Upcoming Events
- Kiran Ratna is Awarded the Milapfest Distinguished Teachers Award 1st January 2010 - 31st December 2014
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 Wales and the West, and its award-winning dance training, educational activities for schools, interactive workshops, and inspiring performances.
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 and has performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Kiran has exceptional talents as one of the UK's leading teachers of Bharatanatyam dance and through India Dance Wales she has created a 'centre of excellence' for dance training. and she has trained many dancers in Wales and South West of England to professional level, and many have continued to create successful careers in the world of dance. Kiran has recently won an 'Distinguished Teacher's Award' from Milapfest www.milapfest.com Kiran is a member of the South Asian Dance faculty of the Imperial School of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and is now their regional examiner.
As well as Bharatanatyam, Kiran has also had training in other dance styles including Kathak, Kuchipudi and Ballet. She is also very knowledgeable in Carnatic music and teaches music and theory to students as part of their dance training.
......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)
Kiran Ratna is Awarded the Distinguished Teachers Award from Milapfest
“Kiran Ratna, who is an established teacher of Bharatnatyam in Wales, and has worked with great distinction in teaching, performing & choreography, with some excellent touring productions for many years, has been chosen to receive a Distinguished Teachers Award for her lifetime work in establishing & popularizing Indian Dance in Wales & beyond.".
http://www.milapfest.com/
Kiran was delighted with the announcement, saying: “I couldn't have done it without students & support of teachers, board & others who've supported India Dance Wales. It's a shared achievement. Well done all!!”
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, teacher and examiner for India Dance Wales. Kiran's constant determination, hard work, ideas and experience have been the foundation for the Company's growth. Kiran is a committee member and regional examiner for the Faculty for South Asian Dance in the UK for the Imperial Society for the Teaching of Dance (ISTD). Please visit http://www.istd.org/southasian/index.html for more information.
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.
Renuka works as a financial supervisor for a housing agency and provides great support and service to India Dance Wales. Renuka has followed the development of the Company since its first classes held at Rubicon Dance Centre in Cardiff in the early 1980s.
Arun Midha has recently joined the board of India Dance Wales. He is able to draw on considerable experience in both senior Director and Non-Executive/Board roles at National level. His many advisory roles include non-executive external member, Sustainable Futures Corporate Governance Committee for the Welsh Assembly Government and is a Member of the General Medical Council and the Audience Council for Wales.
