6 December 2024/
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF DANCE EXCELLENCE: GANESA NATYALAYA’S GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNUAL DAY AT NEW DELHI
Ganesa Natyalaya, the premier Bharatanatyam institution, is thrilled to announce its Golden Jubilee Annual Day, celebrating 50 years of dance excellence on 10 December 2024, at the Delhi Tamil Sangam, starting at 6 PM.
Founded in 1974 by Renowned dancer, Choreographer and writer, Padma Bhushan Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan with just a few students, Ganesa Natyalaya has grown into a vibrant hub for Bharatanatyam in New Delhi.
“This Golden Jubilee is a celebration of the dreams, dedication, and devotion that have shaped Ganesa Natyalaya into a beacon of Bharatanatyam. Our journey reflects the timeless relevance of this divine art form and its power to inspire, empower, and unite people globally. As we honor our past, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of artists who will carry forward this cherished legacy,” says eminent artist Rama Vaidyanathan, President of Ganesa Natyalaya.
The Annual Day program will feature 125 students showcasing their mastery of various choreographies, guided by Natyalaya’s dedicated teachers.
All alumni of Ganesa Natyalaya, have been rigorously trained under the ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiative, empowering them to achieve financial independence while staying deeply connected to the cultural heritage (DHAROHAR) of Bharat.
The Golden Jubilee celebration, Swarna Saroja, ‘Swarna’ meaning Golden and ‘Saroja’ in honor of the Founder, began with the Shivarghyaa (male dancers event) in March, a tribute to the first dancer, Lord Nataraja who symbolises “the genderless dancing body”. Over the past 10 months, Ganesa Natyalaya has hosted around 26 events globally, including monthly performances at their premises and affiliated schools. A highlight was the grand NIMAGNA presentation, choreographed by the eminent dancer Rama Vaidyanathan, performed by 25 senior disciples at Kamani Auditorium to honor Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan’s birth anniversary on 19 September 2024.
GANESA NATYALAYA: A BEACON OF BHARATANATYAM EXCELLENCE
From its humble beginnings, Ganesa Natyalaya has grown into a vibrant cultural hub for Bharatanatyam, attracting students from India and abroad. With over 315 Arangetrams and global affiliations, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Bharatanatyam. The institution collaborates with NGOs like the Guild of Service, Aravindam Foundation and SARVAM, providing Bharatanatyam training to underprivileged students through its dedicated teachers.
RAMA VAIDYANATHAN: A TRAILBLAZER IN BHARATANATYAM
Rama Vaidyanathan has redefined Bharatanatyam with her unique approach, exploring the Universe through dance. Trained by esteemed Gurus Yamini Krishnamurthy and Saroja Vaidyanathan, she boldly carved her own artistic path, resonating deeply with audiences through her innovative and mystical interpretations. Her unique approach to using Bharatanatyam compositions to explore the Universe sets her apart. Throughout her illustrious career, she has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2017 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Bharatanatyam, the Kalaimamani by the Government of Tamil Nadu (2011), Kalashree by the Government of Kerala (2013) and the Kumar Gandharv Puraskar by the Government of Madhya Pradesh (2015). The Department of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka honored her with the title of ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1999.
“Natyalaya proudly marches forward in its mission to preserve and propagate Bharatanatyam, celebrating 50 years of unparalleled service to the art,” internationally acclaimed artist Rama Vaidyanathan says.
