The Hindu : New Delhi News : Kuchipudi dancer to perform at ‘Festival of India'

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
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Kuchipudi dancer to perform at ‘Festival of India'

Staff Reporter

‘Dance has taught me a lot': Kuchipudi danseuse Arunima Kumar

NEW DELHI: Talented Kuchipudi danseuse Arunima Kumar will perform in five South American cities beginning May 19 as part of a three-week “Festival of India” in Brazil.

A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskaar in 2008, Arunima has been honing her skills in traditional Hindustani dance form since the age of seven. “I have been a disciple of Swapnasundari and was also a student of Guru Jaya Rama Rao and Vanusree Rao. Dance has taught me a lot. Despite giving a number of performances in different cities, I am quite excited to perform for the ‘Festival of India' at Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and two other Brazilian cities,” says the 31-year-old danseuse.

Arunima, based in London, is doing her bit to rehabilitate drug addicts through dance workshops. “Initially the addicts are quite reluctant to learn dance since they have been living in an environment of violence. Our traditional dance forms have therapeutic benefits. The dancing postures teach the addicts the need to focus on quality and discipline that is needed in their daily lives,” says Arunima, who conducts workshops in London.

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