“ Dance is Our Passion, Our Culture, Our Life “
About Natraj Center For The Performing Arts
Our Story
The Natraj Center for the Performing Arts, a non-for-profit organization, traces its origins to the renowned Natraj Cultural Group, which was founded in 1989 by a group of mothers led by Barbara Lemoine whose initial objective was to support a group of young dancers to perform innovative and creative dances. Today, Natraj proudly continues to provide a forum where our youths can hone their talents and nurture their creativity both collectively and as individuals. These young artistes share their knowledge of their rich Indian culture and heritage with other youths of the community through classes and workshops in dance, drama and music. Natraj currently conducts regular dance classes in Queens Village, NY.
Throughout the years, Natraj has assisted, and continues to assist, many cultural and religious organizations in their efforts to promote cultural awareness and respect through professional performances at various social functions, fundraisers and cultural events such as the Bollywood Awards in Atlantic City and the Hari Om Sharan Farewell Concert in New York City. Through such work, Natraj has forged strong working relationships with such philanthropic organizations as the Nirvana Humanitarian Foundation and the Guyana Youth Corp. Garnering international recognition, Natraj conducted annual dance workshops in Jamaica, W.I. and has performed in Canada, Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica.
Respected professionals in the Indian Classical Dance tradition have classically trained all Natraj teachers and senior performers; their expertise include Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, and folk dances, as well as the more popular Bollywood film and pop genres. Natraj prides itself in its ability to fuse modern innovations in dance with old-world grace and dignity, all the while maintaining reverence for the legacy passed on by Indian artistes for centuries. This is what has empowered Natraj to set - and continually raise - the standard for excellence in our dance community.
“ Dance is Our Passion, Our Culture – Our Life “
Meet Our Teachers
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
