Padmini Chari
My early training since the age of six, in classical Indian dance, was had in India, the country of my birth. My first solo full length public performance took place when I was twelve years of age. I lived with my husband in Germany for 11 years and performed extensively in Germany and Austria. I taught Classical Indian Dance in Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria for about 8 years. Subsequently, I emigrated to the United States with my family and settled in Houston.
I established a Dance School in Houston which celebrated its 25th year of its existence last year with a dance drama that I directed and choreographed. My school also has a branch at New Orleans, Louisiana. I have conducted the graduation solo programs of 60 students so far and choreographed five dance dramas in Houston. During these years I have also performed in several parts of the USA. I teach exclusively in the Kalakshetra tradition.
In addition to my dance career, I have also acted in major roles in several Tamil plays staged in Houston over the years. I was the President of a Tamil cultural Organization in Houston – Bharathi Kalai Manram. My school has staged several benefit dance programs for charitable and humanitarian causes in Houston and New Orleans.
Education and Training in Dance
Gurus:
“Padma Sri” Adyar K. Lakshman Director, Bharatha Choodamani, Academy of Indian Fine Arts, Chennai, India.
“Padma Bhushan” Kalanidhi Narayan Director, Abhinayasudha, Chennai, India. Specialized training in Abhinaya, Interpretive Dance.