AN EVENING OF CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE

On January 27, 2009 the ICBE presented "A Taste of India," featuring Vidya Chari demonstrating classical Indian dance, Priti Saldanha, Shruthi Sampath, and Shruti Malur demonstrating gorgeous saris, and various people, including Kinara Restaurant, providing authentic Indian food. We found out, by the way, that Kinara means "On the edge of the water!" Vidya's dancing was the focus of the evening, and was beautiful.

The event was very well attended and very much enjoyed by children and adults, who all played dress-up, learned a little about India and its dance traditions, and had a culinary taste treat.

Extra special thanks to Selena Keesecker, whose undying energy and enthusiasm and treasure trunk of ideas made the evening possible. It would not have happened without Selena.

Part of the audience at "A Taste of India." The kids were great!

Priti Saldanha, Shruthi Sampath, and Shruthi Malur in Indian dress

Three Edgewater women from three different parts of India (and speaking three different languages!): Priti Saldanha in the blue sari, Shruthi Sampath in Orange, and Shruthi Malur in white.

Priti and Shruthi dress Valory Bardinas in a sari

Priti and Shruthi dress Valory in a sari.

Valory models her sari.

Selena Keesecker reading, and leading a procession

Selena and children beginning the program.

Vidya Chari, Bharatanatyam, classical indian dance

Vidya dances.

One of the three distinctly different dances she performed for us.

Her dances included many symbolic gestures, some of which she explained to the audience before the start of each dance.

The footwork is intricate.

Vidya Chari teaching Love Lundy a dance movement representing a bird

Vidya teaches Love Lundy to be a bird.

I don't know who this lovely child is, but isn't she wonderful?

About Vidya Chari

Edgewater resident Vidya Chari is a student of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form. Vidya has trained in this ancient art since the age of three, under renowned masters including Kalanidhi Narayanan, Pasumarthy Ramalinga Sastry and Krithika Rajagopalan. She has performed widely in India and abroad earning both critical acclaim and audience appreciation.

Since 2002, Vidya has conducted lecture demonstrations and taught in the New York metro area. She continues to perform and train as a member of the Natya Dance Theater.

Vidya and her husband, Mukund and daughter, Aadiya, call Edgewater "home" for now, and are eager to share their heritage and culture.