Namrata (Kothari) Jain learnt classical Indian Kathak dance in the US for 14 years under the training of eminent exponent, maestro Shrimati Rachna Sarang, and soon proved to be a dedicated and talented student. Namrata has learned Kathak in the Jaipur and Lucknow Gharanas, bringing together a unique blend of footwork (thathkar) and facial expressions (abhinaya) which are difficult to find elsewhere. She has enacted a gamut of characters ranging from Radha, Shiva, Durga, Yashoda to Bansuri in her dance performances.
She has given a great number of successful performances at prestigious locations and has performed at many cultural events which have been witnessed by large audiences. Namrata also toured extensively in India.
Performances over the years:
- April 1989- for World Music Institute at Symphony Space, NY, with guru, Rachna Sarang and her sister, Ms. Madhurita Sarang. The renowned percussionist Ustad Zakir Hussain performed jugalbandi alongside.
- Madison Square Garden, USA.
- 1989- toured with guru, Rachna Sarang, and Madhurita Sarang and performed in Chicago.
- Numerous shows at South Seaport, NY.
- February 24, 1991- fundraising event for the American Cancer Society at the Terrace on the Park, NY, honored by His Excellency C.R. Gharehkhan- Ambassador of India to the United Nations.
- December 14, 1991- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan at Lincoln Center, NY.
- July 1992- Ravindra Manch Auditorium in Jaipur, India.
- 1997- Columbia University, USA for the inaugural event of the South Asian chair.
- 1995- enacted 7 different characters at the Fashion Institute of Technology, NY.
- January 5, 1997- Nehru Center in Bombay, India.
- April 2008- Kamani Auditorium, Delhi.
Namrata was raised in NYC and went to college at Columbia University where she double-majored in Economics and Asian Studies. She also trained in Bharatnatyam for two years. Namrata now lives in Delhi with her twins and husband. Here, she has also explored salsa and contemporary dance (Shiamak Davar). She has been affiliated with both SAPA- Sarang Academy of Performing Arts, New York, USA and Nritya Darshan, Mumbai, India.
In the past few years, she has done numerous workshops across Delhi; Springdales School (Dhuala Kuan), Heritage School (Vasant Kunj), and American Embassy School (Chanakyapuri) along with adult and mom-daughter seminars. In Dec 2017, Nritya Kulture Academy presented its first full-fledged show at the renowned Triveni Kala Sangam auditorium.
Namrata lives in Delhi with her husband. Her twins are now pursuing their college
education at USC and Berkeley , USA. Recently she has further extended her mission to spread culture and values, this time as an author. Her newly published trilogy is known as the Namaste series.
These books teach fundamental values to the next generation; throughout the trilogy, It
is an introduction to Indian couplets with their morals through storytelling. Each book
emphasizes three different dohas (Hindi couplets) from famous Indian poets (Tulsidas,
Kabir, and Rahim), and the rhyming storyline supports its meaning. Reinforced by
high-quality illustrations, the plot revolves around the three main characters: Soham, Sia,
and their pet Teevra.
What sets this book series apart is that the dohas are written in Hindi and English. The
target audience is primarily children from 3-12 years, but morals are helpful for all age
groups. In this age of modern technology and social media, young kids often forget the art of
reading classic books. The Namaste series offers a contemporary alternative that retains
traditional perspectives and morals to help children understand diverse perspectives.
These books can be a great bedtime reading for children.
She has recently also ventured into entrepreneurship and is one of the directors of an Ayurvedic experiential project which includes food, experiences and retail. Namrata hopes to spread our Indian treasures through dance, books and ayurveda.
Nritya Kulture 