Asian American / Asian Research Institute
The City University of New York
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form of India, which was nurtured in the temples and royal courts of Tamil Nadu in the Southern region. Bharatanatyam encompasses music, dance, drama, poetry and mythology to create a complete and highly stylized artistic endeavor. Sonali will also present a brief lecture on the history, philosophy and modern practice, along with the symbolism inherent in this dance form.
Sonali Skandan has trained from some of the most accomplished teachers and performers of this art form. Having undergone rigorous training by Guru Smt. Thejeswini Raj, she went on to study under the world-renowned teacher and performer, Professor CV Chandrasekhar in Chennai, India and Smt. Indira Kadambi of Chennai, India. Sonali is also an avid student of yoga, Carnatic music and rhythm.
For Sonali, Bharatanatyam is more than a dance for; it is a means of expression and joy. Combining powerful rhythmically intense footwork, graceful and lyrical postures, and dramatic story-telling, Bharatanatyam is a confluence of many artistic genres; from dance to theatre to music and literature.
Sonali has performed in prestigious venues in the US, India and Canada. Sonali has two major productions to her credit: Urban Kutcheri at the Joyce/SoHo (June 2006) and Bharatanatyam Margam at the Lighthouse International Auditorium (June 2004). She has participated in major dance festivals, including the Chennai Music and Dance Festival, the Toronto International Dance Festival, the Dancenow/NYC Festival and the Downtown Dance Festival in NYC.
Sonali's passion for Bharatanatyam stems from its spirituality, its intricate beauty and grace. Sonali's work reflects a high-level quality and dedication to the pure art form. By combining her devotion to the dance with her western upbringing, Sonali hopes to bridge the cultural boundaries and present Bharatanatyam in a clear and enlightening manner.