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II RESUME
II
Bani Ray an exponent of Odissi has been delving in dance since the
age of six. She studied dance under some of the most revered gurus
and has been learning Odissi since 1970, from Shri Hari Krishna Behera,
Valmiki Banerjee, Guru Shri Durga Charan Ranbir, and the Late Guru
Shri Nath Raut. Apart from Odissi, Bani has also studied Mohini Attam,
Manipuri and various other folk dance forms.
Bani has performed extensively throughout India and the United States
and has received numerous scholarships, fellowships, and awards for
her expertise in the field of dance. As a joint director of Nehru
Institute of Odissi Research and Training in Delhi, India, she has
organized international seminars, symposiums and training programs
for aspiring young dancers.
Bani is currently teaching, performing and doing in-depth research
and training on the style and compositions of the Late Guru Deba Prasad
Das. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, Bani teaches at Lotus
Music and Dance Studios in midtown Manhattan
Reviews:
-
'…Bani is a special asset as a fantastic dancer and
charming speaker…' -
Jennifer Done, Ross Institute
-
'…Ms.
Ray handled [the students] with cleverness, creativity and panache.
Her artistry and skill with Classical Indian Dance is quite clear
as she demonstrated dance movements and hand gestures in class…Ms.
Ray conveyed a strong sense of cultural identity…' -
Mercer County School of Performing Arts, 7/19/02
-
'[Bani's]
classes were excellent. [Bani} is an accomplished teacher and a
wonderfully humble human being. [Her] presentation of the history
of the people and the meaning of each dance…taught and performed
was informative. [Her] description of the music, costumes and the
concept of gesture was very helpful.' -
UMOJA Dance Company, 7/25/02
-
'[Bani's]
costume style and technique are both beautiful and enthralling.
I found it inspiring as did the students.' -
Mercer County School of Performing Arts, 5/6/02
-
'…Bani
Ray was an excellent Sita, and it was easy for us to follow what
was happening in that scene because of the clarity of her movements.'
-
Asia Society, 3/19/99
-
'Everyone
was entranced by the artistic, graceful skills of Bani Ray, as a
result, some members are aspiring to become her students.' -
International Society for Krishna Conscious,
3/21/99
-
'Polish
marked Bani Ray's Odissi…..Bani has a petite personality most suited
to Odissi. Her items and abhinayan displayed her involvement.' -
Aashish Khokar, The Sunday Times of India,
2/23/97
-
'Bani
has been learning Odissi with dedication and commitment. She is
a good performing artist.' -
Guru Ramani Ranjan Jena, 3/1/97
-
Delectable
Odissi: 'The Oriya song, 'Mohane deli chahi' brought out Bani's
abhinayan prowess convincingly. The quick change-overs in e,pyopms
were registered subtly and succinctly..' -
The Statesman, Delhi, 4/15/96
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