GOALS

KNS is an educational arts organization dedicated

1.   to preserve the rich Indian dance experience (study, teaching, and enjoyment);

2.      to specialize and advance in the most ancient dance style, Bharatanatyam;

3.   to foster organizational and individual initiatives in attaining professionalism in Bharatanatyam;

4.   to nurture the historical heritage of Indian culture through dance, music and traditions.

5.   to promote an inter-exchange of cultures

         between India and America.

ACTIVITIES

1.   Classical Training and Performance

2.   Theory & Research: Natyashastra, History, Science of Classical Music

3.   Folk, filmy dances

4.   The art and technique of composing

5.   National programs

6.   Dance Tours

7.   TV presentations

8.   Lecture Demos

9.   Natyachakkra – dance newsletter

10.                     Dance videos of other dancers

11.                     KNS dances on DVDs

12.                     Workshop by world renowned artists

BHARATANATYAM LEVELS

1.   ADAVU – Beginners -- Basic footwork

2.   ANJALI - Level One: Advanced Jathikorvais, Allarippu & Anjali items

3.   MADHYAMS --Level Two: Padhams, Jathiswarams, Gouvthvms

4.   JUNIORS -- Level Three        Shabdams, Padhams, Tillana

5.   SENIORS -- Level Four  Varnam, Shabdams

6.   APSARAS – Graduates Varnams, Composing & Preparing for Arangetram (entering the stage)

7.   SISHYAS (Arangetram completed dancers)

Professional performances; Dance Tours;

Complex dances, choreography, science of music and talam (rhythm), theory and research; Teaching; Productions; Ranga-prajvalanam (polishing of stage)

  • Group Lessons.
  • Class sessions run for 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Regular Classes Weekly once.
  • Fees vary for different levels, starting with $35 per month.

 

Please call 301-439-RANI (7264 ) for available class timings.

 

Support Indian culture ­ Preserve its rich heritage ­ Sponsor KNS!

KNS has been in operation for 18 years. More than 300 dances have been choreographed and staged. With an average of 40 dance programs per year, more than 700 programs have been presented. Given below are a few samples.

 

1.     Education through Stage Programs KNS dances are innovative and educational to the dancer and audiences of all cultures and all religions. The most recent and acclaimed program, AADHI, was based on the commonality of creation myths in Egyptian, Greek, Judaic, Hindu cultures.

 

 

2.     Education through Film KNS has produced a number of television programs. These are not merely entertaining but depict Indian culture. Seen here is a film shoot in St. Mary’s City.

 

 

3. Patriotism With the goal of inter-exchange of culture, KNS has instilled unbiased patriotism for both America and India. Hoisting the flags on special patriotic days and participating in July 4th parade are some examples. For a few years, KNS was actively involved in presenting programs in Asian-American Day held at Adventure World (now called Seven Flags). See History of KNS.

4. All Religions Although Bharatanatyam is based on Hinduism, KNS dances are universal and dances are presented in all religions. Seen here is a photo of a classical piece that includes the three main religions of India: Hinduism, Muslim, Christianity. The background shows the three symbols: crescent moon, cross and Om.

  

5. Professionalism KNS trains students in different levels and leads them to becoming a professional dancer with a public performance called Arangetram. Although expenses towards this particular program is borne by the student, while most other dance teachers charge heavily towards such a program, KNS’ dance guru Rani David spends several hours in choreography, rehearsals, dance training towards the program, for no additional cost.

The picture above was taken at Tina's arangetram in 1996. She was blessed in having an entire women's team and the musicians were of the same family involving three generations (grandmother Rajalakshmi on the Violin, mother Indira vocals, daughter Divya on the mridangam.)

 

6. Values in Society Free programs are rendered to increase the awareness of the values in society. KNS dances are carefully selected to reflect moral values. Frequently dances are presented for Television broadcast as seen in this photograph.

 

 7. Teamwork Students of all ages, race, religion, and gender learn and perform together as one family. Seen here is a class rehearsal.

 

8. Cultural Heritage KNS upholds a very rich cultural heritage and presents programs based on this ancient dance form. Every year free programs are presented for this purpose. [This picture was taken in 1989.]

 

 

 9. Service KNS trains students from all nationalities. Seen in this picture are a group of students whose parents are from Guyana and Trinidad but their ancestors are from India. Their parents have never visited India. Their only link to Indian culture is through KNS.

Dec 8, 2002 GAZETTE (local newspaper for Prince George's

County - College Park) ran an exclusive article on this.

 

10. Celebrations KNS does not adhere to only Indian celebrations. (a) Seen here is KNS float in the National parade on July 4th. (b) KNS was under the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission for more than ten years and still participates in County programs. (c) KNS participates in Black History Month every year.

 

 

11. Lecture Demonstrations Training received in KNS is highly professional. KNS participates in giving lecture demonstrations at various conferences. KNS also participates in other lecture demonstrations given by leading dancers. Seen here with KNS students is Hema Rajagopalan from Chicago, winner of 2000 Emmy Awards in Theatre, who organizes worldwide dance Conferences.

 

12. Leading Dance Exponents
KNS participates in workshops by leading dancers from India. In Nov.2001 Shobana conducted a workshop and danced with KNS’ leading dancers. Shobana is a world famous Bharatanatyam dancer and film star who won the national award twice.

 

 

 

 

13. Associating with Colleges and leading dance organizations
KNS emphasizes classical training in Bharatanatyam and also participates in folk festivals with folk dances of India. (a) Anne Arundale Community College (above) (b) IDEA Folk Festival (right).

 

14. All Nationalities KNS conducts short term courses in non-classical Indian dance for Americans.

This is also part of an Inter-Exchange of Cultures. Seen here are Engineers from INTELSAT.

 

15. Resources Used KNS is supported to-date only through contributions from students. Although it is meant for the training they receive from instructor Rani David, she uses all accrued monies for the costly costumes, events, and other essentials. She does not charge for her time or efforts.

Another major expense is music compositions, such as: (1) dances that are performed to live orchestra (2) hiring artists and musicians to author scores for exclusive KNS choreography (3) researching through audio albums.

Because of the traditional Indian dance style and the rarity of costumes in America, the outfits and jewelry must be tailored and purchased only in India. The funds collected from the students are entirely used for programs, which include administrative expenses, music, rental of halls, props, jewelry, costumes etc.

For additional information, please contact Rani David at 301-439-(RANI) 7264 or email kns@ranidevi.com.