Yes, she has taught Shakira, and performed across the world, but does that mean Pranita Jain can rock Blue Frog with Bharatnatyam? Sure, she says, but with a little help from tap dancer Reggio
Yes, she has taught Shakira, and performed across the world, but does that mean Pranita Jain can rock Blue Frog with Bharatnatyam? Sure, she says, but with a little help from tap dancer Reggio
She's the artistic director of Kalapriya, a Chicago-based group that works to promote Indian dance and music.
Also a choreographer and teacher of Bharatnatyam, not just to a bunch of dance enthusiasts but also school kids who she believes enjoy a complete education thanks to the incorporation of classical dance in their curriculum. "I've trained for nine years with Sonal Mansingh, and then with Jamuna Krishnan," says Pranita Jain.
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Tap dancer Reggio (in red T-shirt) and Bharatnatyam dancer Pranita Jain (in white kurta) with the Chicago Folk Ensemble. Pranita and Reggio perform in the city this evening |
Pranita speaks enthusiastically of Reggio, a tap-dancer, and one of six extremely talented artistes who she has performed with last at the Marwar Festival. The two are back with their performance in the city tonight.
"Though we performed at the Mehrangarh Fort, with its glorious carvings, a section of the fort was converted into Club Mehran for the evening, which made it weird in a nice way a fusion of old and new." Allowing her art to flow with the surroundings, and inspired also by the club-ambience that was created especially for their show, Pranita says she jammed with the artists. "I don't know what my dance at Blue Frog will be like. But it's not spontaneous," she smiles, "if you count the 24 hours of rehearsing time."
Pranita, who visits India annually with the view to exchanging ideas with other artists says, "Whether you consider the Balinese dance-form or observe Hawaiian dance moves, you'll note that there are certain movements that are common to all. What we aim to do at Kalapriya, is bring out the similarities between cultures. But this doesn't mean that I alter Bharatnatyam. In fact, the classical dance form which once used to be performed at temples and courts, is evolving even as we speak."
At: Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel.
Call: 40332300.
Entry: Rs 300
