Tongva Park presents an exciting second season of cultural programming beginning with a Bollywood-style community dance class this Wednesday, April 22.
From 7:30 pm to 9 pm, the community is invited to join an energetic and colorful dance lesson inspired by the classical and contemporary dance of India.
Achinta S. McDaniel, Artistic Director and Founder of Blue13, a Los Angeles-based contemporary Indian dance company, will lead the lesson accompanied by DJ Sandeep Kumar, with live drumming by Malinder Tooray of Dhol Nation.
The 90-minute class offers everyone an opportunity to dance and enjoy the music, regardless of skill level. Sneakers are highly recommended.
McDaniel grew up dancing in New York and Ohio and graduated from New York University with a degree in Choreography and Dance.
She later studied classical Indian dance in Bangalore, India, with guru Maya Rao. Her style draws from diverse techniques including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, Bhangra, Kathak, and, of course, Bollywood.
In 1999, McDaniel founded Blue13 in New York City, relocating to Los Angeles in 2001.
Blue13 dispels cultural stereotypes and connects diverse communities through cross-genre and multicultural live performances, dance education, and outreach that inspire global unity and togetherness.
Free parking after 3:30 pm at Olympic Shuttle Lot, 1831 Stewart St.
Tongva Park is located at 1615 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. It is free and open to all.
Additional parking is available at Civic Center Parking Structure, 333 Civic Center Drive. First 30 minutes free, $1 per each additional hour. $5 maximum per day. Limited metered street parking available around park.
For up to date information on programming, visit www.smgov.net/tongvapark.
