first saw tribal belly dance in 1993 at a performance by Christine Andrews,
Maria
Hamer,
Olivia
Kissel,
and Jen Hamer (then members of Ghawazee, later known as the incomparable Zafira
Dance Company). It changed her life. These awe-inspiring ladies, with
their grace, strength, poise and creativity, became, and remain, one of her
greatest influences. Nandana began studying under the ladies of Zafira soon
after.
During her early training, Nandana was introduced to the amazing work of Carolena Nericcio and FatChanceBellyDance ®. Seeing them perform, Nandana made the decision to focus on ATS (American Tribal Style) as her primary (though, not only) dance style.
An instructor since 2001, she has received FCBD certification in General Skills, Teacher Training One & Two, and has also been granted FatChanceBellyDance ® Sister Studio status.
In addition to ATS and tribal belly dance, Nandana has studied the Indian dance style, Kathak, and incorporates elements of this, Bharatanatyam, and dances of Rajasthan into her dance repertoire. She draws on these and other styles, influences, experience, and use of props (skirts, single and double pots, swords, fans, baskets, etc.) to create flowing, graceful choreographies and improvisations filled with beauty and life. She continues to study and draw inspiration from artists such as Jill Parker, Devyani, Kami Liddle, and Rachel Brice, among others.
Nandana performs as a
soloist and as a member of Blue
Moon Dance Company.
She regularly partners with local dancers, such as Kaitlyn,
Maqui, and Twilight
Tribal Bellydance,
to create powerful, challenging performances. Along with her Blue Moon troupe
mates, Nandana mentors the student troupe, Bella Luna. She was also a member
of The Devoted: A Belly Dance Collective.
"Nandana is a an exquisite performer, an innovative choreographer, a superlative instructor, and beloved colleague. The dance community, her students, and her clients are truly enriched by Nandana's professionalism, skill level and wonderful personality. She is simply the best!" Sashi of Blue Moon Dance Co.