4th Annual Margazhi in San Francisco

About Shri. Prasanna Jeer

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Prasanna Jeer (PJ) is an Indian Dancer and Choreographer specialized in Indian classical, Bollywood, Modern, Contemporary and Traditional south Indian folk styles. As the visionary founder and Artistic Director of Kaladhara School of Performing Arts (Bharatanatyam) and PJ Dance Academy (Bollywood), Prasanna Jeer has carved a niche for himself in the world of dance. His passion for the art form transcends boundaries, and he has honed his skills in various dance genres, making him a versatile dancer among the dance community.

 

PJ's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the stage. With a heart as expansive as his artistic vision, Prasanna has directed, co-directed, and choreographed numerous shows for charitable causes across the globe. EPIC, Peoria IL, Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Center of Prevention and Abuse, MTS Dallas, TNF Dallas, Easterseals of Central Illinois are some of the organizations that have benefitted from PJs fundraiser dance shows.

For PJ, dance is not just a form of self-expression; it is a powerful tool to help make a difference in the community. As a teacher, he envisions to share his knowledge of dance with current and future generations, help connect them to their roots and empower them to appreciate this wonderful art. Through his dance knowledge and skills, PJ strives to contribute to the community's well-being, leaving a lasting imprint of positivity and inspiration.

About Smt. Haruko Tanaka

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Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Haruko is an Odissi dancer and writer based in Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. She started her Odissi training with Asako Takami in 2004; and after her passing, with Guru Sri Vishnu Tattva Das. Haruko has also learned from Smt. Kumkum Lal and Smt. Niharika Mohanty. Haruko has learned Baul singing from Smt. Parvathy Baul. Haruko’s literary works include Memories of India and Odissi Dance: Odissi Dancer Asako Takami, the Japanese translation of The Making of a Guru: KELUCHARAN MOHAPATRA His Life and Times, by Ileana Citaristi, and Kazuko’s Plum Tale: A Macrobiotic Life in Northern California.

About Smt. Debolina Sinha

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Debolina has been trained in Indian classical dances since the age of 4. She started her journey with Kathak & Rabindra Nritya in Kolkata and later switched to Odissi. In the US, she has performed in a number of Bay Area festivals and is currently learning under Guru Sri Vishnu Tattva Das. She is a computer engineer by profession and loves to travel and explore the world in her spare time. She believes that dance is a powerful medium of art and can reach many people cutting across barriers of all kinds.

About Smt. Ramya Sankaran

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An early start at the tender age of four set her on the path of Bharatanatyam, a journey she embarked upon with dedication and fervor. Under the nurturing guidance of eminent Gurus like Guru Sunitha, Guru Marie Stella from the prestigious Kalaikaveri School of Fine Arts, and Madhavi ChandraSekar, she honed her art, soaking in their wisdom and experience.
 

Venturing Beyond
Bharatanatyam, she embraced the grace and beauty of Mohiniyattam, guided by Kalamandalam Guru Kumari Menon. Her dance vocabulary expanded and her artistic prowess deepened. Under the watchful eyes of the legendary Bharatanatyam choreographer, Professor C.V.Chandrasekar, Ramya's artistry soared to new heights. Further enriching her skills were Acharya Thiru Renjith Babu, Smt. Vijna Vasudevan, their teachings adding new dimensions to her performances. Today, Ramya stands tall, a proud holder of a Master’s degree in Bharatanatyam, diplomas in Mohiniyattam, and Yoga. Presently, she continues to delve deeper into her dance journey, from the revered Dr. Neena Prasad for Mohiniyattam.

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Titles & Awards
Recognized and awarded for her exceptional talent, Ramya has been bestowed with prestigious titles such as “Natya Shree Mala”, “Naadana Kalabhooshan”, and “Nrithya Vilasini". Furthermore, the “Bharat Gaurav Samman 2019” from Sanskriti Bharath, New Delhi, is a feather in her cap, a testament to her dedication and mastery.

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Publications
Ramya's passion extends beyond dance and into the realm of scholarship, evident in her acclaimed publication, "Mapping of Spaces Through
Bharatanatyam Sequences" (2019), applauded by the renowned dancer Smt. Meera Sreenarayan, Blue ink review, Makkal Kural, Chennai. Vidhai.Inc She is also the founder and director of VIDHAI INC Non-profit organization Based on New jersey. This is more than just a journey in the arts - it is a journey of self-discovery and personal development, inspiring the artistic journey from seed to bloom.”

 

Pursuing : Currently She Is Pursuing Her Phd In Dance and Yoga.
At Adhyaathama, Ramya channels her unbounded passion into nurturing the next generation of dancers, honing their skills, and fostering their talent. Tonight, we bear witness to the fruits of Ramya's dedication, and sheer love for dance. Let us, ladies and gentlemen, revel in the artistic brilliance that awaits us.

About Vid Will Marsh

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Will Marsh brings refined melody, imagination and devotion to all facets of his music. He has been performing around the world on sitar and guitar for over two decades.  Will has worked with Grammy-winning musicians and producers and has been featured on national T.V.  From his roots as a guitarist from northern Michigan to performing Hindustani sitar in Kolkata, Will’s musical journey has been rich and diverse. He believes passionately that music is essential to all of humanity. He holds his MFA in World Music Performance from the California Institute of the Arts and has studied with some of the world’s greatest musicians including Ustad Aashish Khan (eldest son of Ali Akbar Khan), Roshan Bhartiya, Tushar Bhatia and Shakir Khan. Currently, Will resides in the California Bay Area as an active teacher, performer and recording artist.

About Vid Ganesh Betageri

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Ganesh Betageri, hailing from a lineage of musicians in Dharwad, India, embarked on his journey into Hindustani Classical music within the Kirana Gharana tradition. Proficient in both vocal and percussion, he stands out as a unique force in the musical realm. Mentored by Dr. Sulabha Datta Neeralgi and Dr. KaivalyaKumar Gurav, and presently guided by Dr. VijayKumar Patil, Ganesh is a rising luminary dedicated to mastering Hindustani Classical music's intricacies. Founder of Naad Performing Arts, he seeks to unite artists globally, transcending genre and cultural boundaries. Ganesh Betageri's rare fusion of skills and unwavering commitment mark him as a distinctive figure in the world of Indian classical music, poised to make a lasting impact.