MENU


Dr. Neena Prasad

Bharatnatyam dancer, Mohiniattam dancer, Kuchipudi dancer, Kathakali dancer

Dr. Neena Prasad
   Biography
'Mohiniyattam, for me, epitomises the best exposition of lasya. With its gentle pace and rhythm, and the swaying movement, it recreates the gentle landscape of Kerala, the beautiful land of its birth.'

Through its rhythmic patterns, dressing style and unique features, Mohiniyattam is truly distinct and different from other dance forms of South India, and has become justly famous the world over.

I have been trained extensively in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali at the feet of renowned masters such as Adyar Lakshmanan, Vempatti Chinnasatyam and Vembayam Appukkuttan Pillay. After years of dedicated and arduous study, I returned to my first love, Mohiniyattam.

It involved another period of rigorous training under Kalamandalam Sugandhi and Kalamandalam Kshemavathi. I started to explore my research inquisitiveness as I joined simultaneously for my PhD at Rabindra Bharati University, West Bengal. Research became part of my living and this molded me further as a dancer and an academician. And this continues.

Also, I could conduct extensive research in Mohiniyattam. This made me to discover the roots of the tradition and build a bridge between the practices and the treatises. The academic exposure fine tuned the researcher in me. Thanks to all opportunities which came my way.

Mohiniyattam to me is a journey inward. Dance revealed to me the truth and cause of my existence. With my dance I touch the soul of nature, and it binds me to the cosmos. My passion elevates my dance to a realm of meditation.

PhD Summary of Dr. Neena Prasad:
'The concepts of Lasya and Tandava in the classical dances of South India : A detailed Study' is an in-depth examination of the various manifestation of lasya and tandava, the two fundamental and philosophical modes common to all classical dance forms in India. The study explored, how these twin concepts are aesthetically differentiated and synthesized in the South Indian dance such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Kathakali. The work looks at the concepts from the classical canons of Indian aesthetics beginning from Bharatha and other leading exponents of the Sound theory of the nine sentiments, or the Doctrine of Rasa.
Post Doctoral Fellowship
Dr Neena was awarded a Research Fellowship from the AHRB Research Center for Cross Cultural Music and Dance Performance, University of Surrey. UK. She worked on the theme: Post Colonial Identity Construction: The study explores the evolution of the protagonist, or ‘Nayika’ from the colonial period, to its present form in the post colonial context.
   Photos Show all photos
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dancer Dr. Neena Prasad
Dancer Dr. Neena Prasad
Kuchipudi dancer Dr. Neena Pasad
Kuchipudi dancer Dr. Neena Pasad
Dr. Neena Pasad teaching
Dr. Neena Pasad teaching
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr. Neena Prasad
Dr. Neena Prasad performing
Dr. Neena Prasad performing
   Career
Dr Neena Prasad believes that classical dances today, even while ventures new and contemporary themes in the performances, dancers need to bind firmly to the basic form and technique. The traditional recital experience enables and capacities a dancer to expand her repertoire further. Dr Neena holds this principle and hence she as a staunch disciplinarian, expanded the traditional repertoire choreographing many items.
Cholkettus- Arabhi, Sankirna jaati, jhampa, Gambhira Natai Misra jati triputa, Kedaram, chaturasra jati matya talam, Ritigowla, Ata talam, pancha nati, Ragamalika talamalika, thematic cholkettus as Panchabhootha cholkettu on Lord Shiva, Cholkettu embedded with Devi Kesadipadam in Ananda bhairaavi, Adi talam are some of her novel choreographies.
Jatiswaram- Kharaharapriya, misrachapu, Sarnga adi, Saveri misrachapu, Ragamalika talamalika
Padavarnams- Sa Para vivasa, (Mukhari adi), Rama ava akhila (sankarabharanam), Mathe ganga (Saveri ,adi), Sumasayaka (kapi roopakam), Sakhe Krishna on Droupathi (latangi, adi), assannmayallo (pantuvarali adi) on Kunti etc. are some of her traditional and thematic padavarnams.
Kritis, Padams keertanams and ashtapadis- more than twenty items in this group.
Thillana- Hamsanadam adi, Thilang roopakam, bihag adi, dhanasri adi, revathi adi, Amirthavarshini.

Papers Presented

*  'Changambuzha- Beyond Poetry', Kendra Sahitya Akademi
*  Tandava in Mohiniyattam – Samavesh & Aseema Trust Chennai
*  Diaspora and Indian Performing Arts for UGC – SAP, Institute of English, Center for Canadian Studies, University of Kerala
*  Are Classical Dance Forms on the Decline? – A Traditionalist's View (Paper presented for Guru Gopinath Natana Kala Gramam, A National Seminar)
*  The Nayikas of Swati Thirunal, for Sangeetha Bharathi
*  Art and Society, Annual Gathering of Artistes, Kaladarpanam
*  Dance, Music and Literature-their mutual relationship with Painting and other Plastic Arts –An Interdisciplinary Approach, Kalagramam
*  Music, Dance and Literature-Comparative Literature Society
*  Mohiniyattam - Kerala Calling, Regular Journal of Public Relations Department, Kerala
*  Frequent writer in several contemporary Journals and Research publications
*  Art and Society, Annual Gathering of Artistes, Kaladarpana
*  Dance, Music and Literature-their mutual relationship with Painting and other Plastic Arts –An Interdisciplinary Approach, Kalagramam
*  Music, Dance and Literature-Comparative Literature Society
*  Mohiniyattam - Kerala Calling, Thiruvananthapuram

Professional Memberships

Member of the Governing Council of Kerala Kalamandalam (Apex Center of Kerala Dance and Theatre) (2005)
Member of Jury, Appellate Committee, Kerala State Youth Festival
Nominated to the Senate, Kerala University
Member of Jury, Swaralaya Annual Award Committee,2003
Additional Professional Activities
Member, Expert Committee and Governing Body, constituted by 
Government of Kerala for converting Kerala Kalamandalam to a Deemed University
Expert in Jury Committee, for awarding research scholarships and fellowships (Department of Culture, Government of India)
Member, Board of Visual Arts, University of Kerala
Chairperson, Board of Examination PG and Degree, Mohiniyattam, M.G.University
Guest Faculty for Art and Culture, Kerala Institute for Travel and Tourism Studies, Thiruvananthapuram
Faculty for Performing Arts, International Centre for Kerala Studies, University of Kerala
Dr Neena Prasad has graced the most distinguished stages, performing Mohiniyattam recitals and specially choreographed works across the country and abroad. Here is a selection of her performances:

*  International
   Festival of India,in Japan
   Banweol Art Centre, Pocheon city, South Korea
   Festival of India, Russia,and St Petersburgh ( Bolshoi Theatre)
   Festival of Kerala,Qatar.
   Mudra Fine Arts ,Singpore
   Evora Festival Orientale, Portugal
   Les Orientales, St. Florent Veil, France
   Musee Guimet, Paris, France
   India Festival, Switzerland
   India Festival, Bonn, Cologne and Frankfurt

*  National
   Swathi Thirunal 200th birth anniversary special prog- New Delhi & Tvpm,2013
   Epic Women,Kartik Fine Arts, 2013
   Kinkini Mahotsav, 2013,Bangalore
   Sare Jahan Se Acha,August,2012,New Delhi
   Nrityabharati Festival,March,2012,New Delhi
   Heritage Concert I C C R Bangaluru,2012
   Konark Dance Festival, dec, 2011
   Inter National Festival for Sacred Arts, New Delhi 2011
   Dhauli Festival Orissa,2011
   National Center for Performing Arts, Mumbai, 2010
   Parampara Festival, New Delhi, 2009
   Madras Music Academy, 2001,2009
   Elephanta Dance Festival, 2008
   Nritya Sangam Festival of Dance, Sangeet Natak Akademy Dance Festival, Lucknow, 2006
   National Festival for New Choreography, Impresario India, New Delhi, 2006
   International Dance Alliance 20th Anniversary Celebrations Dance Festival, Chennai, 2006
   Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Chennai, 2005-06
   State Formation Day Celebrations, Dehradun, 2005
   State Formation Day Celebration, Dehradun
   Muperum Festival, Tamilnadu Eyal isai natakamanram
   Mudra Festival, Thiruvananthapuram – 2005
   Ellora Festival, Ellora – 2004
   Ananya Festival, New Delhi – 2004
   Chhand Festival, Bhopal – 2004
   Swaralaya Festival, Palakkad – 2004
   International Buddhist Conclave, New Delhi–2004
   World Social Forum, Mumbai-2004
   Kalidas Festival, Nagpur–2003
   India Habitat Centre, New Delhi–2003
   Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur–2003
   Malabar Mahotsav, Calicut–2003
   Kinkini Mahotsav, Bangalore–2003
   India International Centre, New Delhi–2002
   Swaralaya, New Delhi–2002
   Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai–2002
   The Madras Music Academy, Chennai–2001
   Nishagandhi Dance Festival, Thiruvananthapuram–2001
   Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Chennai–2000
   Swarnotsav, Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy,Ahmedabad–2000
   National Festival of Mohiniyattam, Mumbai-2000 (List is only illustrative)

*  Nritta Sahityam - National seminar inauguration and Lecture and Demonstration on the topic-:
   Narthakiyude Sameepanavum Aavishkkaaravum (The literature of Mohiniyattam- A Dancer's Approach and Presentation) Date :4th March 2014
   Venue : Kerlaa varma college, Trichur
   
   Mohiniyattam recital at Neyyattinkara Krishna Swaami Kshetram
   
   Mohiniyattam recital    Date : 4th April 2014
   Venue : Kolkatta, I C C R Auditorium

   Mohiniyattam Workshop Date : 3rd Week April 2014
   Venue : Kasaragod   

   Touring with Spic Macay Date : 27th Jan 2014
   Venue : Kerala chapter in North Kerala

   Kalavardhini Date : 12th Jan 2014
   Venue : Madras Music Academy

   Mohiniyattam Concert Date : 4th Jan 2014
   Venue : Madras Music Academy

   Mohiniyattam concert for Kalakshetra Festival Date : 28th Dec 2013
   Venue : Chennai

   Samavesh Date : 22nd Dec 2013
   Venue : Bangalore

   Murajapam Date : 18th Dec 2013
   Venue : Padmanabha Swamy Temple

   Scholar in Residence (work shop) Date : 11th, 12th, 13th November 2013
   Venue : Govt RLV college, Thrippoonithura

   Mayilpeeli Award Date : 12th Oct 2013
   Venue : Kannoor

   Mohiniyattam Kutcheri concert by Sougandhika Center for Mohiniyattam Date : 18th Sep 2013
   Venue : Nishagandhi Auditorium
   
   Dance Festival    Date : 29th May 2013
   Venue : Habitat Center , New Delhi
   
   Sougandhika Center for Mohiniyattam running Mohiniyattam Intensive camp    Date : May 1st - 10th 2013
   Venue : Thiruvananthapuram
    
   Dance Festival    Date : 26th April
   Venue : Raangavilasam Palace, Thiruvananthapuram
   
   Dance Festival
   Date : April 18th- 24th
   Venue : Spic Macay, Circuit Tour, Bangalore, Karnataka.
   
   Performance of swati Kritis, commemorating Maharaja Swati Thirunal's 200th birthday
   Date : 16th April 2013
   
   Dance Festival    Date : 6th, 7th April 2013
   Venue : Mudhra Fine Arts, Singapore

   Dance Festival    Date : 10th February 2013
   Venue : Gouri Creations at Palakkad

   Kinkini Festival   Date : 29th January 2013
   Venue : Bangalore

   Epic Women - Soorpanakha Date : 21st December 2012
   Venue : Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai
   Programs

Dr. Neena Prasad presents Mohiniyattam recital

Mohiniyattam, for Neena Prasad, epitomises the best exposition of lasya. With its gentle pace and rhythm, and the swaying movement, it recreates the gentle landscape of Kerala, the beautiful land of its birth. Through its rhythmic patterns, dressing style and unique features, Mohiniyattam is truly distinct and different from other dance forms of South India, and has become justly famous the world over.
   Awards & Achievements
After her MA in English Literature, she was awarded PhD from Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta, for her thesis on 'The concepts of Lasya and Tandava in the classical dances of South India-A detailed Study'.
   See also
   Contact
Name:
Contact no:
Email:
Message:



 
Name:
Contact no:
Email:
Message:



 

About Meetkalakar

Meetkalakar is an Indian product and services company based in Mumbai. Its interests are focussed on the field of performing arts. The various products and services of Meetkalakar mainly benefit performing artists and art lovers.

Meetkalakar was founded in 2009 by Rajashree Rajadhyax and Richa Rajadhyax, with the primary aim of allowing people to browse through profiles of performing artists on the internet. Over years, many new products and services were added. Meetkalakar now has about 2500 eminent artists from the field of music, dance, drama, folk and many other genres as its members.

Meetkalakar founders have expressed their intention of coming up with more and more innovations that will reduce the distance between the artist and art lovers. Know more...

©2010-2013, Meetkalakar Services India Private Limited.
All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer

Recent Updates

  • Apeksha Niranjan
    Apeksha Niranjan's Poland Spring Tour 2024  13th April 2024 Tamil year celebration Venue : OSIR Polna, Warsaw At : 11:30. 19th April 2024 Wieczór nad Warta; Wieczór nad Gangesem Theme : The confluence of Bharatnatyam and Polish folk music Venue : sinegog Konin Time : 19:00 .21st April 2024 Venue : Pan Gar, Poznan .Time : 19:00. 26, 27, 28 April 2024 The world of Indian Performing Arts Festival Workshop, lectures Demonstration and the Recital would be on 28th April.  7th May 2024 Z...
  • Kalamandalam Sheeba Krishnakumar
    Dr. Kalamandalam Sheeba Krishnakumar is a prominent figure in the world of Indian classical dance, renowned as a versatile artist, performer, choreographer, teacher, and accomplished author. Her journey in the realm of arts began at a tender age when she was initiated into the enchanting world of dance at Kerala Kalamandalam. With unwavering dedication to her craft, she progressed from her early days in the 8th standard to obtaining a Graduation in Performing Arts. Fueled by passion, she pursued...
  • Bhavik Rathod
    Coming with new ghazal concert with new concept. Stay connected.
  • Lalit Mishra
Please note: All Content (Unless produced by Meetkalakar) names and brand names mentioned are property of their respective owners. They have been published by content owners. All of this content remains property of their respective holders, and in no way indicates any relationship between Meetkalakar and the holders of said trademarks. Meetkalakar is a technology platform that enables artists reach out their audiences.
Name



Contact No



Email


Message