Anita Menon is a disciple of Padmasri Chitra Viswesaran and has been learning Bharatanatyam at the “Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts” since the age of four.
She has been giving television performances since the age of six and had her Bharatanatyam arangetram at the age of eleven.
Anita was the youngest of nine girls sent by the Government of India to represent her state in a Cultural Exchange Program. In October 1985, at the age of twelve, Anita was selected from a nation wide competition by the French organization “Jeunesses Musicales de France” to perform at the Festival of India in France during which she gave over 40 performances.
Anita has represented Asia at the 23rd International Youth Festival organized by the UNESCO. In 1991, Anita toured Malaysia and Singapore giving a series of solo performances.
In 1992, Anita was conferred the title “Aadal Kalai Selvi” for her exemplary performances. Anita has choreographed and performed several thematic presentations in various countries and has over 300 live performances to her credit.
Anita received the “Spirit of Youth Special award” from the Music Academy, Chennai in 1993 for her outstanding contributions.
Besides being the Director of the Anjali School Of Dance, Anita teaches "Story N Motion" - an after school program that combines the use of Bharatanatyam movements to convey the stories, myths and legends from various countries. This program has been successful in attracting students from various age groups and cultures ever since she started it almost a year ago at local Portland area schools.
|