Rhythms of Tradition: An Immersive Journey through Indian Classical Dance | Bharatnatyam Performance and Meet the Artist. Join us at Memor 1130 for our new exhibition focused on ancient Indian culture and our interactive workshops that will immerse you in the storied art form of Indian Classical Dance. In this free event, you will have a chance to enjoy a free Bharatnatyam performance by a professionally trained dancer and meet and greet the artist afterward. Free access to the museum exhibition is included with registration. We hope to see you there!

Bharatnatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu, South India, originating from the temple dances of devadasis. It features dynamic footwork, intricate hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial expressions (abhinaya). Dancers convey Hindu myths and devotional themes through structured compositions, embodying the sacred art and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Bharatnatyam artist Ankita Khanna, co-founder of Rasa. Collab began her Bharatanatyam journey at age 3 under Smt. Revathi Srinivasraghavan in Mumbai and continued with Guru Sahasra Sambamoorthi in New York City. Guided by Shiamak Davar, she captained a Bollywood-style Broadway musical in Dubai in 2016, showcasing her global talent. With 27 years of dance experience, Ankita integrates science with dance to ensure dancer safety and body awareness. She is a certified personal fitness trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine and a certified yoga instructor. Ankita conducts dance and lecture demonstrations for Board of Education programs in NYC schools and facilitates workshops in NYC Public Libraries, educating children and adults about Indian culture and dance. Her journey embodies dedication and empowerment through the art of dance. Currently teaching at Navatman and Ajna Dance Company.

Bharatnatyam artist Moneesha Kumar, co-founder of Rasa Collab, began her artistic journey with Bharatanatyam at the age of 5, studying under Kalaimamani Nalini Balakrishnan in Chennai. She later honed her skills under Kalaimamani Smt. Parvatvaty Ravi Gantasala completed her Arangetram Under her previous Guru Nalini Balakrishnan in 2011. Upon moving to New York, Moneesha resumed her passion for dance at Navatman, under the guidance of Sahasra Sambamoorthi. In just a year, she grabbed the opportunity to perform in over ten events and dance festivals in and around the city. Beyond her dance, Moneesha is a skilled architect, holding a Master from the Pratt Institute of Architecture. Her creative prowess shines both on the stage and in her architectural designs, a testament to her multifaceted talent.

*This exhibition and related events are organized in partnership with Shri Saneeswara Temple, Navatman Dance, and Rasa Collab.

Memor NYC is a Manhattan-based organization dedicated to sharing and presenting Asian cultures to the general public through special exhibitions, interactive cultural relic IPs, and community-oriented events. Pioneering local and international museum experiences at the intersection of art, culture, and technology, Memor is currently preparing to establish Memor Museum of Asian Culture on the Upper East Side.

Shri Saneeswara Temple: The Shri Navagraha Devasthanam of North America Inc., a non-profit organization registered in the state of New York, has been formed with a vision to create temples fostering the Vedic culture and heritage of spiritual philosophy in North America, this project will have 9 branch temples that will be established in major cities of United States of America. the temple will have its roots that emerge from the power of the teachings of Hinduism, the most ancient way of life. this project seeks to create a temple, a unique community space that can house, inspire, disseminate, and support coming generations and elevate the understanding of spirituality. the first of the 9 temples of Navagraha Devasthanam is dedicated to lord Saneeswara and has been consecrated in the city of New York. this is the ‘first’ Saneeswara temple in the world outside India.

Navatman: Navatman Dance, led by artistic director Sahasra Sambamoorthi, is a Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance company based in New York City whose mission is to connect our individual experiences through the mediums of the traditional stories and dance styles of India. With every show, we emphasize the audience-performer connection to create a special experience that stays with the viewer for years to come.

Rasa.Collab: At Rasa, we’re on a vibrant journey through the heart and heritage of India, where age-old art forms meet the creative spirit of today. Dive into the world where colors, patterns, and stories weave together to create a tapestry of culture, all in the form of captivating design products, and the voice of the rising artist of our times.

Time: 2:00-2:30 pm EST

Free!

Registration