Indian classical dance icons set to perform in Muscat

MUSCAT: A unique Indian classical dance programme featuring Nandini Ramani, Dr. Anupama Kylash and Gopika Varma, three renowned and senior artistes from India, will be presented by Padmini Krishnamurthy, director, Sri Saraswathi Natyalaya, Muscat.

This creative confluence of the Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam dance forms, entitled, “Nritya Manjari”, will be staged on November 7 at The Grand Hall, Al Falaj Hotel, under the aegis of Majan Events.

Acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher from Chennai, Nandini Ramani is the illustrious torch bearer of the legendary T. Balasaraswathi tradition. A multi-faceted personality, she is hugely respected for her performances, insightful workshops and lecture demonstrations in India and abroad.

A versatile performer, she is an eminent academician, dance critic, author, emcee, script writer, actor, director and producer of Sanskrit plays. She has held prestigious positions at the Madras Music Academy, the Sangeet Natak Academy, Ministry of Culture and Central Dance Audition Board in the Informa- tion & Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India.

Dr. Anupama Kylash, a well known Kuchipudi exponent and teacher from Hyderabad, has given more than 600 performances in India and abroad at various cultural festivals.

A senior student of Dr. Uma Rama Rao, she has been training in Vilasini Natyam under the tutelage of Padmabhushan Swapnasundari. She has presented several lecture demonstrations and papers at dance seminars and conferences. A graded artiste for Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, she is also an author and innovative choreographer.

Gopika Varma, a reputed Mohiniyattam dancer and teacher based in Chennai, was trained in this lyrical dance by the great guru Kalyani Kutyamma and her senior disciples.

She learnt Abhinaya from Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, the doyen of the Kathakali dance form. She has performed at various cultural and art festivals in India and abroad. She organizes the Swati Thirunal Festival and the Dasyam Yuva Utsav every year in Chennai to provide a perfect platform for young and professional dancers to showcase their talent.