Navam Kalaikoodam Proudly Presents “Tamil Isai Nadanam” by “Kalaimaamani” “Nrityasoodamani” Thirunangai Narthaki Nataraj on June 30th 2013 at the Chinese Cultural Centre at 6 pm.
Born in Madurai, one of the oldest cities of Tamil civilization, Ms. Narthaki Nataraj identifies as the third gender. She was subjected to ridicule, social isolation, and poverty from a very young age. However, she did not let these aspects of her life be obstacles for her passion for dance. Having realized Ms. Nataraj’s determination, Mr. K.P. Kittappa Pillai of Tanjore agreed to take her in as a full time residential student. Mr. K.P. Kittappa Pillai, grandson of the Tanjore Quartet, was a very talented dance teacher and drew from the authentic dance form “Tanjore Nayaki Bhaya tradition.”
Ms. Nataraj practiced dance under Mr. K.P. Kittappa Pillai’s supervision for 15 years until his untimely death in 1999. She was also his assistant during his time as a faculty member at Tanjore Tamil University. Ms. Nataraj excels in choreographing contemporary themes like “Emancipation of Women” and “Women’s Rights.” Ms. Nataraj, a recipient of countless prestigious awards, is a living example of perseverance and a role model in incorporating anti-oppressive messages in her art.
“Navam Kalaikoodam is the dance school of Aperame Aru Balasingam. Aperame is a Human Biology and Psychology student at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and current VP External for this year on UTSC TSA. She has been learning Bharathanatyam for the past 15 Years; 11 years in Toronto from Mrs.Padmini Anand and currently the past 4 years from “Kalaimaamani” “Nrityasoodamani” Thirunangai Narthaki Nataraj. She continues to run Navam Kalaikoodam today. In her own words, “my one only inspiration, our national leader, Mathaku Vellupialli Pirabhakaran encouraged me to continue to train in this divine art form in a more professional manner in India and thus the reason that I go back to India twice a year to learn this art form and perform it there as well. Ive performed on over 500 divers stages here in Canada and continue to perform as well. With the blessings of our national leader, and our maaveerars, my dance school “Navam Kalaikoodam” was initiated on October 6 2011.”
Ticket Prices: $30, $50, $100
The minimum ticket price is $30, however two dance students can come at the price of one $30 ticket. VIP tickets are $50 and VVIP tickets are $100. A family of four to five members can come to the show with a family ticket at the price of $100 .
Please contact the following numbers for ticket information:
416-320-9575
647-299-4707
