About this Event
Join Neena Jayarajan in this workshop on the basics of Bharatanatyam. This South Indian classical art form is known for its complex rhythms, and its intricate use of footwork, hands, face, and eyes to convey simple to complex stories. This workshop will explore using the body as a tool to hold rhythm while also conveying emotions! After the workshop, enjoy a showing of a new dance work choreographed by Neena.
Neena Jayarajan is an independent dance theatre artist with extensive experience in Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance techniques. Her primary training was under the tutelage of Dr. Menaka Thakkar, and Sujatha Mohapatra. She served as the Assistant Artistic Director of Menaka Thakkar Dance Company for 7 years, as well as assistant teacher at Nrtyakala for 20 years. She is an Associate Artist at Nova Dance involved in both creative and organizational roles. Neena completed her MA in Dance from York University and was a 2016 recipient of the Chalmers Arts Fellowship Grant. She made her theatrical debut in Theatre Smith’s Gilmour's Metamorphosis. Neena currently sits on the board of CADA west and The Dance Current Magazine and is currently on her own choreographic journey of exploration using her classical roots to fuel a contemporary outlook.
This workshop is part of the Dance Together Festival York Region. All festival workshops and events are free for participants, thanks to the generous support of the Host in Vaughan Grant and Richmond Hill Community and Cultural Grant Program. Presented by the Dance Together Project in partnership with York Region Arts Council, Assembly Park, City of Vaughan, Tourism Vaughan, City of Richmond Hill and Richmond Hill Public Library.
The transforms public spaces and celebrates community through diverse and inclusive dance workshops, vibrant visual art and live music. The festival offers free workshops and events that centre on positive and accessible dance experiences. Open to all ages, levels and abilities.
In September 2024, the festival returns to York Region with four days of free dance programming during Ontario Culture Days. Community members are invited to take free dance workshops and enjoy relaxed performances with diverse local professional dance artists at the Richmond Hill Public Library (1 Atkinson St.) and at Assembly Park Studios VMC (80 Interchange Way). Styles include Swing, Hip-Hop, Afro Fusion, Partner Dance 101, Swing, Salsa, Bollywood, Bharatanatyam as well as Mexican, Ukrainian and European Folk Dances!
Last year, the Dance Together Festival York Region received Culture Days Best in Person Program Spotlight Recognition Award, so make sure to join in this year to experience it for yourself!
Schedule: dancetogetherfestival.com/schedule
IG/Facebook: @dancetogetherfestival
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Studios at Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way, Vaughan, Canada
CAD 0.00
