Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Classical Indian Dancer to Appear at Bernardsville Library


Divya Nayar, a professional dancer trained in Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance form that originates from Southern India, will perform at Bernardsville Public Library on Sunday, October 24 at 3:00 pm. [Doors open at 2:45 pm.] Funded by the Friends of the Bernardsville Public Library, the program is part of the Sundays at Three series. There is no charge to attend and no advance registration is necessary.

Bharatanatyam is performed by a highly trained dancer who combines precise and intricate footwork with sculpturesque poses and fluid facial expressions to tell stories of mythology and folklore. The dancer wears a silk sari and jewelry, and with specialized facial makeup, performs to a traditional orchestra of vocals, flute, and percussions. Bharatanatyam originated in the Temples of South India and was performed as a ritual and form of worship to the Lord; these motifs of dedication and spirituality are carried through by Bharatanatyam dancers, even today.

In the presentation, Natya Nivedanam (a dedication of mind, body and soul to dance), Ms. Nayar will perform dances from the traditional Bharatanatyam repertoire, some that were choreographed by great masters of Bharatanatyam over three decades ago, and others that are fresh and innovative yet uphold the roots of tradition.

Ms. Nayar was awarded “Young Achiever Award” in 2009 by Kerala Association of New Jersey for her contribution to Fine Arts in the community. She was the cultural representative of Kerala Association of New Jersey during 2008 and 2009. In 2007, she won first place in the East Coast regional solo classical dance category at the youth festival organized by the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FoKANA).

There is no charge to attend this dance recital and no advance sign-up is needed. For further information, call the library at 908-766-0118.

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