Mrs
Kiran Ratna
Kiran
began her dance training with Kathak at a very early
age in India, but in the UK switched to Bharatanatyam
with Chitraleka Bolar. She had been working in Electronics
while continuing with Dance on a part-time basis. However,
from 1992, Kiran dedicated herself fully to dance and
formed Wales’ first Indian Dance Company ‘The
Kiran Ratna Company’. In 1998 the Company was
formalised as ‘India Dance Wales’, with
Kiran as the Artistic Director. Much of the company’s
work has been supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Kiran
has been the driving force behind the creative, innovative
and challenging work produced by the company. She constantly
sets new challenges with a series of progressive and
innovative ideas while still remaining true to the authenticity
of Classical Indian Dance. As well as choreography and
professional performances, Kiran also teaches classes
in Bharatanatyam in South Wales and the South West.
Through her work, over the past decade, she is proud
to have placed Wales on the map for Indian dance, both
nationally and internationally. Recently Kiran has been
collaborating with BBC Wales to produce ground-breaking
dance works performed with the National Orchestra of
Wales.
Although
Kiran’s main style is Bharatanatyam, but she has
had some training in a range of styles such as, Kuchipudi,
Kathak and Ballet. She has received various dance bursaries
for advance training from Aditi, International Choreographical
laboratory from SAMPAD and others from the Arts Council
of Wales. Kiran also has a wide experience of educational
work in schools and has achieved the University of the
West of England certificate of ‘Artists and teachers
working together’.
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