Rajika Puri,
Mentor
Website: www.rajikapuri.com

Rajika Puri learnt Odissi with the late Sri Nath Rauth, a disciple of Guru Debaprasad Das, with whom she also studied and performed. She gives solo recitals and workshops all over the US, Latin America, Europe, and India. Now studying with Durgacharan Ranbir, her major pre-occupations are with the specifics of this style of Odissi, and its presentation and choreography for contemporary times.

An exponent of Bharatanatyam, Rajika has also studied modern dance, ballet, and western music. Collaborations include: Flamenco Natyam w. La Conja (Guggenheim, NY, India tour); Bach-Bharatanatyam Variations w. pianist Marija Ilic; Visualising Carnatic Music, w. south Indian vocalist, Aruna Sairam (German, & Spain tours); and The Horse's Mouth w. dancers from a panoply of traditions (Lincoln Center, St. Mark's Church, Jacob's Pillow). Currently she works on a multi-media project with painter Baerbel Rothaar, and German new music group, Trio 99.

Since being cast as 'Kali' in a production at Lincoln Center, directed by Julie Taymor, Rajika acts and choreographs for the western stage. Films: Mississipi Masala (Mira Nair), Longtime Companion (Norm Rene), Split Wide Open (Dev Benegal). As writer, lecturer, and Contributing Editor, NewsIndia Times, NY, she focuses on cross-cultural meaning in the performing arts: dance, music, theater.