The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Taking Bharatanatyam from India to America

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 04, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Taking Bharatanatyam from India to America

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: Supriya Desai was only 11 years old when she danced her way onto the Bharatanatyam stage, with a dextrous rendition of the Balagopala Tarangam. After nearly 12 years of enchanting lovers of classical dance, and picking up rave reviews, Ms. Desai moved to the U.S.A. as a young bride, where again, she shone as a top-rated dancer skilled in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

In the last 15 years, she has done Karnataka and the Kannada community proud in the U.S. She started the Payal Academy of Dance in North Carolina, where scores of girls from the Indian community have been initiated into the fine art of dance. She was also actively involved in founding the American Kannada Kootas Association (AKKA), and in co-ordinating its cultural activities.

An accomplished choreographer, Ms. Desai bowled over critics by her choreography of Meera, in which she combined three distinct classical styles of dance in a show that toured 15 cities in the U.S. in 1995.

She brings grace and fluidity into her dance in performances like Vishnu Vaibhavam, Mahishasura Mardhini and Sri Krishna Parijatha.

Ms.Desai has been honoured with the Karnataka Kalashree title by the Karnataka Sangeeta Nritya Academy.

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