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Organization
Soorya is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2003 to fulfill needs of all
people interested in Indian performing arts. The goal of Soorya is to
disseminate all aspects of Indian performing arts especially its
traditional art forms of Dance and Music.
Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Soorya offers year-round
classes in the dance disciplines of Bharathanatyam, Kathak and
also offers training in Carnatic Music. The curriculum
is designed using traditional teaching approaches that are
continuously scrutinized and modified to suit the needs and
experiences of students in the United States.
The dance training program has clearly defined achievement
levels. To become a full-fledged dancer it is important to
undergo training in three levels. At the basic level steps and
jathis are taught along with instruction in dance theory. The
intermediate level includes practical instruction and training
to learn dance performance numbers along with advanced theory.
In the final stage: the student achieves expertise in abhinaya
(facial expression), nattuvangam (dance conducting) and is
offered opportunities for choreography. The summer program
gives intensive training in both practical and theoretical
aspects for students who wish to pursue dance to a more
serious level.
Students perform regularly in various
community events and senior students accompany Gurus Prasanna
Kasthuri and Seema Murthy, the founder-directors of Soorya in their
programs nationwide. In
addition to imparting training in dance, music, dance theory
and yoga, Soorya Foundation for Dance also organizes
performances and workshops by both local and visiting artists.
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