Bharatanatyam, classical Indian dance, originated in the temples of South India over 4,000 years ago. This art form is an integral part of South India's rich heritage and is practiced around the world. Bharatanatyam is an all-inclusive dance form with intricate foot work, graceful hand gestures, and subtle facial expressions.
In Davis, you can learn the basics of Bharatanatyam through the Experimental College with instructor Venita Katir, at the EC Dance room on Thursday 8-10 pm. All are welcome regardless of dancing experience. The beginner and intermediate classes will build your stamina and flexibility as well as inform you about some of South India's rich dance tradition.
Venita is teaching a theory/history class on Bharatanatyam through the EC (Spring 2006). NEW!! She will also be teaching a theory class as a Freshman Seminar in Fall 2007, which will cover a wider range of topics on Indian culture.
Dedicated dancers include:
- Users/Rebeca Benitez
- Irina Chakraborty
- Vedha Gunasekaran
- Valerie Offeman
- Roshni Patel
- Resmi Ravindran
- Stephanie Thayer aka Sunshine
Those of us who've taken the beginner class for over two quarters enjoy performing at such events as Whole Earth Festival and Picnic Day.
We are known as the Chandravadanis.
Our performance on March 3rd, 2006 at the Veterans Memorial Center, as part of a fundraiser organized by Lest We Forget was a great success! Many thanks to everyone for your support, and to Venita for all her effort!
Images from March 3rd:
Photo credits go to Radomir Schmidt
