Two Indian classical dance events are taking place this coming Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5.##M:[more]##
Sudha Rajan of West Windsor, pictured at right, began learning the art of Bharatanatyam or Indian classical dance in 1973. She had her Arangetram or graduation in the year 1976 and has been performing ever since. She teaches Bharatanatyam in West Windsor and her students are participating in a benefit for St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital at Rider University on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
In 1983 she was on a cultural exchange program sponsored by the Central Government of India to perform with her four-member dance troupe, in Australia, Fiji Islands, and Malaysia. Rajan has participated in major dance festivals and dance dramas, has given lectures, and has appeared on television. She also plays the sitar, an Indian instrument.
Her WW-P students include Mathangi Ganesh of Plainsboro, a fifth grade student at Millstone River School, where she is a member of the school’s Continental Math League; and Sowmya Kottapalli of West Windsor, a fifth grade student at Village School, active in chorus, tennis, and piano playing.
ASHA: A Fusion of Eastern Passion and Western Style, Rider University, Bart Luedeke Center Theater, Lawrenceville, 609-896-5000. www.rider.edu. Benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital coordinated by the Asian Students at Rider features individual and group performances. $10. Friday, April 4, 7 p.m.
Garland of Indian Dance, Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, Community Middle School, 55 Grovers Mill Road, Plainsboro, 732-398-9895. “The Tradition of the Tanjore Quartet,” a dance presentation by dancers visiting from India with a live orchestra. Bharathanatyam, born in South Indian, is used both as a vehicle of worship and emotion using classical steps. Kuchipudi is performed to classical Carnatic music. Mohiniyattam is performed as a solo recital by women. Co-sponsored by the Plainsboro Arts Partnership and Indo American Cultural and Religious Foundation. $12 to $30. Saturday, April 5, 5 p.m.
