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| Mayuri Indian Dance Group |
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Indian Dance and History of Indian Culture Studio was founded in 1987 at the Railway Workers Cultural Centre of Petrozavodsk by Vera Evgrafova. Its purpose was to unify people interested in the culture and traditions of India. Later, the name of the group “Mayuri” arose as tribute of admiration to the heroic dancer Sudha Chandran playing herself in a film about her own real life struggle to dance after loosing a leg after a car accident. “Mayur” means “male peacock” in Hindi, so “Mayuri” is a “female peacock” respectively.
Founder Vera Evgrafova made available to her students her collection of books in translation from different languages of India, novels, stories, poems, travel notes, books on art, classical and folk dance, architecture, painting. There also was a collection of magnetic tapes, records, audio and video cassettes, audio and video discs. In spite of the fact that parallel training in various dance styles is not commonly accepted in India, training at her institution included Bhataranatyam and Kathak as well as folk dances and dances to filmi music.
In 1989 “Mayuri” became the winner of the city contest of the dance groups, and in 1991 – the laureate of the Republic festival “Zdravstvui, mir!” In 1995 the Ministry of Culture of Karelia awarded “Mayuri” the title of “Narodniy”. Creative activities of the dance group were highly appreciated by the Indian side as well, and the solo dancers of the dance group Elena Fiskovets and Natalia Fridman awarded government scholarships to study in dance institutions of India. The dance group’s soloists’ training in India (1996-1997) gave a new impulse to the group’s activities.
Mayuri have staged several innovative productions that translate Indian culture for audiences in East Europe but their dances have also been appreciated and honored by Indian Mission to Russia who selected Mayuri for their annual festival The Days of India held in 2001 in Petrozavodsk, Chrepovets and Vologda. Their Moscow production was broadcast on Indian television. In 2008 the dance group participated in two prestigious Indian national festivals: the “Taj Mahotsav” in Agra and the “Kerala Mahotsav” in Kannanur and was highly appraised for its creative art.
Over 23 years a whole pleiad of fabulous soloists dedicated their lives to the Indian art. They pursued professional dance careers and have already brought up students of whom they are proud. The repertoire consists of 200 dances, different in style, themes and musical arrangements. Modern rhythms combine with tonal complexities, blazing and sparkling folk dances are danced with arched personality and simplicity. |
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 Vera Evgrafova
Founder and Leader of "MAYURI" Indian Dance Ensemble
Dance experience: 44 years
Dance skills:
classical: Kathak, Bharatnatyam,
Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam; filmi, folk dances; improvisation
Languages: Hindi, Russian
Education: higher
completed (Russian State humanitarian university)
Honorary title:
has the rank of Honored cultural work by the Government of Karelia
Awards: Grand-Priz and twice Laureate title of Russian dance contests in Tikhvin and Tuapse (1998);
regular winner of the various dance contests in Russia; recognised
the best one at the Indian classical dance contest organized by the Embassy of
India (1999);
Performing activity:
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- "Cary Diwali", Cary, NC, USA (2011);
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011);
-"Taj Mahotsav", Agra, India (2008);
-"Kerala Mahotsav", Kannanur, Kerala (2008);
-Theatrical Performance "Indian Wedding", Moscow, Russia (2001);
-The Days of India, Petrozavodsk – Cherepovets – Vologda Tour, Russia (2001);
-"Orlyatko zbirae druziv", Ukraine (2000);
-International Festival “Kassandra”, Finland (2000);
-International Indian Classical Dance Contest, Russia (1999);
-All-Russian Dance Contest “Orlyata Rossii”, Tuapse, Russia (1998);
-All-Russian Dance Contest “Tikhvinskiy Lel”, Tikhvin, Russia (1998);
-Theatrical performance “Princedom of Mayuripur”, Russia (1997);
-Republic festival “Zdravstvui, mir!”, Karelia (1991);
-Dance Festival, Turkmenia (1990);
-Black Sea Region Tour (1990);
-Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
-Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble. |
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 Natalia Fridman
Dance soloist, dance teacher
Dance experience: 21 years
Dance skills: classical (Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi), filmi, folk dances,
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
- undertook a course of tuition in the Dance Institution Kathak Kendra under the guidance of Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj in the city of Delhi in 1996-1997;
Vocal Education:
- trained by Vera Evgrafova in “MAYURI” Indian Dance
Education: higher completed (Karelian State Pedagogical Academy), musical (Petrozavodsk's K.E. Rautio Musical College)
Languages: English, Hindi, Russian |
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 Elena Fiskovets
Dance soloist
Dance experience: 24 years
Dance skills: classical (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak), folk, filmi dances
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
- studied Bharatnatyam under Padmashri Saroja Vaidyanathan and Rama Vaidyanathan (1995-96)
- studied Kuchipudi under Uma Devulapalli (the disciple of Dr. Vempatti Chinnasatyam and Shobha Naidu)
Experience: Indian dance, hindi and yoga teacher; compere of “MAYURI”; lecturer, the author of courses of lectures on Indian culture.
Main performing activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011); - Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011); - International Youth Forum “Hyperborea”, Russia (2010); - “Taj Mahotsav”, Agra, India (2008);
- “Utsavam” Kerala Arts Festival, Kannanur, India (2008); - Theatrical Performance “Indian Wedding”, Moscow, Russia (2001) - “Kassandra”- International Festival, Finland (2000) - International Indian Dance Competition, Moscow, Russia (1999); Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI”
Languages: English, Hindi, Russian
Education: Petrozavodsk State University, PhD in Russian literature. |
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 Alexandra Khannanova
Dancer, singer, dance and music teacher Dance experience: 14 years
Dance skills: classical (Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak), folk, filmi dances
Vocal skills: karnatak, filmi songs
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
- studied Bharatnatyam items under the direction of Usha Nandini (Kalamandalam, Kerala) in 2008.
Vocal Education:
- trained by Vera Evgrafova in “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
- trained by Lekha Joshi (Cultural Academy at Vidyodaya School, Chennai), 2008 (Delhi);
- trained by Padmini Ganesh, 2008 (Delhi).
Performing activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011);
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011);
- International Youth Forum “HYPERBOREA”- master-classes, performances, Russia (2010);
- Student Art Festival “Zaryad Genialnosti”, Vocal Contest, Russia (2009);
- “Taj Mahotsav”, Agra, India (2008);
- "Utsavam" Kerala Arts Festival, Kannanur, India (2008);
- The Days of India, Petrozavodsk - Cherepovets – Vologda Tour, Russia (2001);
- “Orlyatko zbirae druziv”, Ukraine (2000);
- International Festival “Kassandra”, Finland (2000);
- International Indian Classical Dance Contest, Russia (1999);
- Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
- Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble.
Languages: English, Hindi, Russian
Education: Petrozavodsk State University, Faculty of Philology, English and Literature, Student |
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Anastasiia Evgrafova |
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| Dance soloist |
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Dance experience: 14 years
Dance skills: filmi, folk dances, classical (Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi)
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
Vocal Education:
- trained by Vera Evgrafova in “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble
Education: higher completed (Petrozavodsk State University, faculty of law)
Languages: English, Hindi, Finnish, Swedish, Russian
Permanent job: notary deputy
Performing activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011);
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011);
- International Youth Forum “HYPERBOREA”- master-classes, performances, Karelia, Russia (2010);
Theatrical performance “Princedom of Mayuripur”, Russia (2008);
- The Days of India, Petrozavodsk – Cherepovets – Vologda Tour, Russia (2001);
- Theatrical Performance “Indian Wedding”, Moscow, Russia (2001)
- International Festival “Kassandra”, Finland (2000);
- International Indian Classical Dance Contest, Russia (1999);
- Republic festival “Zdravstvui, mir!”, Karelia (1991)
- Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
- Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble. |
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 Ksenia Sigalova Dance soloist, dance teacher Dance experience: 15 years.
Dance skills: classical (Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak), folk, filmi dances
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
- studied Mohiniattam items under the direction of Nayantara Mahadevan (Kalamandalam, Kerala) in 2008.
- studied Kerala folk dance items under the direction of Kalamandalam Vanaja
Performing activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011);
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011);
- International Youth Forum “HYPERBOREA”- master-classes, performances, Karelia, Russia (2010);
- Student Art Festival “Zaryad Genialnosti”, Russia (2010);
- “Taj Mahotsav”, Agra, India (2008);
- "Utsavam" Kerala Arts Festival, Kannanur, India (2008);
- The Days of India, Petrozavodsk - Cherepovets – Vologda Tour, Russia (2001);
- “Orlyatko zbiraet druziv”, Ukraine (2000);
- Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
- Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble.
Languages: English, Hindi, Russian
Education:
- Petrozavodsk K.E. Rautio Musical College (piano).
- Karelian State Pedagogical Academy, student. |
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 Kseniya Panova
Dancer, dance teacher
Dance experience: 15 years
Dance skills: classical (Bharatnatyam, Kathak), folk, filmi dances
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
Performing activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011);
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011);
- “Taj Mahotsav”, Agra, India (2008);
- “Orlyatko zbiraet druziv”, Ukraine (2000);
- Republic festival “Zdravstvui, mir!”, Karelia (1991);
- Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
- Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble.
Languages: English, Hindi, Russian
Education: Petrozavodsk State University, Faculty of Mathematics, Master Degree (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science).
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 Shumikhina Nadezhda
Dance soloist, dance teacher
Dance experience: 11 years
Dance skills: classical (Kathak, Bharatnatyam), folk, filmi dances
Dance Education:
- have been studying under the guidance of Vera Evgrafova, the leader of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble;
Performing Activity:
- “Cary Diwali”, Cary, NC, USA (2011)
- Performance for ‘Anamika Navatman’ in New York City, USA (2011)
- Student’s Art Festival “Zaryad Genialnosti”, Dance Contest, Russia (2009);
- Taking participation in MAYURI concerts (which are held 2 or 3 times a year);
- Performing at different festivals, concerts, shows on different stages as a member of “MAYURI” Indian Dance Ensemble.
Education: Petrozavodsk K.E. Rautio College of Music, Department of stringed orchestral instruments, Violin, Specialist Federal State Educational Institution of High Professional Education, Academy of Public Administration, Law faculty, Student
Languages: Russian, English, Hindi |
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Jhoomo Re, 03:16
Nimbooda Nimbooda, 04:40
Chikni Chameli, 03:29
Habibi, 04:00
Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu, 03:06
Chhammak Chhallo, 03:46
Jhuki Jhuki, 03:20
Aaja Nachle, 03:50
Aja Nachle
The vivid dance item “AAJA NACHLE” is always highly acclaimed by every audience MAYURI performs for. Made on the popular song “Aaja Nachle” from the movie of the same name.
Choreography: Vera Evgrafova
Costumes: Vera Evgrafova
Chammak Challo
“Chammak Challo” is the latest dance item and an upcoming hit in the repertoire of the Mayuri dance group. It was inspired by the Arab motifs and beats of the super hit song and its moves accentuate grace and elegance of the dancer.
Choreography: Vera Evgrafova.
Chikni Chameli
“Chikni Chameli” is a latest addition to the list of the most energetic dances of the Mayuri dance group. Originally choreographed by the leader of the group Ms. Vera Evgrafova, this dance is the expression of the powerful impulse sent by the singer and the music director. The two braids worn by the performers represent the innocence of the school girls yet the audience will be overwhelmed by the overflowing energy coming from the dancers.
Habibi
Sufism as a mystic-religious trend appeared on the Arabian East, but in India, the country of music and dance, it took its own specific form - perception of god through the KAWWALI singing. Kawwali is an art form rooted in 12th century, when the great sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti went to India with his sermons and found out that his new congregation perceived a sermon in a form of singing very well.
The Habibi dance is made to kawwali music, and uses belly movements; however, its aim is not to demonstrate the hips movements, but to express energy, mysticism and emotions lying in the music. This dance is usually performed solo and has gained high appreciation from dance lovers all over the world.
Jhoome Re
“Jhoome re” dance is made on the song of the popular Indian singer Kailash Kher.
This song is based on Sufiana Qalam – the Sufi poetry. The main idea of its lyrics is that it is human’s heart which is a real dwelling of God. “You may destroy temples and mosques, but do not break anybody’s heart. Those who love God, praise His glory every minute! Their song is like a namaaz, their dance is like a prayer.”
Choreography: Vera Evgrafova
Nimbooda Nimbooda
Folk lyrics have always been the source for all sorts of dances – be it classical or bollywood. It has its special flavor, as it reflects age-old wisdom of the nation. Just like in “NIMBOODA” song, the heroine asks for a lemon, and explains how to protect oneself from an evil eye. So the song gives us the method – just cut the lemon above one’s head and then throw it away at the crossroads.
The colourful and full of energy dance item on the famous Indian song “Nimbooda” from the movie “Hum dil de chuke sanam”.
Choreography: Vera Evgrafova
Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu
Jhuki Jhuki |
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