 Malathi IyengarMalathi Iyengar originally from Bangalore, India, is a Los Angeles based choreographer, dancer and a visual artist.
Malathi has studied the vintage Pandanallur/Tanjore style of Bharata Natyam (classical dance of south India) from renowned Guru Narmada of Bangalore Her dance training includes earning a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Dance (Choreography & Performance) from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has studied choreography & Improvisation under the mentorship of Manon Scott, and also with Janis Brenner, Angelia Leung & Dan Wagoner.
As a result of submission to the art form and willingness to take artistic risks. Malathi is recognised as a visionary in the arts community. Her creations reflect a wide range of artistic expressions ranging from traditional works to inter-cultural collaborations with artists of diverse cultures.
 Malathi Iyengar's prestigious distinctions and awards include:
- Brody Fellowship for Performing Arts 99
- Alma Hawkins Award for Excellence in Choreography 95
- John Lennon Performing Arts Award 94'
- Glorya Kaufman Award 94
- J. Watumull Award 95
Lakshmi Iyengar, a seventeen year old Bharata Natyam dancer is the disciple of Malathi Iyengar & Guru Narmada of Bangalore, (India) performed her solo dance debut in 1993, at the age of eleven. She is a professional lead dancer for the Rangoli Dance Company. She recently performed for the World Festival of Sacred Music, a Global Millennium Project initiated by HH Dalai Lama. | Having a professional designation certificate from UCLA in Art & Design, her graphic designs have received the 'Pacific Design Centre Artistic Merit Award 79'.
Malathi's choreography & staging include
- Gati-Pragati (99)
- Margam (98)
- Soorya Kanti (97)
- Aananda Narthana (97)
- Mustard Seeds (96)
- In the beginning (95), featuring 'Narasimha' and Creation Myth,
- Traditions & Innovations (94) featuring 'Partha Sarathi' & 'Anubhava'
- Skanda and
- Sri Raghavendra (92).
In addition, her works include traditional dances for Aman International Music & Dance Company (98, 99), and for the William Shakespeare's play, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (97) directed by Michael Michetti. Malathi has taught Bharata Natyam dance and production design in the Department of World Arts & Cultures at UCLA. Malathi's performing arts experience includes being a multi - disciplinary artist for the 'Artist in Residence' program offered by the performing Tree and Los Angeles Unified School District. |
Rangoli
Malathi Iyengar is the founder & artistic director of Rangoli Foundation for Art & Culture, based in Los Angeles and founded in 1985. Rangoli Foundation is the recipient of the
- Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Dept. Regional Arts Grant for the presentation of 'Ramayana'(2000)
- National Endowment For The Arts Award for the Creation & Presentation of Rangoli Festival ' (99)
- Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Regional Arts Grant (98), & California Arts Council Traditional & Folk Arts/James Irvine Foundation Award (96).
Rangoli Foundation has produced and presented several full length dance concerts, festivals, guest artists, and solo performances. Malathi Iyengar & Rangoli Dance Company have performed extensively both in India and United States. | |
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Dance Divine