September 2022
ANITA SAYS.....
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
- Thomas Edison
As I settle into my independent accommodations in Sunnyvale, California,
in preparation for my role as KAA, the serpent character in THE JUNGLE
BOOK RECLAIMED, I am reminded of the early days more than 25 years ago
of spending extended periods of time outside India on creative
engagements. There is a kind of excitement in working in the theatre,
when the director sits in a circle along with the cast and discusses the
script. It is this visual / physical democracy, without a noticeable
leader, that can become an important marker when the hierarchical
business world seeks inspiration from the arts. It is also a good way
for guru and dancers/musicians to begin lessons in the classical world.
I share the large apartment with a stand up comedienne Sonal Agarwal, a
delightful desi girl born in the USA. The generation gap and the tone of
daily conversations is such an eye opener. I feel fortunate to
have my two children, especially my son, who has kept me up with the
pace and jargon of how today's Millennials talk. There is no ending to
the learning curve!
Working with a large cast, many very young children, along with actors
of diverse ethnic backgrounds and performance experiences is also
challenging. However, it is a relief to be a guest artiste,
concentrating on creating and performing the role week after week - 4
shows a week - as THE JUNGLE BOOK RECLAIMED travels across Northern
California. No headache or responsibilities of production, fund raising
and managing egos!
Read on...
Mamata Niyogi Nakra and Kala Bharati, Montreal, that is celebrating 40 years, have been members of Narthaki since 2003.
"Over the years, Narthaki, the premier mouthpiece for Indian Dance,
has been my go to when I am desperately looking for a booster to lift
me up.
It has been thoughtfully put together to satisfy anyone and
everyone who has something to do with dance. Ever grateful to the team,
Anita Ratnam the soul and spirit behind the dance letter,
along with Lalitha Venkat, and others who bring out with
remarkable proficiency, a transformational dance journal online every
month in keeping with our times.
Thank you for this invaluable service to the art of Dance and
Indian dance, in particular. Wishing you continued growth and
success."
Fondly,
Mamata Niyogi Nakra
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TAKITATOM
Drishtikon Dance Foundation will announce the DR. SUNIL KOTHARI
AWARD FOR EMERGING ARTIST 2022 (carrying a citation and purse of
Rs.51,000) in October. Says Aditi Mangaldas, "Sunil Bhai's contribution
to my dance journey is invaluable. A critical evaluation is immensely
important for a dancer's growth and evolution. Sunil Bhai's valuable
insights on watching my many performances, communicated with objectivity
and backed by a reservoir of knowledge, added layers of meaning to my
dance vocabulary. To commemorate his life and contribution, Drishtikon
constituted an annual award for emerging artists in 2021.
I take this opportunity to thank the very distinguished international
panel of judges (Aakash Odedra, Chitra Sundaram, Lata Pada, Dinesh
Khanna, Malini Nair, Leo Spreksel, Dr.Suresh Desai and Rajeswari
Ramachandran) who have kindly consented to give their time and
knowledgeable inputs to this initiative."
Applications are open for the ATTAKKALARI-THE INLAKS INDIA FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP that has been successfully realizing its vision since it
started. The scholarship has been fuelling the dreams of deserving
movement and dance artistes by giving them the chance to earn a
qualification from Attakkalari. This year, the scholarship will be
offered to TWO eligible candidates from India who have been offered
admission to the Attakkalari Certificate Programme in Movement Arts and
Pedagogy through the selection process. The scholarship scheme covers
the Rs 1,00,000 tuition fee for Attakkalari's six-month-long program and
provides a sum of Rs.1,50,000 for the student to cover their living
expenses in Bangalore. The last date for application is Sept 6, 2022.
Info
SMITALAY conducted the annual 19th Yuva Mahotsav dedicated to Sanjukta
Panigrahi and Raghunath Panigrahi on Aug 20 & 21 at Mumbai.
The Best Dancer award in the SPIRIT OF YOUTH DANCE FESTIVAL held in
August 2022 at Madras Music Academy goes to Shabin Bright, disciple of
Divyasena. The 2nd Best Dancer award goes to Bhavya Kumaran, disciple of
Sowmya Kumaran. The Best Dance Guru award (as guru of the best dancer
in the Spirit of Youth Dance Festival) goes to Divyasena.
Apsaras Arts Dance Company presents the IPAC SINGAPORE ANNUAL AWARDS for
2021 and 2022 on 11th September 2022 at Avai at Apsaras Arts.
- NATYA AACHAARYAMANI for 2022: Lakshmi Krishnan, Faculty of Temple of Fine Arts Singapore
- BHARATA KALA MANI for 2021: Dr Anjana Anand of Sahrdaya Arts Foundation
- BHARATA KALA MANI for 2022: Seema Hari Kumar and Dr Deva Priya Appan of Apsaras Arts Dance Company
Bharata Kalanjali's new project NAVA NRITTA KARANANI is work in progress
at Mamallapuram. "We expect at least 50 karanas to be installed in our
new campus at Spastin Taramani, Adyar, by the end of December 2022,"
says acharya VP Dhananjayan.
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 Ekambareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Photo: Lalitha Venkat
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