Anuradha Naimpally

Instructs: Bharata Natyam

 

Anuradha has been performing worldwide for over 25 years. In 1989 she was awarded the prestigious Jacqueline LeMieux Prize by the Canada Council, making her the only Indian classical dancer to receive this high honor. She was bestowed the title of Sringar Mani, “Artistic Jewel”, in Bombay after her performance at the Kal-Ke-Kalakar Festival in 1990.

With an Honors BA in Philosophy and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance, Anuradha combines artistry with scholarship. Numerous study grants and honors have allowed her to continue research and study of ancient Sanskrit texts. She has been on the faculty of various universities around Austin.

Anuradha has been actively involved in teaching youth in many capacities. In Canada she participated in artist-in-residence teaching programs, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations in public schools. In Austin, she has been a teacher with Ballet Austin’s Leaps and No Bounds Program in AISD schools. She also presents assembly performances on Indian dance and culture in Austin area schools. She performs innovative children’s shows as a part of other groups such as Cowboys and Indians: A Wild East Multicultural Show, Dance For World Peace, and Circle of Light.

Anuradha is also an active performer and collaborator in Austin today and also continues to renew her ties with the Canadian dance scene. In addition to performing solo and participating in the Kalanidhi Dance Festival in Toronto, she collaborates with many artists and companies including Ballet Austin, Tapestry Dance Company, Sally Jacques, Tina Marsh, and Canada’s critically acclaimed world music ensemble, Tasa.

She teaches Bharata Natyam technique through her organization, Austin Dance India, which sees students from beginner level through to professional training. As an experienced teacher, she is invited to provide nattuvangam, or conduct, performances of Bharata Natyam dance.