On March 9th Equator is proud to present a show themed around the power of women and Indian Goddesses in Indian mythology especially the Goddess Kali. The Dances of Kali will be performed at this free event by two incredible dancers Arunima Kumar and Ash Mukherjee. First, lets meet Arunima Kumar.
The event is free to attend and you can find out more details here
Arunima Kumar is one of the leading and versatile Kuchipudi dancers of her generation today. Born in India , she began her dance training at the age of seven and studied with eminent dancers and teachers(gurus) Padmashree Guru JayaRama Rao and Vanashree Rao . She had her initial training under Padmabhushan Smt Swapnasundari. She is currently mentored by Shobhana Jeyasingh, Chitra Sundaram and Pushkala Gopal.
Arunima is the recipient of several awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskaar for 2008 , awarded by the President of India ,to artists who have demonstrated exceptional talent in the fields of music, dance and drama. She is also selected for One Dance Uks mentoring program for 2015 and is one of the 20 artists receiving this recognition and honor. She has received the Delhi State Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship for Dance, Shringarmani title, ’A grade artiste’ of National television , ‘established artist ‘ empaneled by ICCR and EXTEND scholarship sponsored by Arts Council England, Asian Woman of Achievement Award UK in arts category, Tagore commission (Runners Up) awarded by Pulse and Tagore Center London 2014, UTKARSH Award Commission 2014 – for choreography in classical dance by Akademi and Arts Council England. She received the FICCI FLO award in April 2015 for her contribution to art and culture and is also nominated for the Mayors award UK..
Arunima has performed the world over at prestigious festivals and venues covering over 35 countries and has given over 700 performances and workshops.
She has choreographed and performed for all major UK events and venues including PM Modi visit at Wembley stadium where she presented her choreography before 70,000 people and world media, British Royal Armed forces performance , Alchemy festival 2015, Trafalgar Square Mayor of London Diwali 2014, New Scotland Yard , London , Royal Opera House London, Westminster Houses of Parliament, Olympic torch parade 2012, Daredevas at South Bank Center , London Film Festival, United Nations International Yoga day at Southbank centre for Ministry of India ,Big Dance , Intransit festival , Sampad Festival Birmingham, Kala Sangam Bradford , Kadam festival Hat Factory, Roshni charity, Sir Syed Foundation UK, Dublin Film Festival, Waterman’s Theatre, Rich Mix theatre London, Milapfest at Liverpool, Faversham Guinness world record attempt, Charity performance for British Army. She was recently invited to create a special piece at House of Lords and was commissioned by Department of Culture Media and Sport to create and perform at the WW1 centenary celebrations at the Imperial War Museum Manchester.
She has also performed at mainstream international dance venues like Sydney Opera House, Cupertino USA Guinness world record , Khajuraho Dance Festival india, Rio de Janeiro festival of arts , Brazil Canberra Festival, Thailand cultural festival , Manila Festival , Commonwealth games Delhi etc.
Having a multi faceted experience across academics (London School of Economics Msc in Finance alumnus, ST Stephens college BA HONS ECONOMICS) , dance (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AKDC ), corporate work (HR Director Europe for a leading corporate, Banking and consulting), sports (Gold medalist Pistol Shooting) and community work (founder ARTH Foundation and PROJECT KANYA ) , she is inspirational , dedicated and selfless , a rare breed of artists who integrate diverse strengths, sensitivity and creativity to add a fresh relevant dimension to South Asian dance .
Arunima is the founder of 2 charities PROJECT KANYA (for development of women) and ARTH FOUNDATION – supporting arts with a purpose. She works with women in prison and old age homes and has rehabilitated several inmates and created sensitive thought provoking productions in dance on women issues.
Arunima has created unique Health specific work out programs leveraging dance like TAKITA , high intensity dance workout and SAMuM, a dance session for pregnant women with several health benefits..
Arunima’s performances reveal a confident and intellectual dancer with individuality. She is an innovator and has collaborated with many international artistes to push the boundaries of South Asian dance.Enthralling Abhinaya (art of expression), confident communication with her audiences and contemporary interpretations of traditional compositions mark her successful performances. Her energetic dance-renditions combine perfect technique, rhythmicprecision, riveting facial expressions and enormous grace.