Shivi Vanka
 Sivagami “Shivi” Vanka teaches a style of classical dance from southern India called Bharatha Natyam. In this, the dancer relates folk stories to the audience through facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements, which are read like sign language. Shivi also teaches south Indian folk dances that are less complex. She grew up in Madras and began studying dance at age five. In Portland, Shivi directs her own dance academy with more than 13 years experience as a teacher.
Area: Statewide Introduction to Dance of India In either a workshop or residency, students will learn about southern Indian culture through folk dance, including food, clothing, language, and music. All dancers/students will learn the same movements, simple gestures, and foot movements. Introduction to Classical Dance of India A Bharatha Natyam residency, only for older students, provides a deeper understanding of the symbolic nature of Indian classical dance. They learn the names and meanings of the hand gestures and learn to compose a phrase using the gestures. More advanced dance students will learn basic footwork. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: The Arts: Aesthetics & Art Criticism; Historical & Cultural Connections;Creating, Presenting & Performing Social Sciences: World History; Geography |