Classical Dance Festival

[natyasri]

Namaste,
I am planning on a classical dance festival of students of classical dance in USA. Many great teachers are settled in USA teaching the great classical dances to kids born in USA. I am keen on organizing a festival focusing and highlighting these talented kids. I am very impressed by a few dancers from Cleaveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, some from NJ whose videos i came across while browsing.
As any first timer, my budget is very low but can promise a good audience and kids who are willing to get inspired. I am thinking of the following. Please suggest and advice for improvement and if interested and want me to get in touch, then email.
Include all classical dance styles, can be group or solo
1) a 1 min demo of nritta and 1 min demo of abhinaya- upload and send the link. Can be a practice thing or edited from performance.
2) Why are you learning indian classical dance? What have you learnt so far? what did you understand? in 100 words or less
3) Recommendation letter by Guru.
4) Time limit 20 min.
5) must perform one nritta and one abhinaya item.

I can offer $200 including boarding and lodging, as compensation for each dance style and thinking of around GuruPurnima next year(2015)

[padmapada]

Where are you located?

[rshankar]

Natyasri - sounds like a great idea. Best Wishes!

[natyasri]

thank you. i have noticed every time there is a dance festival, these extremely talented next gen goes unnoticed under the slogans of "great guru" "renowned dancer" "spiritual experience". These talented students can be such a great inspiration to so many children pursuing classical dances. i truly want this to take of. i know its not a great budget, but i will get there soon, hopefully. please let me know if anyone is interested.

[Umesh]

Natyasri, I think this is a very nice idea. If inspiration for youngsters is one of the main goals, I might suggest that you make this more of an interactive presentation. In NYC, for example, many festivals have a "talk-back" with the artists, in which the audience gets a glimpse into their lives, work, and vision. Elements of a lec-dem are also sometimes included. Seeing dancers perform may inspire people, but hearing about experiences can also be very powerful and motivating. All the best!

[natyasri]

Umesh: i think that s a great idea. Someone from the forum reached out to help me, apparently has more experience in organizing such events, which helps greatly. I sincerely wish that i get good participants. i am planning during summer holidays in 2015 so that the kids dont have to miss their school or be worried about it. Will keep you all posted. :namaste:

[Sreeni Rajarao]

Where are you located?

Was this question answered?

I am guessing the answer is NJ or NY or Philadelphia area but I would like to make sure. Thanks!

[natyasri]

location: midwest USA
Will give info in email to anyone who ask. Got a reason for that. Thank you for understanding

[indiandance22]

Hello!
I was wondering whether I could be a participant; how do I personally message you to learn more details?
Is Kalakshetra Bharatanatyam okay?
Thank you!

[natyasri]

Hello,
I will let you all know thru this forum once i figure out the dates etc. I have an upcoming and long due vacation to India. Thats why i am not really progessing with the thought.

[indiandance22]

Hi! Hope all is well, just checking to see whether this is still open hope your holidays went spectacularly well!

[natyasri]

Yes, it is open and I am going to do this year. My 2 big problems are funds and logistics. But I will do it, will take small baby steps, but will do good quality, put my best foot forward- something to be proud of.
Will keep updated.
As of now I am trying to identify local or near by group/student whom I don't have to accommodate so that I can give a scholarship . This scholarship will be differed and has to be used only towards classical performances.
Say for eg. I give a scholarship of $200. This student can use it as much and how much ever she likes till the limit of $200 is reached. The student must and can use it to buy participation memberships or tickets to participate in events to perform classical dance and not a Bollywood or something. Or the student can invest that in a classical dance workshop or costume etc...
Really, money is an issue and my staying in an apartment is not helping either.
Oh my holidays are coming up, and may be it will be just one dance form this year ???

[indiandance22]

Eagerly waiting for details, good luck!