Leading dancer from India
performs in Southland
October 8, 2002
Irvine – One of the finest
exponents of Bharata Natyam in India, Priyadarsini Govind will perform
in the traditional solo format at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center
on Saturday October 19th at 7pm. With training from maestros such
as the late Swamimalai Rajaratnam and Mrs. Kalanidhi Narayan, Ms. Govind
has carved a clear niche among discerning audiences in India. Performing
on the west coast of the US as a soloist for the first time, she will be
accompanied by an ensemble of musicians also from India.
‘For me the journey is not
just outward, it is inward as well’ commented Ms. Govind in a recent
press interview about what she hopes to achieve through Dance. It is this
deep internalization of the art form that has contributed to her strength
in abhinaya, one of the critical expressional elements of the dance form.
Although a ‘late bloomer’ as she claims, she has already secured many coveted
Government and Art Institution awards and recognition for her excellence
in her art. Frequently on tour on behalf of the Indian Council for Cultural
relations (ICCR), she has performed extensively in Europe and US and represented
the best of the performing arts from India. She was specially invited by
the French Government to perform at the Parc de Villette Festival in Paris.
Tall and slim, she brings the unique curvaceous grace of the Vazhavoor
School combined with a plethora of emotions that have become a trademark
of the students of Mrs. Kalanidhi Narayan.
‘Dance is such a complete line
with visuals, poetry, drama, music … and you use your body to communicate
all of this’ and Ms. Govind truly brings dedication, sincerity, concentration
and responsibility to her art. As she continues her conquests with today’s
audiences, she is also very committed to preserving the art form for future
generations. An outspoken torchbearer, she has chosen to be a part of getting
more youth aware and involved in these traditional forms.
While Bharata Natyam
has been gaining popularity rapidly in the Southland, we rarely get an
opportunity to see a traditional solo presentation by a leading performer.
This dance event will be a students as well as a connoisseur’s delight.
The Arpana Foundation is committed to create an awareness and understanding
of the cultural arts from India. In the last 10 years, the Foundation has
presented over 30 visiting artistes in popular venues such as the Barclay
in Irvine and the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. With grants from the California
Arts Council and the Fund for Folk Culture, the Arpana Foundation will
continue to strive for interesting art presentations and dialogues.
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