Graduation Dance Ceremony Performed by Nidhi & Krupa Will Wow Critics
On July 9th, at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, New York City, Arangetram in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam will be performed by Nidhi Ladda and Krupa Patel, students of Guru Bina Menon, Kalashri School of Arts, Parsippany, NJ. This history making event requires several years of training, dedication, determination, and devotion to present this debut performance and this is the first time a program of such high caliber will be featured at this esteemed New York City location. A student of classical dance performs an Arangetram, (graduation ceremony) when their ‘guru’ or mentor is of the opinion that the student is ready to perform a solo and is qualified to train and instruct other aspiring and ambitious dancers. Once dancers have completed training, they will also have a thorough understanding of classical music and the many intricate aspects of classical Indian dancing. Students Nidhi and Krupa have studied under Guru Bina Menon, a renowned dance teacher who has trained thousands of dancers at her extra ordinary Kalashri School of Arts, Parsippany. Guru Bina feels that Nidhi and Krupa are
ready to graduate. Beginning her dance career at the young age
of four, Nidhi’s interest in Bharatanatyam led her to Guru Bina Menon. As a true disciple, Nidhi utilized her guru’s guidance to evolve into a dedicated
and talented dancer. As Nidhi’s passion and ability to perform grew stronger, she
continued her career, spending the next 14-years perfecting Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam. Dancing has not only connected Nidhi to her Indian culture, but has allowed her to find discipline, devotion, and spirituality in all her endeavors. Nidhi boarded a 13-hour
flight to Delhi, India, followed by a 2-hour flight to Hyderabad to spend the summer as a young Indian-American woman interning at the Cherlapally Central Prison with the Unnati Reform Program. Hailing from Livingston, New Jersey, Nidhi is an honors graduate of the Livingston High School Class of 2022. In the fall, she will matriculate at Babson College, in Wellesley, Massachusetts where she will devote her collegiate career to studying business, with a focus on entrepreneurship. Nidhi will continue to chase her passion for dance while at Babson by connecting with AMAN, Babson’s largest student cultural organization for South Asian countries and cultures. Krupa’s journey to dance has been a long and challenging yet rewarding path. It all began in 2007, when Krupa’s mother, a Bharatnatyam dancer in her own right, took her to go see the Ramayana Ballet at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ. From this captivating performance, Krupa and her mother became acquainted with the creative talents and genius of Bina Aunty. Upon discovering that Bina Aunty’s Kalashri School of Arts was a mere 3 minutes
from their home, Krupa enrolled the following year
and has been dancing ever since. From learning the arts of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam, Krupa’s passion for dance has grown. Through the wisdom and instruction of her guru, Krupa has learned the values of discipline, dedication and devotion. Krupa has taken the lessons she has learned in the studio, and applied them to all aspects of her life. After her Arangetram, Krupa will continue dancing in hopes of reaching new heights with an everincreasing appreciation and
awareness for the arts. Coming from Parsippany, New Jersey, Krupa graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and statistics. Menon has performed in multiple countries with outstanding success. A few of her applauded accomplishments include the fact that Guru Bina Menon has been awarded the “Kerala Ratna – Gem of Kerala Award”, in India, for her contributions and promotion of Indian art and culture in America. Many critics praised her choreography of the off- Broadway show “Ramayana Ballet”. Her students have performed for the former United States president Bill Clinton, at the New Jersey Governor’s inauguration, and a fundraiser for the Governor of New York. Her students also performed at the 2009 Academy Awards (Oscars) alongside the well respected Indian film composer, A.R. Rahman. Her students
have won Best Performance Awards at World competition at Barcelona, Spain. Ms. Bina Menon is choreographing the upcoming exquisite 2022 All India Dance Festival, which her students Nidhi and Krupa will be featured on July 16 th at
Carnegie Hall.
NIDHI LADDA IS NOW READY TO BE A MENTOR TO OTHER STUDENTS AS SHE HAS MASTERED HER CRAFT.