Dance With Mollie

Introduction: Mollie completed her certification in classical Indian dance in 1989. For over a decade she had dedicated herself to the study of Bharatnatyam and other Indian specialty dances, and this dedication was cumulated in her Arangetram performance. The student of classical dance is not ready for an Arangetram until they have demonstrated mastery of at least six classical choreographies, designed their own choreography, and spent months as an apprentice teacher under the direct supervision of their own guru (teacher). It is not unusual for a student to study for 10 to 15 years before the guru determines the student is prepared for an Arangetram. The performance is at least 90 minutes of solo dance, demonstrating the students’ cumulative mastery of Bharatnatyam. With its completion the student joins the ranks teachers, as has been done for centuries. Mollie’s training and certification give her the credentials to teach Indian classical, semi—classical, and folk dances. Her classes are a blend of contemporary movement, with movement and choreography that is traditional, culturally relevant, and correct. Mollie has not only a deep knowledge of the dance, but the warmth of spirit, love of movement, and joy of teaching that make each class a fun and energetic learning experience. Mollie started dancing when she was 2 years old. Her first dance performance was when she was just 2 1/2. Though she started learning ballet and tap, at age 8, she had focused her learning on South Indian Classical, Traditional Folk and Bollywood dance styles. She took group, and later private Indian dance classes in Los Angeles, CA. And throughout her dance career, she has traveled to India over 10 times to take private dance lessons and study all the different dance forms. She has also learned from members of the National Giddha dance team of India as well as the Punjabi Bhangra dance team. Some of the highlights of her Indian dance career include performing for: Los Angeles County and surrounding Museums LA Times Cultural Event Namaste America TV show JC Penny Expedition India event American Folklife Festival put on by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC Nara Silk Road Expedition in Japan President and First Lady George and Barbara Bush She is renowned for her peacock dance, her expressive nature and her choreography. And winner of the 1st place in the Namaste America Dance competition in Los Angeles, CA After reaching her pinnacle in dance, Mollie retired from performing dance. She is now an IT Project Manager who brings her passion for dance, directing and organizing to her students. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching dance and mentoring her students through the different phases of their dance career. She now focuses on teaching the traditional folk, Bhangra, Bollywood, and choreography.