Item details
Date
May 4, 2024 2:00PM
Description
VBGIGs (globally inspired gatherings): Classical Dance of India featuring: Padmarani Rasiah Cantu
Saturday, May 4th at 2:00 p.m.
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library - 4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Come and journey with us to another land, into the timeless and alluring mythology of India! Join Padmarani Rasiah Cantu and her senior disciple, Bhagya Nair, as they share exciting, dramatic, and epic tales from India through Bharatha Natyam, a classical Indian dance form that has been in existence for over 2,000 years. It began as a temple worship and is now performed at venues throughout the world giving audiences of all backgrounds a chance to experience the exotic beauty and mystery of India while advancing an understanding of the people and traditions of the country. Padmarani Rasiah Cantu is a native of Sri Lanka and has performed to acclaim all over the world. Her career as a choreographer, dancer, and educator has resulted in a partnership with the Virginia Commission for the Arts for more than 30 years!
Presented in partnership with the Virginia Beach Public Libraries and Asian Indians of Hampton Roads
About Indian Classical Dance
Bharatha Natyam, an ancient classical dance form of India is acknowledged as one of the world's oldest art forms. Unique, eternal and universal, it is one of the most subtle and graceful styles of dance art in the world. Bharatha Natyam has been in existence for over two thousand years and showcases Indian epics and mythology through theatrical entertainment.
The word “Bharatha” was derived from the three essential aspects of the art. “Bha” from Bhava (expression), “Ra” from Raga (melody or song) and “Ta” from Tala (rhythm). “Natyam” means dramatic representation.
In the early years, Bharatha Natyam as a form of worship, was nurtured and developed in the precincts of the Temples, where it was an integral part of the ritual and ceremonial observances. Today, Bharatha Natyam is also performed on the concert platform, with dedicated and accomplished dancers bringing the spirit of the temple to the stage. Through an outer expression of intense and uplifting emotions, the dancer reaches an inner attunement with creation. This oneness is the highest form of yoga. The audience, too, goes beyond the outer form, perhaps to reach more sublime realms of the human spirit.
About Padmarani Rasiah Cantu
Padmarani Rasiah Cantu, a native of Sri Lanka, is a versatile Bharata Natyam dancer with an international reputation. She has performed widely, earning accolades from audiences and critics around the world. Padma is a consummate artist, an accomplished choreographer and teacher who is known for reaching the audience at all levels. She entertains and educates all who attend her presentations. Padma regularly presents her students at public and private schools, colleges and university dance recitals and at local Hindu temples in Virginia. She has conducted workshops and residencies throughout the USA.
Since 1984, Padmarani has been the Artistic Director and Dance Instructor of the Fine Arts Society of Yogaville in Buckingham, Virginia. She has presented many of her students for Arangetrams (maiden solo performances) in the USA and in India. Padmarani has been a selected artist with the Virginia Commission for the Arts Tour Directory for over 30 years. Cultural and educational institutions in Virginia have benefited from her expertise in performing and teaching this beautiful art form in all its pure and pristine glory.
She has studied with eminent Master Teachers including the late Padmashri Adyar K. Lakshman and the eminent couple dancers and teachers, Padma Bhushan awardees the Dhananjayans of Chennai, India.
Padma conducts regular classes in Richmond, Virginia.
PBS link to, The Lotus Life: Padma Rasiah Cantu – YouTube:
Padmarani will be accompanied by one of her advanced students, Bhagya Nair who is an accomplished performer.
Bhagya Nair is a graduate of George Mason University’s School of Business with a degree in Information Systems Operations Management (ISOM). She works for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a Business Analyst. Bhagya started her dance career at the age of 6-years old under the tutelage of Guru Padmarani Rasiah Cantu. She has performed on various stages around the U.S. and India and has danced in honor of many charities such as Operation Smile and Children’s Hospital. Her passion for dance motivates her to continue to learn and perform this beautiful art form.
Advanced ticket registration is highly encouraged; walkups are welcome as long as seating is available.
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