Sohini Ray (born 25 August 1966) is a classical Manipuri dancer [1][2] dance-researcher and anthropologist[1] from India currently based in Los Angeles, United States.
Sohini Ray | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 August 1966 |
| Other names | Sona |
| Occupation(s) | Choreographer, Anthropologist |
Early career edit
Ray studied Manipuri dance from age seven in Manipuri Nartanalaya, Kolkata under Guru Bipin Singh, Darshana Jhaveri and Kalavati Devi. She went through her initiation ceremony with Guru Bipin Singh at age eleven and started performing professionally at fourteen.[1] She was also Guru Bipin Singh's research assistant from age fourteen and received the national scholarship in Manipuri dance from the ministry of culture, Government of India in 1982.[1] Concurrently she did her schooling from Modern High School for girls, Kolkata, where she also performed in school functions.
Academic career edit
Ray did her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in anthropology from University of Calcutta. Later, she received her MA in dance and Ph.D. in anthropology from University California at Los Angeles. (Sanamahism). She was a fellow at the Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard Divinity School[3] and faculty fellow in University of California, Humanities Research Institute, University of California, Irvine. She has taught in University of California, Irvine, University of California, Santa Barbara [4] and Santa Monica College and has many publications.
Dance career edit
Sohini Ray is the founder and artistic director of Manipuri Dance Visions – Institute of Manipuri Dance in southern California.[5] She has performed, choreographed and directed many productions in classical Manipuri dance namely Harao-kummei: joyful celebrations in Manipuri dance,[5] Gita-Govinda,[6] Krishna-Ningshingba and has performed and toured Europe and North America and India,[7]
Academic awards and achievements edit
Jubilee prize, University of Calcutta, India, 1988[1] National Scholarship, University of Calcutta, India, 1988[1] University gold medal, University of Calcutta, India, 2011. JB Donne Prize in anthropology of art, Royal Anthropological Institute, 2009.[8]
Dance awards and achievements edit
- National scholarship from government of India from 1982-1986,[1]
- First prize in Manipuri dance, Sangeetotsav, 1988[1]
- Shringar-Mani award, Kal-ke-kalakaar Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai, 1988
- Naratan Acharya, Manipuri Nartanalaya, Kolkata, 1999.
- Elaine Weissman Los Angeles Treasures Award, California Traditional Music Society, 2007 [9]
- Nomination, Lestor Horton Award, 2007
- Winner, Lestor Horton Award, 2008 [10]
- Nomination, Lestor Horton award, 2010.
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h Manipuri Dance and Culture - A World Heritage. "Manipuri Dance and Culture - A World Heritage". Medhajournal.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ [Devotional Dance by Chris Shull 2008-04-25, Page 15D, The Wichita Eagle]
- ^ "Harvard Divinity School - Center for the Study of World Religions - Past Affiliates N-R". Hds.harvard.edu. 11 October 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ "Ucsb | Theater | Dance". Theaterdance.ucsb.edu. 31 October 2011. Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ a b "Manipuri tradition flourishes - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 17 December 1999. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ "EducationWatch: ARIMM Hosts Conference". GRAMMY.com. 14 October 2008. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ "Manipuri dance was a choice beyond me". Deccan Herald. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
- ^ "J.B. Donne Essay Prize on the Anthropology of Art Past recipients". Therai.org.uk. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ^ [Khokar, Ashish Mohan Attendance Dance annual of India 2007, pg 11]
- ^ "Horton Awards Past Winners - Dance Resource Center of Los Angeles and Southern California". Drc-la.org. Archived from the original on 2 June 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2012.