Nadanamandalam

Bharatanatyam classes + workshops by Jeeno Joseph focusing on an indiviualized, adaptive approach, customized for dancers and their specific alignment.

The Nadanam Collective

A New York based dance company dedicated to inclusive storytelling that resonates across cultures. Founded & Directed by Jeeno Joseph

JEENO JOSEPH

Founder & Artistic Director

Jeeno Joseph is a first generation Indian-American Bharatanatyam dancer based in New York and is a senior disciple of Guru Dr. Francis Barboza. Jeeno is an established solo performing artist and has had the privilege of performing both nationally and internationally, often presenting his Guru’s unique choreographies which explores bharatanatyam's scope to convey both Christian and Hindu themes. Jeeno also performs his own choreographic explorations which often celebrates his lived expericence as a Malayali-American. Jeeno is currently under the guidance of smt. Ranjani Ghoshal for taalam theory and Nattuvangam training. Additionally, Jeeno is the founder and artistic director of The Nadanam Collective, a dance venture exploring group choreography and dynamics implementing Bharatanatyam and other traditional Indian dance vocabularies. Jeeno is also the founder and artistic director of Nadanamandalam, a dance shcool focused on empowering students with the technique and skills to not only perform but also navigate the complexities of the dance world. In addition to his ongoing growth and journey as a dancer, Jeeno is a practicing Physical Therapist having earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University and is a co-founder of NYC Adavu; a weekly meetup for like minded dancers to practice together and develop a sense of community and camaraderie.

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OREGON ARTSWATCH

Dr. Francis Barboza

JEENO’S GURU

Dr. Francis Barboza, a talented exponent of the classical dance form of Bharata Natyam, has carved a special niche for himself with his innovative efforts to expand the scope of this art form beyond the boundaries of religions. Francis began systematic training in Bharta Natyam under the noted Guru Madhyastha of Mangalore and Guru Radhakrishnan of Trichy. During his college at the M.S. University of Baroda he was privileged to study under several eminent teachers , Guru Kubernath Tanjorkar, Guru Smt. Anjali Mehr, Prof. C.V.Chandrasekhar , Guru Pradeep Baruah, and Guru Mrs.Nargis. Dr. Barboza went on to earn Bachelor and Master degrees in Dance (Bharata Natyam) as well as a PhD in Performing Arts (Bharata Natyam) from the M. S. University of Baroda. His Doctoral dissertation was published as a book, Christianity In Indian Dance Forms, in 1990. Degrees in Philosophy and Theology gave an added impetus to his scholarly pursuits. Recognition and appreciation have followed in his footsteps, including the Singaramani Award (Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai, 1980), The Indian and World Arts & Crafts Award (New Delhi, 1985), The Amalodbhavi Art Academy Award (Eluru 1989), Kalai Maghal Sabha Gold Medal (Chennai, 1995), Kala Ratna (Konkan Taram, Mumbai, 1995), Maharashtra Kala Niketan Dance Award (Mumbai, 1996), and Nrityasudarshan (Loyola Art Academy, 1999). He is one of the Bharata Natyam artists approved by the ICCR to represent and lead Cultural delegations abroad for the Govt. of India. Dr. Barboza has the unique distinction of being the only dancer worldwide who gives full recitals on both Hindu and Christian themes. His creative presentations include imaginative and innovative dance recitals, dance ballets, audio-visuals and VHS videos. Dr Barboza has numerous research articles and papers to his credit. He writes for both Indian and foreign journals and lectures at various institutes as well. He has to his credit over 1000 performances given in 25 countries. He has also documented and produced eight Video-films on his innovations. He is acclaimed by critics and writers as an artiste of the highest caliber, truly dedicated to his call.