History
India Dance Wales - Wales' only professional Indian Dance Company
India Dance Wales is Wales' premier professional Indian Dance company and has been enchanting audiences with the art of Classical Indian Dance since 1983. The company has made its mark as the driving force for creating and establishing an interest in Indian Dance in Wales with its regular class schedule across South Wales and the West, and its numerous workshops, community work and productions
India Dance Wales specialises in the Classical dance form of Bharata Natyam, one of the most dynamic and internationally popular styles of Indian Dance. This ancient art form is based around Hindu mythology and originated in Hindu temples as a form of worship to the Gods. Its emphasis is on physical dance movements as well as expressional dance (storytelling through mime, using hand gestures and facial expression) to create this dynamic art form.
Founder and Artistic Director - Kiran Ratna
Kiran Ratna is founder and Artistic Director of India Dance Wales and is considered a pioneer of classical Indian dance in Wales. She began her studies in dance at an early age in India and started learning Bharatanatyam in the UK from Chitraleka Bolar, with further advanced training in India from Guru Ullal Mohan Kumar and others. Kiran has directed, choreographed and performed many innovative works that have won India Dance Wales much acclaim. Notably, she has collaborated with the BBC to produce groundbreaking dance works performed with the National Orchestra of Wales. As well as a dancer and choreographer, she is also an accomplished teacher of Bharatanatyam and has trained many dancers in Wales and South West England. Kiran is also a member of the South Asian Dance faculty of the Imperial School of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and is currently training to be an examiner. As well as Bharatanatyam, Kiran has also had training in other dance styles including Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Ballet.
......Ratna has done much in her workshops and performances to introduce British audience to the flowing grace and exquisite precision of Classical Indian Dance
Planet (The Welsh internationalist)
Biographies of the Board
India Dance Wales is managed by a Board of Directors, who bring a vast wealth of experience and knowledge to different aspects of the company.
Paul is a Partner based in the Cardiff office of international law firm, Eversheds LLP. Paul specialises in corporate law and corporate finance. Paul was introduced to India Dance Wales via the Arts and Business Cymru Skills Bank and has helped develop many aspects of constitutional and contractual agreements.
Kiran is the founder of India Dance Wales. As well as being the Artistic Director, Kiran is also a leading choreographer, performer and teacher for India Dance Wales. Kiran's constant determination, hard work, ideas and experience have been the foundation for the Company's growth. Kiran is currently a committee member of ISTD's South Asian Dance Faculty and is due to be a fully qualified examiner for them.
Helen previously worked as Project Manager for India Dance Wales, and her knowledge, expertise and experience make her input invaluable to the company. Skilled in marketing and development, Helen has specific insight into all aspects of the company.
An architect by training Julie is a lecturer at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University specialising in environment, economic and social sustainability. She has had a keen and active interest in the Company for the past 8 years. Julie's understanding of the Arts, funding and management of the company continues to be a big asset.
Renuka works as a financial supervisor for a housing agency. A relatively new member of India Dance Wales, Renuka has followed development of Indian Dance in Wales since its beginning in Rubicon in the early 1980s and provides great support and service to India Dance Wales.
