Shoba Natarajan
Lecture-demonstration and Sunday, February 25, 2001, 7:00 pm
Kuchipudi dance concert
Venue:
The Saint Paul Student Center Theater,
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul campus
About the artist:
Shoba Natarajan has the distinction of being one of the few dancers to achieve excellence in two classical dance styles of India - Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Shoba commenced her training at the age of five under the legendary dancer, Kamala Lakshman. She gave her first stage performance at the age of eight and continued her tutelage with the reputed guru S. K. Rajaratnam, eventually coming under the influence of the world-renowned Kuchipudi maestro, Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam. Shoba's dance is known for its spiritual depth, emotive range, sensitivity, and classical purity. Her unsurpassed skill in Abhinaya (expressive dance), flawless sense of rhythm, mastery of form and footwork, and impeccable grace make her dance the perfect fusion of music, movement and mime. Shoba has danced the lead role in several dance productions, and is best known for her stirring portrayal of Srinivasa in 'Srinivasa Kalyanam.' Shoba has played an active and important role in popularizing Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam around the world. She has undertaken several dance tours of India, the United States, the former Soviet Union, Europe, and Southeast Asia. An expert singer with an advanced diploma in classical vocal music, Shoba has conducted scholarly research into the 'Tamil heritage of dance music.' She is also a skilled and experienced teacher and choreographer. Highlights of her choreography include Ritusamhar, Dasanjali, Lasya Tandavam, and Triveni (a confluence of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohini Attam dance styles). Shoba received the coveted Artists Fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council in 2000. Among her titles are 'Yuva Kala Bharati' (Outstanding Young Artist) and 'Natanamamani' (Jewel of Dance) from premier organizations in India. Shoba is the founder and artistic director of Samskriti Foundation in Chicago, IL where she currently teaches dance, music, yoga, and allied arts.
© Copyright 2001 Indian Music Society of Minnesota