Dance Around the Globe with your friends and neighbors at the Nanuet Public Library! We will be hosting a three-part series of dance performances highlighting different cultures from around the world. On Saturday, September 9 th at 2pm we will feature Natya Anubhava. Nalini Rau opened Natya Anubhava dance academy in 1993 with the vision of passing on the art of Bharatanatyam to the next generation. Bharatanatyam, thousands of years old, evolved in South Indian temples. Dr. Rau has preserved, evolved and innovated this art form and was recognized for her choreography in 2015 by ArtsWestchester. Rau will perform with two additional dancers and will be accompanied by a percussionist and vocalist.
Our October event will take place on Saturday the 7 th at 2pm and feature Hālau Hula O Na Mele ‘Aina O Hawai'i. Now based in Orangeburg, NY, the hālau, or hula school, first opened its doors in New York City in May 1968 under the guidance of Luana Haraguchi. Classes were first held in Haraguchi’s Upper East Side studio apartment. The hālau was given its name from her teacher, Iolani Luahine, which translates to "Dance School of the Songs of the Land of Hawaii." Ms. Haraguchi will be joined by four dancers from the hālau.
The last event will take place on Saturday, November 4 th at 2pm and feature Chiku Awali. Based in Suffern, NY, Chiku Awail was founded by Alexandreena Dixon in 2003 as a not-for-profit entity to enrich its community. Chiku Awali's mission is to promote, encourage, and project civic and cultural programs and activities in Rockland County that are representative of African dance and culture. We will be welcoming 15 performers – ten dancers and five drummers. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant, a regrant program of the New York State Council of the Arts with the support of the Governor's office and the New York State Legislature and administered by ArtsWestchester. Please register for the events at nanuetlibrary.org or by calling the Nanuet Library at (845)623-4281 ext. 2.
