Dr. Nalini Rau established Natya Anubhava Academy in 1993 in New York, an academy for the art form Bharatanatyam. The art form is an oral tradition, passed from teacher to student through centuries. It has to flow like a river to grow, and allow new material to mingle with the old seamlessly. The intense practice sessions, discussions, and recitals have infused in them a passion to give back to the community through dance with positive messages of peace and hope. Many of her students have become professional dancers and artists with a strong undertone of activism and community contributors. Dr. Rau has found storytelling through dance to be her medium to connect with the community: it is at once an expressive and healing medium.

Dr. Nalini Rau is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and director of Natya Anubhava Dance Academy. She is a leading disciple of the legendary Dakshinamurthy Pillai. She has trained over 200 students since 1993. She has directed over 30 dance productions from traditional to modern themes. Dr. Rau received numerous felicitations, including the Natya Nava Ratna award from the President of India under the auspices of Natyakalalayam, the 50 for 50’s award from Arts Westchester, and honors from the State Senate of NY. Her performance, choreography, and direction has been received nationally and internationally.

Snow Date:  Saturday, November 23rd at 1:30pm

This program series is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and with the support of the Friends of the Library.