27th Aug to 31st Aug: Ananya - South Zone Cultural Utsav, Bangalore.  e-mail: sai_venkatesh@hotmail.com

 

August 30, 2008, San Jose, CA    Navia Natarajan (disciple of Padmini Ramachandran, A Lakshman and Bragha Bessel) presented solo Bharathanatyam recital MARGAM  Venue: Hoover Historic Theater, 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126, 6.15pm email: navnat_9@yahoo.com

 

August 30, 2008 Netherlands  Triveni and Trinayam Dance Academy are looking for a team for their multi-cultural dance theatre program DANSICAL STAGE OF INDIA. The program will be held in 2009 and is a mix of Bollywood, various dance styles and theatre. The spoken language will be in Dutch. The audition for the show was on Saturday 30th August in Schiedam in Holland.   Wijkcentrum Kluphuis Oost, Boerhavellan 79, Schiedam, at 7pm  Info: Triveni: Bharti Nannan - Mobile: 06 - 17 69 08 67 / info@triveni.nl   Trinayam Dance Academy: Nisha Nannan - Mobile: 06 - 24 31 84 30

 

August 30, 2008 Solothurn, Switzerland  Anjali Keshava was invited by the Swiss Women’s Association Elisabethenwerk, to present Indian classical and Folks dances with her Children dance group Kalasri on the occasion of its 50th anniversary celebration.  14.00 Festzelt, Solothurn, Switzerland  Info: www.frauenbund.ch  Website: www.kalasri.com

 

August 30, 2008 London  Akademi's popular production BELLS returned for WATCH THIS SPACE, the National Theatre's summer festival of free riverside events.  At: National Theatre, Southbank, London, 3pm  e-mail: info@akademi.co.uk

 

August 30, 2008 Edinburgh  Akademi presented INITIUM (WHERE DREAMS BEGIN). Initium is a South Asian dance-led contemporary spectacle conceived by Mira Kaushik in collaboration with Tony Charalambous. With a significant cast of dancers, it juxtaposes the lyricism of kathak with the spirited dynamics of modern dance, circus and folk theatre form, Yakshagana. Punctuated by special effects, this vivid and fresh piece emphasizes the way dreams can change in an instant, combining elements that clash at first glance, but ultimately work together to create a new reality.  The production is a re-working of the acclaimed Sapnay, originally directed by Gauri Sharma Tripathi and Mavin Khoo. Rhythmic soundscapes were produced by the internationally renowned DJ Per Qx, with eastern influences by Niraj Chag.  At: Ocean Kitchen, Edinburgh, 4pm  e-mail: info@akademi.co.uk

 

August 30, 2008 Bogota, Columbia    Rama Vaidyanathan performed in Concierto Sábado 30 at 7pm.   Salón Mutis Colsubsidio de la Calle 26. Cel: +300 4096844.  e-mail: ramaconcerts@yahoo.com

 

August 29, 2008 Basel, Switzerland    19.00 St. Mistical Mill, Alban Kirche, Basel, Switzerland  Keshava, Anjali and Sumitra were invited by a Swiss Christian community - Credo 08 to perform BIBLE STORIES   Infos: www.credo 08.com  Website: www.kalasri.com

 

August 29, 2008 London  Monica de la Fuente presented BHAKTI: DEVOTIONAL TRADITIONS IN DANCE AND POETRY, a journey in dance and theatre through diverse devotional poetic traditions from India, Persia and Spain, using Bharatanatyam and western dance-theatre as techniques to communicate the intangible -yet universal- essence of the poetic language of the mystics. She thus weaves different mystical poetries, in time and space (Nammalvar, Akkamahadevi, Basavanna, Rumi, Tagore, St. John of the Cross, and others) into an intercultural aesthetic experience of Bhakti (devotion).   An experienced dancer-actress from Spain, Monica studied Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra, Chennai, and under Meena Raman. Trained in Kathakali at Kerala Kalamandalam and Margi in Trivandrum, she was awarded scholarships by ICCR, Spanish Ministry of External Affairs and from the Valladolid City Council to study in South India from 1993-2000.  At present she teaches performing arts at Casa de la India in Valladolid, Spain.   Accompanists: Baluji Srivastav (sitar and percussion) and Gayathri Kesavan (vocal)  At: Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, 6.30pm  e-mail: nehrucentre@btconnect.com

 

August 29, 2008 Gurgaon  On the occasion of Janamashtami Nalini-Kamalini & Guru Jitendra Maharaj performed Kathak at Epi Centre Gurgaon, 7.30pm  e-mail: nalinikamalini@nalinikamalini.com

 

August 28, 2008 Chennai  Dedicated to the memory of her gurus for dance and music - Pandanallur Subbaraya Pillai and T Muktha - Alarmel Valli presented an evening of abhinaya. The orchestra members were Savitha Narasimhan (vocal), Akkarai Subhalakshmi (violin), Lalgudi Sri Ganesh (mridangam) and C K Vasudevan (nattuvangam).  At Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, 6.30pm

 

August 28, 2008 Chennai  Harini Venkataraman,15 yrs of age, disciple of Pandanallur S Pandian presented a Bharatanatyam performance  At Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, from 5.45pm to 7.15pm  e-mail: anu_venkat92@hotmail.com

 

August 1 - 28, 2008 Malpils, Latvia  The four-week INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS VILLAGE was open to professional actors, dancers, musicians, directors, choreographers, playwrights, scriptwriters and artists from different countries, creative genres, techniques and styles. The created work-in-progress will become the basis of developing the international production.   http://www.iugte.com/projects/Performance.php

 

August 23 - 27, 2008 New Delhi  - Sanjib Bhattacharya performed KRISHNAYAN on Aug 23, at Iskcon Temple New Delhi in Janmashtami Festival.   - Sanjib performed SAMARPAN on Aug 24 at Iffco Recreation Club, Gurgaon.  - On Aug 27, Sanjib performed VARSHAN based on Tagore’s work at India Habitat Centre, Delhi.  e-mail: sanjib_sb@yahoo.com

 

August 3 - 25, 2008 Edinburgh  ClubWEST's new culture of Fringe shows - an INVASIAN FESTIVAL. This essentially was a mini festival within the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - all dedicated to Asian culture, music, dance, drama, film and art. It showcased events from Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan and China as well as new productions from some of the leading British Asian companies. It truly was a popular venue with a diverse range of multicultural events.   Kevin Williams, of clubWEST, said: "There is so much Asian talent worldwide and in the UK, that it just made perfect sense to bring it all together in one place. The Royal College of Surgeons complex is the ideal venue for the festival, with performances scheduled in all four performance spaces inside the magnificent Quincentenary Hall."   Productions included two separate versions of Akademi's Daredevas.  At: Quincentenary Hall, Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh  Details: www.invasianfestival.com

 

August 24, 2008 River Grove, IL  Performance by senior disciples of the Natya Dance Theatre School at 3pm.   At: Triton College Performing Arts Center  2000 Fifth Avenue, River Grove, IL 60171  bill@natya.com  www.natya.com

 

August 24, 2008 Chennai  LIVING STATUES OF MARINA BEACH Walking Tour  (90 mins).  7:30am. Sunday, 24 August.   Brief performances and talks at the statues of 1) Kannagi, 2) NSC Bose, 3) Thiruvalluvar, 4) GU Pope, 5) Bharathidasan, and 6) Avvaiyar.   Languages: English and Tamil.  Facilitated by the World Storytelling Institute.   Note:  If you might like to participate in this event by performing a dance, story, poem, song, etc -- and/or by speaking about the figure -- at one of the statues, please contact Eric Miller, Director, World Storytelling Institute, 98403 94282, eric@storytellinginstitute.org

 

August 24, 2008 Bridgwater, NJ  NAADA NRITHYA DAY by Vasundhara Doraswamy and students of Bhramari Shivaprakash  GANGA LAHARI - a solo dance drama  A unique depiction of River Ganga in different facets of life - as a lover, a wife, a mother and as an auspicious symbol for thousands of people.  There are a myriad of examples in Hindu Mythology where folks from heaven come to earth as a result of curse but Ganga is the only person who stays back on the Earth and continues to be worshipped by the people.  All along the presentation, you will see how Ganga is tied down by various situations and how she frees herself.  The lyrics are inspired by the works of greats like Aadikavi Vaalmiki, Acharya Shankara, Kaalidasa and Pandita Jagannatha Kavi.   Concept, Script: Prof. Udyavara Madhava Acharya, Vocal support: P Ramaa, Mridanga: Laxmisha Sridhar, Flute: Jayaram, Violin: Suchitra Laxmisha  5pm - 8pm, Bridgewater Community Center Auditorium, 780 old Farm Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Ph: (908) 725-4477  e-mail: bhramarisrao@yahoo.com

 

August 24, 2008 Vrindavan, UP    To celebrate Janmashtami, Geeta Chandran and Natya Vriksha Dance Company presented SARVAM KRISHNAMAYAM at the Chaitanya Prema Samsthana in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.  e-mail: natyavriksha@hotmail.com

 

August 24, 2008 Montreal  As part of the Janmasthami celebrations, Kala Bharati presented a performance of Krishna items in Indian classical dance style by Ananga Malatesta and Kalamandalam Piyal.   Ananga and her mother, Herlinda  a Bharata Natya dance teacher from Peru, who runs a Bharata Natya  school Gopesvara Academy in Lima, have been taking advanced training  in Bharata Natya with Mamata Niyogi-Nakra at Kala Bharati. Kalamandalam Piyal, a highly trained Kathakali dancer and Sanskrit research scholar, of Natyalok, Kolkata, is collaborating with Niyogi-Nakra on some aspects of Natya Sastra as related to  projects on choreography and classification of Adavus.  At the ISKCON temple, 1626 Pie IX Blvd, at 7pm.  e-mail: nakrabm@istar.ca / www.kalabharati.ca

 

August 24, 2008 Chennai    Started in July 1996, Shivakalalayam has now successfully completed 12years of service in the field of Bharatanatyam. On the occasion of the 12th Annual day celebrations, Shivakalalayam presented SANGE MUZHANGU - a clarion call for progress - Concept and choreography by S Shivakumar, assisted by Sailaja Shivakumar. The premiere show of this production with 40 dancers was held on August 24 at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, at 6.15pm.  e-mail: shivakalalayam@yahoo.co.in

 

August 23 & 24, 2008 Berlin, Germany  Post Natyam Collective Member Sandra Chatterjee presented her work as part of  DOING BY UNDOING: CHOREOGRAPHERS IN AND OUT OF LOS ANGELES  A collection of works from 5 contemporary choreographers: Sandra Chatterjee, Arianne Hoffmann, Kingsley Irons, Kristen Smiarowski, Sri Susilowati  Saturday, August 23 at 8pm; Sunday August 24 at 2pm & 8pm   At TanzTangente Berlin, Kuhligkshofstraße 4, 12165 Berlin  For reservations, please visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lTQCUaysvjUAPJDRpi0uFQ_3d_3d  e-mail: post.natyam@gmail.com / www.postnatyam.net

 

August 22 - 24, 2008 Zurich, Switzerland  The culmination of a month long celebration all over Switzerland (Organized by Gruezi India) was the MEGA MELA on August 22, 23 and 24th at the ZURICH HB (the old railway station) and visited by 300,000 people daily, The venue was transformed for the weekend to a little India... to accommodate the opening dance performance by India's Anita Ratnam and her artistes from Arangham Dance Theatre. A special 30 minute non stop performance was choreographed for the venue and the semi open air atmosphere, keeping the large crowds and the festive mood that is bound to prevail. Anita Ratnam created a montage of dances including classical Bharatanatyam to folk and a jugalbandhi with Kathak artiste Madhu Natraj.   Images of Saint Andal, Prince Rama, Hanuman, Ganesa, Devi and a final folk drummer leading the audience in a procession around the station. Renowned tabla artiste Zakir Hussain followed Anita Ratnam's dance performance with his own concert. Asha Bhosle was also an invited singer for the weekend festival.  Anita Ratnam also conducted a drumming and folk dance workshop for children the following day and delivered a lecture on contemporary dance trends in India to an invited audience from universities and museums.  e-mail: arangham@gmail.com  Website: www.arangham.com

 

August 22 & 24, 2008 Minnesota  Minnesota State Fair 2008-Performance of Indian Music for the first time ever  Nirmala Rajasekar and Naadha Rasa Center for Music at a very special first time ever performance of Carnatic Music on the FESTIVAL OF NATIONS STAGE OF THE MINNESOTA  STATE FAIR on Friday Aug 22 and Sunday Aug 24. Mridangam by Twin Cities own Sriram Natarajan.   Friday Aug 22 2008: 12 to 12:30, 1:30 - 2, 3 -3:30, 4:30-5   Sunday Aug 24 2008: 3 to 3:30, 4:30 -5  e-mail: nirmalarajasekar@hotmail.com / www.nirmalarajasekar.com

 

August 17 - 24, 2008 Edinburgh  Akademi presented DAREDEVAS. Presenting just one area of creative output from modern Britain, the programme reflected the meetings of cultures, of traditional with contemporary and of new talent with the more established, that characterises our current cultural ecology. The performing artists were: Archita Kumar, Shrikant Subramaniam, Archana Ballal and Hanna Mannila.  At: Quincentenary Hall, Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, 11.30am   e-mail: info@akademi.co.uk

 

August 2 - 24, 2008 Kolkata, Delhi  Dance historian, scholar, author, critic Dr. Sunil Kothari's itinerary for the month of August 2008.   - August 2nd: Returning from Melbourne, Australia  - Kolkata: August 15 onwards for three days;  25 years, Silver Jubilee celebrations of Dancers' Guild  Remembering late Majushree Chaki Sarkar and Ranjabati Sarkar   - New Delhi: Back in New Delhi on August 24   e-mail: sunilkothari1933@gmail.com      website: www.sunilkothari.com

 

August 23, 2008 Monroe, NY  KRISHNA LEELA Dance Drama by the East-West School of Dance, directed & choreographed by Pandit Satya Narayana Charka    At the Blue Sky Center, Ananda Ashram, NY, 8.30pm   This performance featured colorful scenes from the life of Krishna, from his miraculous early years and mischievous childhood to the culmination in the maha-raas, his cosmic dance with the gopis .   This dance drama was presented in the dazzling Kathak style of North India.   For information please call: East-West School of Dance, Ananda Ashram   13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950   Tel: 845-783-7514 or 845-782-5575 Fax: 845-774-7368   e-mail: charkasn@yahoo.com

 

August 23, 2008 Bolingbrook, IL    A classical Bharatanatyam repertory was performed by senior disciples of Hema Rajagopalan, Natya School, at 2pm   Bolingbrook High School Auditorium, 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440    www.natya.com

 

August 23, 2008 Cranbury, NJ    Krithika and her disciples presented a traditional Bharatanatyam program at 9pm  Chinmaya Mission Tri-State Center Vrindavan, 95 Cranbury Rd, Cranbury, NJ 08512  Information: 609-655-0404; www.chinmayavrindavan.org   www.natya.com

 

August 23, 2008 Edmonton, Canada    Usha Kalaniketan presented Bharatanatyam performance in Edmonton at Bharathiya Cultural Society Auditorium.  For further information contact: Usha Gupta: ushagupta@shaw.ca

 

August 23, 2008 New Cumberland, PA  On the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami Celebration Day, Bala Devi Chandrashekar (Senior Disciple of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam) presented Bharata Nrityam dance performance of SRI KRISHNA SMRITI  Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm  At: Hari Temple, 301 Steigerwalt Hollow Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070  For info: 717-774-7750  Bala Devi Chandrashekar is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and teacher of Bharata Nrityam. She has performed in number of prestigious forums and has trained students and teachers of dance. She focuses on creating and consolidating awareness about the link that the ancient heritage has, through classical style of dance, by imparting valuable training to motivated students of classical dance in Princeton, NJ. Bala is a panel artist with New Jersey State Council on the arts. She is an active participant in some of the prestigious dance seminars and workshops. She is involved in developing “Performance studies” in collaboration with Theater and Dance, History, Philosophy, Linguistic anthropology and South Asian departments of various universities in the USA.  e-mail: chandrubala@yahoo.com / www.shreepadmanrityam.org

 

August 23, 2008 Bolingbrook, IL    MARGAM - Performance by senior dance disciples of the Natya Dance Theatre.   Bolingbrook High School Auditorium, 2pm   365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440   For more information, please call 312.212.1240 or email bill@natya.com  www.natya.com

 

August 23, 2008 Mandya, Karnataka    Probal Gupta, senior disciple of Late Kalamandalam Govindan Kutty and Guru Fact Padmanabhan performed for Karnataka Nrithya Kala Parishad's youth wing for their completion of one year at Mandya.  Venue: Kalamandira, 6:30pm  e-mail: probs_gupta12@yahoo.co.in

 

August 23, 2008 Delhi  Gati Forum: Open House - WORK IN PROGRESS SHOWING  At: Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, at 6.30pm - Free entry  For this first in a series of Work in Progress showings at Gati, Mandeep Raikhy and Phil Sanger made an informal presentation of their as yet untitled piece, which they plan to perform in September 2008 in New Delhi. The showing was followed by a discussion on process, creative intention, style and choreographic strategies.  Mandeep Raikhy is a contemporary dancer. Following his training at Danceworx, he studied at the Laban Centre for Contemporary Dance in London. He is currently a member of the Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company.  Phil Sanger trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds) after which he worked with Verve, The Northern School of Contemporary Dance's graduate performance company. Phil has worked with leading choreographers in the UK and is currently a dancer with Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company.  e-mail: gatidance@gmail.com or call 011 - 23329506 ext - 292

 

August 20 - 23, 2008 Edinburgh  The EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF SPIRITUALITY AND PEACE program included: Public Talks, Conversations, Film, Drama & Spoken Word, Prayer & Meditation, Exhibitions, Concerts, Workshops, a volunteer program and much more.  Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre presented SVA (VITAL FORCE) that explores the kinships between Japanese Taiko and Bharatanatyam, the spiritual traditions from which they emerged, and their journey into the 21st century. With live drumming by Waidaiko Ensemble Tokara of Nagano, Japan.  Wednesday 20 - Saturday 23 August, 7.30pm - 8.30pm   At St John’s Church (venue 127)  e-mail: ragamaladance@yahoo.com / www.ragamala.net

 

August 22, 2008 Delhi    As part of the Delhi Chinmaya Mission’s prestigious Bhakti Pravah series, Geeta Chandran and Natya Vriksha Dance Company presented SARVAM KRISHNAMAYAM, a Bharatanatyam performance celebrating Krishna and Janmashtami. Through song, dance and joy, the performance seeks to reiterate the eternal values associated with the birth of Krishna:  the birth of hope, the promise of the vanquishing of evil and the celebration of the five senses!   At: Chinmaya Hamco Auditorium, Chinmaya Mission, 89 Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003, at 6:30 pm  e-mail: natyavriksha@hotmail.com

 

August 16 - 22, 2008, NYC & Ohio    - Mythili Prakash performed KAAVYA - THE POETRY OF DANCE on Aug 16 & 20  At: Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayatte Street, New York, NY 10003, 9:30 pm  - Mythili Prakash performed for Columbus Carnatic Music Association on Aug 22  At:  McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 West Granville St, New Albany, Ohio 43054, 7pm   Musicians: Vanathy Raghuraman - Vocal, Kasi Aysola - Nattuvangam, Vedakrishnan Venkatesan - Mridangam, Mahesh Swamy - Flute and Moorsing  e-mail: Mythilidance@yahoo.com / www.mythiliprakash.com

 

August 21, 2008 NYC  At the Indo-American Arts Council’s dance festival “Erasing Borders”   Sudarshan Belsare presented the premiere of CARMINE BEES, a Bharatanatyam solo based on aspects of the Buddhist Goddess Kurukulla: a classical archetype of the power of enchantment and seduction. Carmine Bees “erases borders” that separate religious iconography from visual culture, gender expectation from gender expression and classical vernacular from universal lexicon. In Carmine Bees Belsare adapts a 20th century Telugu composition from India that is addressed to a male Hindu deity to depict aspects of Kurukulla, thus subverting the status quo and recalling the legend of Yeshe Dawa.  According to the Buddhist scriptures, princess Yeshe Dawa earned the supreme knowledge through her austerities. She was advised by male monks to pray for rebirth in a male body for it was considered a superior vehicle for enlightenment. Yeshe Dawa recognizes that there is no inherent reality in either the male or the female body and rejects this unilateral notion. She commits to be reborn in the female form. In this world, we recognize her new incarnation as Kurukulla, the Goddess who is adept at bewitching both men and women with her incomparable charm and sexual magnetism. Kurukulla’s subjugating powers are visualized in the form of carmine bees that emanate from hearts of those who embody her energy and capture the “essence” of those who are the objects of desire.  Venue: The Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W 55th Street at 9th Ave, 7:30pm    Festival schedule: http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_festival/festival_schedule.htm

 

August 18 - 21, 2008 NYC  The Indo-American Arts Council presented its FIRST ANNUAL IAAC DANCE FESTIVAL, titled ERASING BORDERS.   Aug 18 & 19: 12pm to 2pm   Aug 20 & 21, 7.30 - 9.30pm    For more info: aroon@iaac.us or prachi@iaac.us or visit www.iaac.us   Festival schedule: http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_festival/festival_schedule.htm

 

August 20, 2008 NYC    Janaki Rangarajan performed solo Bharatanatyam for the Indo-American Arts Council's dance festival ‘Erasing Borders.’  "Transitions and Translocations"  The Ailey Citigroup Theatre, 405 W 55th St at 9th Ave, New York City, 7:30pm-9:30pm  For more information about Janaki, please visit www.nrityaniketan.com  Festival schedule: http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_festival/festival_schedule.htm

 

August 18 & 20, 2008 NYC  Krithika Rajagopalan and the Natya Company in New York City  Both performances were part of ‘Erasing Boundaries: Festival of Indian Dance,’ presented by the Indo-American Arts Council.  - Monday, August 18  Battery Dance Company's Downtown Dance Festival  One Chase Manhattan Plaza, (Corner of Nassau and Liberty Streets), 12pm  Information: 212-594-3685; www.iaac.us  - Wednesday, August 20  The Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 W. 55th St. (at 9th Ave.), 7:30 pm  www.natya.com

 

August 19, 2008 London    Through narrative and abstract compositions, Sushmita Ghosh presented MRITUNJAYA celebrating time and rhythm. A disciple of Guru Munna Shukla, Sushmita started to train at the age of eight from Tirath Ram Azad at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. With a scholarship for professional training, she joined Kathak Kendra in New Delhi. She trained in the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak with illustrious Gurus including Reba Vidyarthi also had the opportunity to train under Guru Rohini Bhate. Accompanists: Shiv Shankar Ray (percussion)  At: Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, 6.45pm  e-mail: nehrucentre@btconnect.com

 

July 6 - August 19, 2008 Poland  6th July to 13th July - Sanjib Bhattacharya worked with Romana Agnel-Cracovia Danza  Company, collaborating with Indian contemporary and Baroc dance in Warsaw, Poland in COURT DANCE FESTIVAL.  13th July - 1st August - Sanjib Bhattacharya performed his latest production SAMARPAN, Manipuri-Contemporary Dance with stage animation in COURT DANCE FESTIVAL, Krakow.  2nd August - 11 August -Sanjib conducted festival workshops on Manipuri Contemporary Dance at Villa Decius, Krakow.  12th August - Sanjaib performed his solo presentation KRISHNAYAN and performs with Malgorzata Flemenco Dance Company, Warsaw.  13th August - 15th August - Conducted workshops on Contemporary Dance Movements Organised By Malgorzata Flemenco Dance Company, at Hotel Europejski, Warsaw.  16th Aug - 19th August - Performed SAMARPAN in FESTIWAL INDII I  In WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL, Poland.  e-mail: sanjib_sb@yahoo.com

 

August 18, 2008 NYC    Janaki Rangarajan performed solo Bharatanatyam for the Indo-American Arts Council's dance festival ‘Erasing Borders.’  Battery Dance Company's Downtown Dance Festival  One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York City, 12pm-2pm  For more information about Janaki, please visit www.nrityaniketan.com  Festival schedule: http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_festival/festival_schedule.htm

 

August 18, 2008 Hyderabad  As part of SICA's (South Indian Cultural Association) NRITYOTSAV,  Purnima Ashok Kumar performed solo Bharatanatyam followed by her guru Ananda Shankar Jayant’s latest choreography in DARSHANAM - AN ODE TO THE EYE. Darshanam - meaning, vision, sight and philosophy explores the myriad hues and shades of the depiction of the eye in Indian Literature. Darshanam, conceptualizes the countless connotations of the eye in religious and poetic metaphor, the physical as well as the all seeking inner eye of the mystic. Since time immemorial, the human eye has captured the imagination of poets and philosophers alike, and has inspired hymns, verse, poetry and the fine arts, and has been used as a metaphor for beauty and divinity.  ‘Darshanam - An ode to the Eye’, explores the myriad hues and shades of the depiction of the eye in Indian Literature.  Purnima Ashok Kumar was initiated into the world of dance at the age of eight, and has been trained in Bharatanatyam under Ananda Shankar Jayant, at Shankarananda Kalakshetra, Secunderabad for past 12 years. Inheriting a genetic code of music and dance from her grand mother, renowned vocalist, TT Sita and her mother Usha Ashok Kumar, an illustrious disciple of Balasaraswati, Purnima is a dedicated student with an innate talent for Laya and Bhava. She has performed widely as a soloist.   At: Ravindra Bharati  e-mail: anandasj@rediffmail.com / www.anandashankarjayant.com

 

August 17, 2008 Toronto, Canada  inDANCE celebrated the world premiere of 5 GODS, 2 KINGS AND THE FROG PRINCESS   At: Toronto's Music Garden (475 Queen's Quay West on the waterfront between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue) at 4pm.   This site specific work was commissioned by the Harbourfront Centre and features an ensemble of 10 dancers and an orchestra of 6 musicians, with choreography by Srividya Natarajan and Hari Krishnan.   For details visit: http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com  e-mail: indance@gmail.com / www.indance.ca

 

August 17, 2008 Chennai  Sweta Ravisankar, a senior disciple of Guru Padmini Radhakrishnan of Soundarya Natya Kalalaya, Mumbai, performed for Chromepet Cultural Academy.  At: Kamakshi Kalyana Mandapam, 3 Indira Gandhi Cross St, Radha Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai 600044, from 6 to 8pm  e-mail: kousankar@yahoo.com

 

August 16 & 17, 2008 New Delhi  Utsav Educational and Cultural Society-Ranjana’s Akademy of Dance was an initiative of Odissi exponent Ranjana Gauhar. Utsav organized a two-day national festival of dance and music titled SARE JAHAN SE ACCHA, to celebrate the spirit of India’s independence on the 16th & 17th August, 2008 at 7pm at India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. The festival Sare Jahan Se Accha was first initiated in 2007, with the objective of reinforcing the strong emotion of pride to belong to a civilization that is one of the most ancient in the world. Encouraged by the response of the audiences, artistic fraternity and the media, Sare Jahan Se Accha has come to be an annual feature in Utsav’s calendar. The performing artists and their schedule:   Saturday, 16th August, 2008   - Ranjana Gauhar & Ashok Ghoshal (Odissi duet)   - Shubha Mudgal (Vocal)   Sunday, 17th August’08  - Rama Vaidhyanathan & Rajendra Gangani  (Bharatanatyam & Kathak Duet)  - Rajendra Prasanna  & Abhay Sopori (Flute & Santoor Duet)    The master of ceremonies for the event was the eminent media personality and compere Sadhna Shrivastav.  e-mail: rgauhar@hotmail.com

 

July 9 - August 17, 2008 Israel, Egypt , Malta and Tunisia    Vyjayanthi Kashi, a dynamic force in Kuchipudi traveled to four counties to be part of the international festivals. She presented solo performances accompanied by musicians and also conducted workshops in Kuchipudi.   Israel: 9th July to 25th July 2008  Malta: 26th July to 30th July 2008  Tunisia: 31st July to 7th August 2008  Egypt:  8th August to 17th August 2008  email: futureofdance@hotmail.com, vyjayanthikashi@hotmail.com or danceindia@gmail.com   For details visit www.schoolofkuchipudi.com

 

August 16, 2008 Monroe, NY    Kathak Dance Concert by Pandit S N Charka & the East-West School of Dance, in celebration of the birthday of Baba Bhagavandas.  At: Ananda Ashram, 13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950, 8.30pm  Info: 845-782-5525 / charkasn@yahoo.com

 

August 16, 2008 Kolkata  Odissi Dancers Forum of Kolkata presented SHRADHANJALI, a tribute to Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra & Sanjukta Panigrahi. All leading Odissi exponents of Kolkata performed. Aloka Kanungo, Nandani Ghosal, Kaoli Bose, Dona Ganguly, Susmita Bhattacharjee, Maya Bhattacharjee, Arnab Bandopadhyay, Subikash Mukherjee, Srabanti Bhattacharjee, Rahul Acharya (Bhubaneshar), Rupasree Mahapatra (Mahari, Puri) performed.  At Gyan Manch, Pretoria Street, 6pm onwards.

 

August 16, 2008 Kochi, Kerala  Celebration of 60th birthday of Shyamala Surendran.  Address by Gurus V P Dhananjayan & Santha Dhananjayan  Felicitations: Sebastian Paul - MP, K V Thomas - MLA, Indu Shekhar - Trustee, Madhavan Nair Foundation, V R Devika, R K Damodaran - Lyricist, Guru Sridevi Rajan  GURUDAKSHINA - Dance performance by students of Dharani School of Performing Arts  At: Kerala Fine Arts Society Hall, Ernakulam, 6.30pm.

 

August 15 & 16, 2008 Los Angeles, CA  Cynthia Lee of the Post Natyam Collective participated in SPILL, SPLASH, and SPLENDOR curated by Sue Roginski, at 8.30pm.  Two evenings of new choreography from emerging female Southern California dance artists dripping with feminine complexity and bathed in visions of women past and present. Styled with wit and exaggeration, these works embrace and complicate themes of romantic attraction, nostalgic vocation, and lofty representation.  Highways Performance Space and Gallery, 1651 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404  Ph: (310) - 315 - 1459  e-mail: post.natyam@gmail.com / www.postnatyam.net

 

August 14 - 16, 2008 Kansas, MO  Program schedule for Hemavathi Sharma for August 2008  Aug 14, or 17: Performing & Multiarts Workshop Performance, Overland Park, Kansas  Aug 16: Ethnic Enrichment Festival Performance 6:30 - 7:00 pm, Swope Park, KC, MO   e-mail: hemavathisharma2001@yahoo.com / www.nritya.org

 

August 15, 2008 Montreal, Canada  On the tenth anniversary of its national  telecast in India by Doordarshan, Seasonscape Revisited with choreographer Mamata Niyogi Nakra's presentation on Group choreography in the context of Classical Indian Dance, with special participation by Piyal Bhatacharya of Kolkata India. Chief guest and speaker Dr. S P Sundaram.  At: 8:30pm at le Niketan, 3410A Sherbrooke St east. Montreal.   For more information: Michel Laverdière: laverdiere@sympatico.ca   www.kalabharati.ca

 

August 15, 2008 Chennai  Divyanjali in association with Ghana Mukundha Priya presented 2nd Natya Kala Conference on “Rediscovering traditional facets of Indian classical dance”   at Sashtri Hall   3pm  A dancer on her dance - Chitra Visweshwaran   4pm: Group Discussion   Topic: What is more suitable in today’s scenario? Performing traditional compositions or thematic dance presentations?  Moderator: Sujatha Vijayaraghavan  Speakers: Lakshmi Ramaswamy, Sreelatha Vinodh, Priya Murle, Sreedevi Priya, Anjana Kumar, Janaki, S K Suresh   5.15p.m: Yoga - The science of self evolution - Satish Chowkulkar   6pm:  Quiz competition (Age group 12-18).

 

August 10 - 15, 2008 Varanasi, UP    At the invitation of the UP chapter of SPIC-MACAY, dancer Geeta Chandran toured Varanasi and surrounding areas presenting illustrated performances at colleges and management institutions.  e-mail: natyavriksha@hotmail.com

 

August 4 - 15, 2008 Chicago, IL    SUMMER DANCE CAMP INTENSIVE  Hema Rajagopalan conducted summer intensive training. Information: 312-212-1240 or bill@natya.com.  Website: www.natya.com

 

August 14, 2008. Los Angeles, USA  Rangoli Dance Company along with guest artists from India performed two works for the Levitt Pavilion 2008 Summer Concert Season: 'Love Lyrics' and 'Ankle Bells & Painted Faces', featuring classical and folk dances of India. Levitt Pavilion hosted for the first time a southern California based Indian dance company.  Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park, Los Angeles.  www.levittpavilionlosangeles.org / 213-384-5701  e-mail: malathisiyengar@gmail.com  / www.rangoli.org

 

August 13, 2008 Bangalore  The Natya Institute of Kathak & Choreography launched a 13 month diploma in Choreography   At The Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Race Course Road, Bangalore   Time: 7.30 pm   Kathak & Contemporary Dance Performances by Graduates of the institute:  The Natya Stem Dance Kampni  Nirupama & Rajendra, Abhinava   Sallauddin Pasha  - Audio visual presentation on therapeutic dance theatre for the differently abled  For any further details; 080 23348645, stemdt@hotmail.com

 

August 11, 2008 New Delhi  Solo Kathak recital by Monisa Nayak, disciple of Guru Rajendra Gangani, at the MALHAAR FESTIVAL organized by ICCR.  At Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi, 6:30pm.

 

August 10, 2008 Palo Alto, CA  Swara Lahari Annual Concert at 3pm, celebrated production of 50 episodes of Swara Lahari TV program, featuring:   Ensemble of 5 veenas from Srikanth Chary's school   Ritu Raagas - Students of Nachiketa Sarma   Soundarya Lahari - Rendition of Devi Krithis by Asha Ramesh and her disciples   Sivananda Lahari - Musical Ensemble performed by disciples of Anuradha Sridhar   Yuva Bharati presented KALPANA - A dance concert based on Student Choreography at 6pm     Senior students of 6 to 8 dance schools presented self choreographed dance items.  Each team comprised of 3 to 6 dancers. The objective of this concert was to promote creativity and team work.     Schools: Lasya Dance Company, Abhinaya Dance Company, Nrityollasa Dance Company, Vishwa Shanti Dance Academy , Shakti School of Dance, Nirtyananda Kuchipudi School, Tara Shankar - Student of Radhika Shankar   At: Cubberly Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303   e-mail: yuva_bharati@yahoo.com

 

August 10, 2008 Chennai  The “Mylapore Trio,” Revathy Sankkaran, Prema Krishnamurthy & members of Sumukhi Foundation conducted for the 5th year, an innovative tradition & culture based Pooja Workshop for Women POOJA VIDHANAM  Know the basics of Poojas (Varalakshmi Vritam, Krishna Jayanthi & Ganesh Chaturthi), Pinnal Jadai, etc. Rendering of exclusive songs on the above mentioned deities by the Foundation children.   Preceded by a special KALA POSHAKAM program - A thematic Bharatanatyam presentation on Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Krishna by the following artists & groups:  - SHIROTHBHAVA, group performance by students of Laassiya - Shradha Balu, Bhavya Balasuramanian, Jhansi Ilango & Lakshitha Saravanan (Guru - S Srilatha )  - Solo performance by S Varsha (Guru - Sujatha Mohan)  - Group performance by students of Bharatha Kalalayam (Guru - Hemalatha Ramachandran)  - VANAMAALI - Celebrating Krishna, group performance by Gayatri Balagurunadhan & Students of Krishnanjali.  - Pooja Songs by vocalists Jayanthi, Srinithi, Divya, Sai Preethi, Shivali & Karthik.  Accompaniments: Key Board - Swathi, Violin - Sriram, Mridangam - Ashwin   For more Details contact us at 9382698811 / 9381038385 / +91-44-24935521  Email: sri_srmf@yahoo.com / srimylaporetrio@gmail.com  www.srimylaporetrio.in

 

August 10, 2008 Shahdol, MP    Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad & Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet Evam Kala Akademy  Presented Bharatanatyam dance performance by Shreya & Gouri Bajpai in the two days BAL SANGEET SAMAROH ‘08  Venue: Government Polytechnic Auditorium, Shahdol, 7pm  e-mail: gbajpai_dance@yahoo.com

 

August 7- 10, 2008 Birmingham, UK  UNLOCKING CREATIVITY - Kadam International Summer School  Kadam in association with Sampad gathered an international cast of dance tutors and performers to lead a four day Choreography Course at the Elmhurst Dance School in Birmingham. This was a milestone for south Asian dance in the U.K and globally, as the subject of choreography has never before been the main focus of a south Asian dance based course. Over the four days of a 'hands on' course, Hari Krishnan ( director InDance Toronto), Eva Recacha (lecturer/performer LSCD, UK), Nahid Siddiqui, (Kathak soloist Pakistan/UK) and Stella Subbiah (director Sankalpam, UK) led twenty six participants into explorations of their dance style and experiments of how elements of the styles can be used to create new content. Each day was programmed to allow participants to experience the artistic vision, the aesthetics and the methodology of the tutor followed by individual time to create in small groups.  Unlocking Creativity attracted participants from the U.K, Canada, South Africa and the Netherlands. They came from backgrounds as diverse as Bharatanatyam, bollywood, contemporary, flamenco, kathak and odissi and encompass dancers on the performing circuit as well as workshop leaders and com munity teachers. The 2008 program was the first of a three year initiative to explore different Aaspects of Choreography in a south Asian context.  e-mail: lisa@sampad.org.uk

 

August 5 - 10, 2008 Indonesia    Sharmila Mukherjee and Suman Sarawgi presented a duet RAGAKAVYA based on the Geeta Govinda at the Pasar Tari Kontemporer VI - 6TH RIAU CONTEMPORARY DANCE MART Indonesia from 5th August to 10th August.  e-mail: sharmila_mukerjee@hotmail.com / www.sharmilamukherjee.com

 

August 4 - 10, 2008 Chennai  Natyarangam, the dance wing of Narada Gana Sabha presented its annual thematic festival. This year, it was titled TEERTHA BHARATHAM, on the sacred rivers of India.   Aug 4: 6pm: Inauguration by Jayant Kastuar, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, followed by award function.   Honoring of guru K Kalyanasundaram, SUDHARANI RAGHUPATHY AWARD for T Sashidhar (flute vidwan), OBUL REDDY AWARD for Bharatanatyam dancer Priya Murle, VASANTHALAKSHMI NARASIMHACHARI AWARD for Jyotsna Jagannathan (Talent promotion).   7pm: GANGA by Malavikka Sarukkai  Aug 5: 6.30pm: BRAHMAPUTRA by Shijith Nambiar  Aug 6: 6.30pm YAMUNA by Mythili Prakash  Aug 7: NARMADA by Vaibhav Arekar  Aug 8: GODAVARI by Nalini Prakash  Aug 9: 6.30pm KAVERI by Sujatha Srinivasan  Aug 10: TAMRAPARANI by Jyotsna Jagannathan  Venue: Narada Gana Sabha main hall, 314 TTK Rd, Chennai 600018  For further info, contact: (91 - 44) - 24993201

 

August 2 - 10, 2008 California  Program schedule for Ramya Harishankar and Arpana Dance Company  - Saturday, Aug 2: Parenting Magazine Expo, Spectrum, Irvine, CA  - Sunday, Aug 3: 60th anniversary of the Independence of India, S. Korea & Israel City Hall, Irvine, CA  - Sunday, Aug 10: 40th anniversary of Kinnara Taiko, Shensin Temple, Los Angeles, CA  e-mail: info@arpanadancecompany.org  www.arpanadancecompany.org

 

August 1 - 10, 2008 Chennai  THE HINDU METROPLUS THEATRE FESTIVAL edition 4, back in Chennai.   This year, the festival brought a mix of the familiar and the novel. A set of 7 eclectic plays from India and abroad, it included productions from Korea, The United States and even a Chennai-German collabarative effort. Between the 1st and 10th of August, including a workshop on the 5th of August (at Goethe Institute) and a symposium on the 6th (at the Concert Hall).   Venue: Sir Mutha Venkata Subba Rao Concert Hall, Harrington Road, Chetpet.  Time of shows: 7.30pm  Festival schedule

 

August 9, 2008 Baltimore, Maryland    Janaki Rangarajan performed solo Bharatanatyam for the Greater Baltimore Hindu-Jain Temple at Noon.    Location: 2909 Bloom Road, Finksburg, Maryland.  For more information, please visit www.nrityaniketan.com

 

August 9, 2008 Santa Monica, CA  Rangoli Dance Company and guest artists from India presented PATANJALI: LEGENDS OF YOGA AND DANCE, a thematic dance concert that explored the unique and powerful relationship between Yoga and dance. The evening featured popular legends related to Patanjali, the cosmic dance of Shiva, and the holy city of Chidambaram in India. Conceived and choreographed by Malathi Iyengar, and developed in collaboration with her dancers and music composer Rajkumar Bharathi, ‘Patanjali’l featured a unique physical environment designed by Eileen Cooley, Lakshmi Iyengar and Suresh Iyengar.  The evening also featured UNWRITTEN RHYTHMS, a unique musical feature performed by musicians from India & US as a prelude to the dance concert.  Company dancers included Ronald Burton, Lakshmi Iyengar, Malathi Iyengar, Hema Iyer, Navia Natarajan, Shaheen Sheik, Soumya Sundaresh and dancers from India include Ranjith Babu, Neewin Hershall, and Murali Mohan K.   Extended cast of Rangoli Dancers included: Sheila Aula, Shivani Aysola, Vyshnavi Aysola, Anjali Gopalan, Nikita Iyer, Shilpa Mantri, Karisma Nagarkatti, Sumathi Nanguneri, Aarti Rao, & Chirag Sumathi.  Unwritten Rhythms: 7:30pm, Patanjali: 8pm.  At: MAIN STAGE, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA  90405  Concert Info: 818 788 6860 or malathisiyengar@gmail.com / www.rangoli.org

 

August 9, 2008 Pune  Parimal Performing Arts and Research Centre presented VIVIDHA, an evening of Bharatanatyam Margam by Priyanka Muralidharan and Manasi Phatak (students of Parimal Phadke)  Venue: Tilak Smarak Mandir, 5.30pm  e-mail: parimalphadke@gmail.com / www.parimalphadke.com

 

August 5 - 9, 2008 Edinburgh  The Temple of Fine Arts International presented SHAKTI - THE ETERNAL ENERGY: Seeing Music. Hearing Images. Painting Dance at the 42ND INTERNATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE in the EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE 2008. Choreography by Sarasa Krishnan.  At: Demarco Roxy Art House, Main, (Venue 115), at 11am   e-mail: sarasak@tfa.org.au

 

August 3 - 9, 2008 Edinburgh  Akademi presented DAREDEVAS. The performing artists were four emerging international Kathak dancers from the UK: Quincy Charles, Yuko Inoue, Amina Khayyam and Manuela Benini presenting solo work culminating in a Finale from Akademi’s acclaimed production Bells, choreographed by Amina Khayyam, Urja Desai and Kumudini Lakhia, originally presented at the Trafalgar Square Festival in 2007. The show was performed to a recorded track composed by various artists, including Niraj Chag and Asit Desai.  At: Quincentenary Hall, Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, 8.15pm   e-mail: info@akademi.co.uk

 

August 8, 2008 Bangalore    Vani Madhav performed Odissi Dance at Yavanika, Nrupatunga Road, organised by ICCR, Dept of Kannada and Culture, Youth services and sports.  Guest artists were: Atasi Mishra - Odissi dancer, Pt.Gopal Prasad Dubey - Chhau dancer  e-mail: vani_madhav2000@yahoo.com

 

August 8, 2008 San Diego, CA  Dance Festival of City Heights, San Diego presented KRISHNAGI WARI (Stories of Krishna in Manipuri dance) performed by Manipuri Dance Visions Ensemble directed by Sohini Ray.   At: City Heights Performance Annexe. 3795 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, CA  92105  For further information contact Sohini Ray at sohiniray7@gmail.com  www.manipuridancevisions.org

 

August 8, 2008  Bhubaneswar  Odissi dance performance by Ileana Citaristi and troupe for the IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) Conference) at Bhubaneswar  e-mail: ileana5@hotmail.com

 

August 8, 2008 London  Odissi program JANMABHOOMI: India 60 and Onwards by Swapnokalpa Roychowdhury Dasgupta A program dedicated to celebrate the 60 Years of India’s Independence. Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra considered Swapnokalpa as one of his talented disciples, with a sense of neat artistry and discipline. Now training with Guru Poushali Mukerji, Swapnokalpa has performed at prestigious venues all over India and abroad.   At: Nehru Centre, 6.30 pm  e-mail: nehrucentre@btconnect.com

 

August 7, 2008 Munich, Germany  Post Natyam Collective Member Sandra Chatterjee was part of Roman Chowdhury & Friends - MUNICH MASALA SOUNDS feat. Sharon Zachariah, Shirin & Ranajit Sengupta, CLASSIC INDIAN RAGAS & VIBES feat. Sandra Chatterjee.   MASALA-TANZPERFORMANCE ("Avantgarde meets Indian roots") feat. MC Sulal Kool, Tobias Schwartz, Andreas Lind  URBAN MASALA SOUNDS zwischen Chillout, Jazz, Akustik-Pop, HipHop and World Fusion  Theatron, Olympiapark, 7pm  http://www.theatron.de  e-mail: post.natyam@gmail.com / www.postnatyam.net

 

August 6 - 7, 2008 Mysore  Mysore, patronized by the erstwhile Maharajas, is always known for its rich art and culture. Many dance festivals are conducted in this cultural capital of Karnataka throughout the year. A festival of male performers (good, upcoming, amateur or professional) was very much needed which is now taking shape in the PURUSHA BHUSHANA dance festival hosted by Bhushans Academy headed by Badari Divya Bhushan and Anjana Bhushan. Artists from across India presented solo or duets in different classical forms with specially worked themes.  At: Jagan Mohan Palace, Mysore.  August 6:   5pm: Inauguration by I M Vittal Murthy   6.15 to 6.45pm: Badari Divya Bhushan & Anjana Bhushan  7 to 7.45pm: Avaneesh.D (Bharatanatyam, Puttur) Guru: Balakrishna, Theme: Krishna  8 to 8.45pm: Sagar T S (Bharatanatyam, Tumkur), Guru: Brinda, Theme: Geethantaranga (compositions of Dr.Geetha Seetharam)  August 7:  6.15 to 7pm: Koothoor R Venkata Subramaniam.(Bhartanatyam, Chennai),  Guru: R Vijay Madhavan, Theme: Karthikeya  7.15 to 8pm: Suresh S (Bhartanatyam, Bangalore), Gurus: Kiran Subramanyam & Sandhya Kiran, Theme: compositions on Shiva  8.15 to 9pm: Pravat Kumar Swain & Seema Surajeeta (Odissi, Bhubaneshwar), Gurus: Gangadhar Pradhan & Aruna Mohanty, Theme: Odissi repertoire  Contact: 09342178049, 09342116365 / bhushansacademy@yahoo.com

 

August 6, 2008 Chennai    Mythili Prakash performed YAMUNA for the Theertha Bharatham festival of Natyarangam, Narada Gana Sabha, 6.30pm  e-mail: Mythilidance@yahoo.com / www.mythiliprakash.com

 

August 5, 2008 Chennai    Shijith Nambiar performed BRAHMAPUTRA at Narada Gaana Sabha (Main hall) for the Natyarangam festival titled Theertha Bharatham.  e-mail: shijithnambiar@gmail.com

 

August 3, Flushing, NY  Prof. C V Chandrasekhar performed his solo dance, NIRANTARA, a journey of music and dance. Nirantara has a blend of the abstract & the emotional fusion of two major elements, nritta (pure dance) & nritya (expressive dance) and is a dramatic interpretation of the juxtaposition & contrast of Bharatanatyam rudiments. This concert was a double bill and also featured Three Aksha, a dance company based in Philadelphia, which presented their new production, “Prayog” a dialogue between dance and mathematics.   This event was sponsored by the Dance Festival of India at Carnegie Hall (www.dfi08.org), The Arch (www.thearch.us), and Jiva Performing Arts (www.jivaperformingarts.org).   At: The Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Avenue, Flushing, NY, 3.30pm   For info, call Sonali Skandan at 646-251-7463 or email info@sonaliskandan.com

 

August 3, 2008 Hyderabad  Sutradhar presented EK SE BADHKAR EK, a comedy in English.  It is translated and adapted by Sutradhar from Sankarmanchi Parthasarathy’s Telugu comedy “Abbey! Emledu...” (Oh! Nothing at all…). This 50-minute comedy of errors is about a typical middle-class couple - Sachin and Kuki, their deaf, ailing(?) cook- Goongaram, Sachin’s boss - Sharma, and two imposters. Kuki loses her expensive diamond ring just before leaving for Nagpur. Sachin suspects Goongaram of stealing it. Sharma, for once decides to turn Casanova for a day, and cons Sachin into the rendezvous. Cashing in on Kuki’s absence, they decide to have some “real” fun. Enter two imposters, whom Sharma mistakes to be the doctor and compounder who have come to treat the ailing cook. Sachin thinks they are Sharma’s “colorful contacts”. In the meanwhile, Goongaram finds the ring, and then begins the merry-go-round and one-upmanship to pass the ring into each other’s pockets. As if the confusion was not enough, Kuki misses her flight and returns to spoil the party. But where is the ring? Who is the real culprit? Ye sab jaanne ke liye dekhiye… “ek se badhkar ek”. The play is directed by Prof. Bhaskar Shewalkar and Vinay Varma  At Bhaskara Auditorium, B M Birla Planetarium, Adarsh Nagar, at 7.30 pm.  For phone bookings call Vinay Varma on 98480 52541 or Sandeep on 98852 37887

 

August 2, 2008 Los Angeles, CA  PANCHA-TANTRA - ANIMAL FABLES OF INDIA featured Ramaa Bharadvaj and Angahárá Dance Ensemble with Gary Jones (Blackstreet USA Puppet Theater) & his “Yuppets” as the storytellers @ 10am  Choreography, Costume design & Direction: Ramaa Bharadvaj  Music & orchestration: Rajkumar Bharathi  Lyrics: Sumati Gandhi (Gujarati), Ramaa Bharadvaj (Tamil)  John Anson Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd East, Los Angeles, CA  For more details: www.ramaadance.org

 

August 2, 2008 San Francisco, CA  Dakshina Palli presented an evening of Bharatanatyam with Dancer, Choreographer & Teacher, Jaan R. Freeman at 8:00pm  at Mary Sano Studio of  Duncan Dancing, 245 Fifth St, San Francisco, CA 94103  RSVP & Info: events@dakshinapalli.org / www.dakshinapalli.org  Jaan R. Freeman a new generation practitioner of the Balasaraswati lineage, began studying the art in 1995. He has studied Bharatanatyam in the USA, India and Montreal. Freeman is a disciple of Nandini Ramani and Priyamvada Sankar, both senior disciples of T Balasaraswati and had his Bharatanatyam Arangetram in 2005. He is the Artistic Director of Dakshina Palli, INC. an educational and cultural organization preserving the Balasaraswati lineage of Bharatanatyam in NYC.

 

August 1, 2008 Dallas, Texas  A Bharatanatyam recital presented by Srutilaya School of Dance and Upasana, Deepa Ganesh, Vaishnavi and Nivedita from the UK.   At the Plaza Theater, 521 West State Street, Garland, TX, at 7pm  Contact Jayla Raghavan: 972 208 5386 / Madhusri Sethuraman: 972 208 1012  e-mail: upasana_uk@hotmail.com / www.upasana-arts.com

 

August 2008 Birmingham, UK  August was quite a creatively energizing month for inDANCE's artistic director Hari Krishnan. He was invited by UK-based arts organizations Sampad and Kadam to participate as a mentor, leading sessions in choreography and South Asian contemporary dance in workshops entitled, 'Unlocking Creativity-Making Dance' at the Elmhurst School of Dance in Birmingham, UK.  e-mail: indance@gmail.com / www.indance.ca