Director Priya Raju - Priya Raju started learning to dance at a very young age and specialized in the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. She started the Kripalaya Dance Academy in 2002 and as its director strived to preserve and promote both classical and folk dances from India. She has showcased the school’s multifarious talents at various cultural events in Oklahoma and out of state including past performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center SummerStage events. Steeped in her belief that any music or dance that moves the soul should be embraced and that all cultures should be respected and tolerated, Priya has incorporated dance forms from other cultures in her shows. And in her capacity as a teacher, she inculcates the same views to her students by helping them appreciate and cherish dance and music from all ethnicities. As a result, along with her unique individuality, she has brought forth to her audiences an experience enriched with innovation and diversity. Having participated as a dancer in previous SummerStage shows, she got an opportunity this year to direct her very own show. ‘Dhadkan’ (meaning Heart Beat) marks her directorial debut as part of the 2013 Tulsa PAC SummerStage festival. The show is a true reflection of her deep rooted belief about different ethnicities coming together and her vision of them forming a common thread through dance and music. Priya readily concedes that not only has this journey been an enriching experience but also humbling to be sharing the stage with artists and peers from other dance troupes and is eagerly looking forward to opening night.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 11:08:59 +0000
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