Naina Shastri performs and teaches South Indian Classical Dance in the style of her native Mysore, India. Called Bharatanatyam, this style of dance expresses India's epic tales through "mantras, moods, mudras and movement," while honoring Lord Nataraja and his consort Goddess Parvati, as the world's first dancers.
"My mother always accompanied me to my classes
and then gave her most candid critique... not always
appreciated, I must confess! But over the years I
grew to love the art form and today I'm so glad and
thankful she dreamed for me." ~ Naina Shastri
Naina started dancing at the age of eight. Now a prolific artist, she has been danced on stages throughout India and the Bay Area,
and is the Artistic Director of Ushanjali School of Dance. In addition to her role as Artistic Director of the Ushanjali School of dance, she is Lead Artist/RAW Resident Artist at SAFEhouse Arts in San Francisco and holds the position of Director and Founder of Namaha Foundation for the Arts and Kalasangha non-profit art organizations in the East Bay, and is a member of the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of San Ramon. (What's more she has a masters in biotechnology and a diploma in fashion design and commercial art!)
"Recently I came across a saying I found in the
Ishopanishad: 'Action is dynamic in form and creative
in nature' I think it is a wonderful quotation and
expresses my thoughts and feelings for Dance
perfectly!" ~ Naina Shastri
More on Naima at her website and facebook page.
"My mother always accompanied me to my classes
and then gave her most candid critique... not always
appreciated, I must confess! But over the years I
grew to love the art form and today I'm so glad and
thankful she dreamed for me." ~ Naina Shastri
Naina started dancing at the age of eight. Now a prolific artist, she has been danced on stages throughout India and the Bay Area,
and is the Artistic Director of Ushanjali School of Dance. In addition to her role as Artistic Director of the Ushanjali School of dance, she is Lead Artist/RAW Resident Artist at SAFEhouse Arts in San Francisco and holds the position of Director and Founder of Namaha Foundation for the Arts and Kalasangha non-profit art organizations in the East Bay, and is a member of the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of San Ramon. (What's more she has a masters in biotechnology and a diploma in fashion design and commercial art!)
"Recently I came across a saying I found in the
Ishopanishad: 'Action is dynamic in form and creative
in nature' I think it is a wonderful quotation and
expresses my thoughts and feelings for Dance
perfectly!" ~ Naina Shastri
More on Naima at her website and facebook page.
spirit in motion |
Spirit in Motion marks the return of the Inspiration Series. 90-minute reminders of the capacity of the arts to inspire, awaken wonder and bring us home to our most soulful selves. Artistic Director Mahea Uchiyama has carefully chosen four internationally-renowned masters to come to the Mountain Yoga to share their sacred movement traditions from around the world. A little talk, a little performance, a little participation...lots of love.
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