FRAMINGHAM, MA–Natyamani School of Dance is celebrating over 25 years of excellence with Bharatham – a grand dance production – on June 23, 2019 at 3:30 pm at the Keefe Technical School in Framingham, MA.
This 3-hour flagship production in Bharatanatyam is directed and choreographed by Guru Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai, Founder and Artistic Director of Natyamani.
Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer who is widely known for her pure interpretation of classical dance traditions. The Natyamani School of Dance, which she founded in 1992, is synonymous with excellence and adherence to classical techniques. She has choreographed over 50 productions, each one receiving rave reviews for innovative choreography and flawless execution. She has received numerous accolades over the years including Natya Thapasvini – which aptly describes her immersion and dedication to dance.
Bharatham will feature over 60 dancers showcasing all aspects of Bharatanatyam. The second half of the show will feature the school’s senior students in a thematic presentation on Krishna – Maaya Kannan – to entertain and enthrall the audience. The performance will be supported and enhanced by a live orchestra of musicians who have been an integral part of Natyamani’s productions since its beginnings. Their divine music will truly bring the dances to life and transport the audience on a mystical journey through the joys of Bharatanatyam.
The proceeds from this show will benefit Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that prepares and serves freshly cooked hot meals to over 1.7 million economically disadvantaged children in 15,000+ Government schools in India every day. The midday meal program, whose primary goal is to provide food to children, also gives them a compelling reason to stay in school, thus driving social and economic development in these communities. The cause of Akshaya Patra instinctively resonates with Sridevi and her students. She has been teaching since she herself was barely a teen, so she is drawn to causes that help children. She also views this as a way to teach students the joy of giving back to those who are less fortunate, while also pursuing a passion that they truly enjoy.
There is a lot of excitement among the children as they get ready for the big day. Guru Sridevi has spent countless hours choreographing and perfecting dance routines of all her different groups. There is an unmistakable expectation of quality and drive for perfection that will be evident in every performance – from the very young beginners to seasoned senior students. This production is also unique in that it is going to feature a dance by alumni who are preparing to travel long distances and pick up their salangais (dancing bells) to relive their years at Natyamani, by coming together for a nostalgic performance.
General admission is $25 per person; tickets are available for patrons at $50 and $100 per person. An event souvenir booklet is being printed to be handed out to guests at the event. Sponsors are invited to place advertisements in the souvenir booklet. For more information about sponsorships and/or tickets, please contact Ajai (tickets@natyamani.com, 508.366.5223), Kavitha (508.981.1349) or Anitha (508.250.7719).
