Meenakshi 陳美明
Dance
Storytelling Through
Dance & Music
I am classically trained in Bharatanatyam, studying under my guru Dr. Nalini Rau at the Natya Anubhava Academy of Classical Dance, where I completed my arangetram. I have since broken into contemporary dance, street styles, and martial arts practice, whose influences are all brought out in my original choreographic work.
I minored in Dance at Swarthmore College, and was awarded the Melvin B. Troy Prize for Dance for my work on my senior dance thesis, entitled "Hidden Dragon: The Awakening."
In addition to ensemble work, my dancing and choreography has been featured at the United Nations, The Kimmel Center, The Barnes Museum, and Martha Graham Theatre. I have spent time as a dancer, collaborator and musician with groups such as AniMalayaworks in Philadelphia, and the U.S. tour of Steps Beyond Silence with Maya Rau-Murthy.
My Choreography
Sati - Bharatanatyam Fusion Choreography
Goddess's Favorite
Hidden Dragon: The Awakening
Performance at Little Dragons Moon Festival
Collaborative Works
I've had the privilege of working with some amazing people on various projects. Here are some notable works I'm proud to have taken part in!
Dir. Maya Rau-Murthy
A multi-media awareness education work amplifying the silenced voices of survivors of gender-based violence. The production is a carnatic fusion of rap, konnakol, animation, bharatanatyam-based dance, navtar, mridangam, and carnatic vocals.
Dir. Anito Gavino
An intergenerational weaving of digital media, visual art, and embodied storytelling by Filipino-American artists, exploring themes of migration and identity across cultures.
Dir. Meena Chen
An interactive, multi-media production featuring the works of several artists across different communities, including art exhibition, music and dance, sharing food, and celebration in community.