Mission:
Promoting an appreciation and understanding about the performing arts of India in the United States.

History:
Nataraj Inc., a non-profit arts, cultural and educational organization was established in 1982 to promote an appreciation of the performing arts of India and to teach dance and music of India in the United States. Based in the Five College area in the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts, but with deep roots in India, Nataraj is an important organization, one that stands out among the multicultural arts groups across the State and within the Asian communities. Under the artistic direction of Guru Ranjanaa Devi, Nataraj Dancers present her original choreographic works covering socio-religious ideas, traditional rituals, themes in Nature and more using traditional classical dance, contemporary dance theater stylistic movements and folk idioms. Devi’s work excels in combining dance with music and stage design that provides a visionary look to dances. Nataraj Dancers have toured and presented concerts and workshops in Canada, Japan, Australia, United States and in multiple cities within India.

Nataraj Dancers has been a selected artists on the NEST roster since 1984 and has been officially recognized as the premier South Asian Cultural Enrichment Resource by the Five Colleges, Inc. for its unique and innovative programming that continues to build artistic bridges between the East and the West. Nataraj Dancers also work with invited guest artists and present other Asian dancers in performances and through teaching residencies.

Nataraj Inc. has been funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, The Community Foundation for Western Massachusetts, Local Cultural Councils in Western Massachusetts and private and business donors.