Namita Bodaji

🪔 About

Namita Bodaji is an eminent Bharatanatyam dancer and a yoga practitioner, known for her aesthetically pleasing performances and ability to fuse traditional dance with contemporary issues such as gender equality and environmental concerns. She received extensive training in Bharatanatyam from the illustrious gurus of Sri Rajarajeshwari Bharata Natya Kala Mandir, including Guru G. Vasant Kumar, Guru Kalaimamani Mahalingam Pillai, Smt. Karunambal Pillai, and Guru Kalaimamani Kalyansundaram. She also previously studied under Guru Bharat Solanki. Bodaji holds a Masters in English Literature from Bombay University, a "Nritya Visharad" certificate, and a Diploma in Yoga teachers training. Her career spans numerous performances across India and internationally in cities like London, Paris, and various locations in the United States. She has conducted workshops in the USA, including at the Dance Vision 2000 Festival in Cape Cod and Yoga Sadhana Studio in Pittsburgh. Bodaji is also a trained yoga teacher, conducting specialized "Yoga for Dancers" camps, and is an instructor on Madhuri Dixit Nene's Online Dance Academy, "Dance with Madhuri". She founded the Samskara Academy for Performing Arts (also known as Samskara Academy of Fine Arts) in Mumbai, where she trains students in Bharatanatyam. The academy annually organizes "Lakshita," a classical dance festival showcasing various performers. She has choreographed several pieces, including contemporary works like "Winged Migration" and "Seven Ages of Man". Awards & Honours: Singar Mani (1990), Best Actress Award - Pratipada Organization, IWCF empaneled artist, Shakti Achievement Award (2017).