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    Indian Classical Dance – Past and Future

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    The Space – Anamika Navatman Project

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Maya Kulkarni, classical Indian dancer, performs at Anamika Navatman Studio in New York
    Maya Kulkarni, classical Indian dancer performs in Manhattan – Photo: Sandeep Junnarkar


     

    The Anamika-Navatman Project is a combination of the visions of Sridhar Shanmugan (founder, Anamika) and Sahasra Sambamoorthi (founder, Navatman) to create a sustainable home for the South Asian arts in the tri-state area, nurture learning as well as bring innovative music and dance performances to the city.  Here Sahasra Sambamoorthi talks about this new organization and its place in the South Asian community.

    1. How long has the Anamika Navatman space been there and do many people know about it yet?

    The space has only been open since May – people are gradually starting to know about it but I think most people do not.

    2. Who are the people who come to the space generally – Indian-Americans or Westerners?

    Both. Our classes and events attract both kinds of people and renters are definitely usually Western.

    3. How did you conceive of this program with Maya Kulkarni?

    After I had read The Last Lecture, I brought up to Sridhar how I wanted a program that was like the ultimate performance for seasoned artists – a place where they really revealed more about themselves than their stage persona. Sridhar and I then sat down and really fleshed the idea out and he suggested Maya Kulkarni – a choice that came via Rajika Puri, who had been trying to get her back on stage for the past year.

    4. Who are the other veteran artists that you have lined up in this series?

    We’ve been in contact with Birju Maharaj about it, so if he comes this August, hopefully he will be the next one.  Otherwise I’m also looking to contact C.V. Chandrasekar next, and hopefully will be able to include Priyadarshini Govind, Alarmel Valli, Amjad Ali Khan, and others.

    Readers can get more information about Anamika Navatman Project

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    Lavina Melwani is a New York-based journalist who writes for several international publications. Twitter@lavinamelwani & @lassiwithlavina Sign up for the free newsletter to get your dose of Lassi!

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    5 Comments

    1. Pingback: Maya Kulkarni Chadda - The Woodstock Whisperer/Jim Shelley

    2. Saboor on

      Nice looking Indian classical dancer with actual talent. Beauty was in her feet with traditional foot bells, very beautiful feet…

    3. Prem Kishore on

      Lovingly portrayed, Lavinia.You brought it all alive. New York is an amazing place for the unexpected surprises one encounters day after day. Kulkarni’s dual careers – fascinating.

    4. sahit kumar on

      I like Indian classical dancers’ beautiful feet with foot bells -ghungroos – it gives real excitement, pleasure and enjoyment.

    5. Indu Jaiswal on

      Lavina
      As usual, a beautiful story on Indian classical dance. We always encourage participation in classical and folk dances, and this will definitely encourage young people to learn more classical dance.