CALENDAR

Instructors:

Sugnan Dani

Musician and researcher, PhD candidate in Music at Jain University of Bangalore, India. All India Radio's B-High Grade Artist. His research includes publications on topics such as Nādasvaram, rāga performances with the Santūr and Jaltarang instruments, as well as innovations such as the auto-tuned tanpura. He created two new rāgas through innovative approaches. With over 150 original compositions spanning Hindustani Classical and semi-classical genres, he has received several awards. A disciple of renowned masters, he works as a performer and teacher of Hindustani music.

Vandana Rani

Bharatanāṭyam and Karnataka singing artist, recognised for her versatile contributions to performance, teaching, and research. She has performed solo and group concerts at prominent festivals. Her vocal performances include solo concerts and dance-music collaborations. A dedicated researcher, she has presented papers at conferences in India and published in Kalakalpa – IGNCA Journal of Arts, focusing on

in the music of Nādasvaram in Bhūta Kōlā and in the improvisational aspects of singing in Bharatanāṭyam. Her dedication to preserving tradition, combined with her creative use of media, makes her a dynamic presence in the Indian performing arts scene.

Classical Indian Dance Workshop - Bharatanatyam:

Dr. Vidya Rao and Poornima Gururaja will lead an inspiring introduction to Bharatanatyam, one of India's most revered classical dance forms. Participants will learn the fundamental steps (adavus), hand gestures (hastas), and how these elements intertwine in short choreographies. Combining theory and practice, the session will offer insights into the history, symbolism, and discipline that shape Bharatanatyam's rich tradition. Guided by two leading artists and researchers, participants will have a unique opportunity to experience the grace and expressive depth of this timeless art in an accessible and interactive environment.

Instructors:

Dr. Vidya Rao

Eminent Bharatanatyam artist, teacher, choreographer, and researcher with over four decades of dedication to Indian Classical Dance in the Pandanallur tradition. Coordinator of the Department of Performing Arts and head of the Doctoral Program at Jain University of Bangalore, she holds diverse academic degrees, including a PhD in Literature and Dance, with research focused on the devotional compositions of the Haridasas. Trained by renowned masters, she has mentored numerous students in India and abroad, presented and published research in literature, music, and philosophy, and organised cultural events globally, notably her contributions in Thailand. A recipient of numerous awards, she continues to enrich the field of classical dance through her performances, research, and conceptual contributions.

Poornima Gururaja

A leading figure at the Pandanallur/Tanjore School of Dance, Poornima is the founder and artistic director of the Pallavi School of Performing Arts, based in Boston, USA, and the Kalasindhu Academy of Dance in Bangalore, India. Early in her dance career, Poornima recognised her extraordinary ability to teach this art form. She trained several students in the Boston community, presenting performances that received critical acclaim. Recognising her skills, the students of her Guru Smt. Narmada continue to train with her. She excels not only in promoting the art form but also in instilling in her students a cultural personality that makes them proud of their heritage.

Bharatanatyam Performance:

After the workshop on October 12th, there will be a free performance from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm in the same room.

Everyone is welcome.