C A L E N D A R * R E L E A S E


Contact:
Mark Lacy
(713) 521-3686
mark@cultural-crossroads.com
www.houstonculture.org/media

April 6, 2001



Namita Bodaji, Classical Indian Dancer from Bombay
To Perform Bharata Natyam at Rice University


EVENT: A Night of Classical Indian Dance Featuring Namita Bodaji and Hansi Singh

DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2001

TIME: 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)

LOCATION: Grand Hall, Ley Student Center, Rice University

DIRECTIONS:
From Highway 59, exit Shepherd/Greenbriar. Take Greenbriar (One Way) south and turn left on Rice Blvd. Turn right at Rice University Entrance 13. Ley Student Center is adjacent to the second stop sign. Turn right at the stop sign for parking.

ADMISSION CHARGE: None

EVENT SPONSORS:
Houston Institute for Culture
KTRU, Rice University Radio

CONTACT:
Mark Lacy, Houston Institute for Culture
Phone: 713-521-3686
Email: info@houstonculture.org
Web address: www.houstonculture.org

PHOTOS AVAILABLE:
www.houstonculture.org/photo


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N E W S * R E L E A S E


Contact:
Mark Lacy
(713) 521-3686
mark@cultural-crossroads.com
www.houstonculture.org/media

April 6, 2001



Namita Bodaji, Classical Indian Dancer from Bombay
To Perform Bharata Natyam at Rice University


KTRU, Rice University Radio and the Houston Institute for Culture will present a night of classical Indian dance at Rice University, Thursday, April 26, 2001. The event will feature Namita Bodaji, from Bombay, India and a special performance by Houston dancer Hansi Singh.

Namita Bodaji has performed in the temples of India, the House of Soviet Culture and the World Folk Festival in Utah. She entered the prestigious Sri Rajrajeshwari Bharat Natya Kala Mandir Institute in Bombay in 1985 and has continued to study under the Gurus of the Institute. She performed for the audience of Swami Haridas Sammelan after receiving the title "Sringar Mani", which is conferred on the most qualified Indian dancers, in 1990. Bodaji performed in the ballets "Vasantavalli" and "Krishna Lila" (choreographed by Guru Kalyanasundaram) in the South of India and she has appeared at the India International Center in New Delhi. She has performed during important Indian festivals, Pallovothsava and Janmashtami, and at holy temples, such as Guruvayoor in Kerala, and Jagmohan Palace in Mysore. Bodaji has been featured on an Indian dance tour of London, England. She additionally choreographs and teaches the Indian dance form Bharat Natyam, and has a Masters in English Literature.

Last year, while visiting the United States as part of a cultural exchange program, Bodaji danced at religious temples in Pennsylvania and Illinois and taught workshops at Dance Vision 2000 in Massachusetts. Bodaji performed for public audiences in Houston, where the success of her artistic presentation, combined with an informative narrative about each dance generated overwhelming favorable response. Rom Martinez said by email, "It was the best dance (event) I have ever seen. By explaining the meaning of the symbols in the dance, (Bodaji) opened the door to a new world for me."

Following her performance at MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through Arts), Bodaji said, "The audience was very receptive and very attentive, so attentive I couldn't see heads moving."

Bodaji commented on her ability to deliver captivating performances to Houston audiences, "It depends on the mood of the artist. The mood of the artist takes the performance to a higher level. At times the audience takes you to that level."

Comparing her experience dancing in India, Bodaji said, "There is a temple in the South of India called Guruvayoor. It was like dancing for the Gods. You dare not make a mistake there."

Bodaji will make an additional appearance at Texas A&M University on April 25, 2001. Singh, who recently returned from performing in India, will also perform at the University of Houston on April 18, 2001.

Hansi Singh was initiated into Bharatha Natyam ten years ago by Smt. Nandini Rangan of San Diego, California. She continued her training with Smt. Bana Ramnath of San Antonio, Texas and completed a solo dance debut (arangetram) under her tutelage. Currently, Singh is a disciple of Smt. Padmini Chari of the Nritya School of Dance in Houston. She has also had the opportunity to learn from several eminent Gurus and has participated in a dance camp conducted by the Dhananjayans of Bharathakalanjali. Singh recently spent several months in India training under Padmashri Adyar Lakshman of Bharatha Choodamani in Madras. In addition, she has learned abhinaya (dance expression) from Professor C.K. Balagopalan of Kalakshetra.

Singh has presented Bharatha Natyam extensively throughout south and central Texas. She recently performed a solo recital presented by Bharatha Choodamani at the Music Academy of Madras, India.

The two talented dancers, Namita Bodaji and Hansi Singh, can be seen in a special presentation at Rice University. The event will take place at 7:00pm on April 26, 2001 in the Grand Hall of the Ley Student Center on the Rice University campus. Admission is free thanks to the generous sponsorship of KTRU and facilities hosted by Rice University. Those interested can call 713-521-3686 for more information, or send an email to info@houstonculture.org.

Photographs of Bodaji's June 2000 performance in Houston, as well as others, are available for use. Please see the selection at: www.houstonculture.org/photo.


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