An extraordinary evening of live performance titled IDENTITY: A Divine Union by renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Narthaki Nataraj will grace the stage at Gibney Studios in New York City on April 25th and 26th, 2025. This exclusive performance promises to be a mesmerizing journey into the rich traditions of Indian classical dance, showcasing Dr. Narthaki's unparalleled artistry and dedication to the Thanjavur bani style. This unique event will showcase the beauty of traditional Bharatanatyam and two captivating workshops, bringing together dance enthusiasts, artists, and Bharatanatyam lovers from all around.
These workshops will focus on the intricate techniques and grace of Keerthanam and Thillana, two key components in Bharatanatyam performance. Participants will also get the rare opportunity to explore the traditional Tanjore Quartet repertoire, which is known for its complex rhythm structures and musical intricacy.
Workshop 1: Keerthanam: April 22-24, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Workshop 2: Thillana: April 28-30, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Performance Dates:
April 25, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Followed by Q&A)
April 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Gibney Studios, Studio H53A Chambers St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10007
Padmashri Dr. Narthaki Nataraj, a disciple of Tanjore Shri K P Kittappa Pillai (a direct descendant of the Tanjore Quartet), spent 14 years in full-time residential training under him, specializing in the Tanjore style Nayaki Bhava tradition. She is dedicated to preserving and propagating this tradition, having moved audiences worldwide with her powerful performances. A courageous trailblazer as a member of the third gender, she has performed at prestigious festivals across India, the USA, UK, and Europe. Honored with the Padma Shri, the SNA Puraskar Award, and an honorary doctorate, Dr. Nataraj also founded the Velliyambalam School of Dance, where she continues to teach students the rare compositions passed down by her guru.
