RDM Studio

Nilanjana

Her Journey from India to California!

Having set up home and raised her boys in India, Singapore, New Jersey and California, Nilanjana’s  rich global experience has shaped both her outlook on life and her personality. She is affable to everyone she meets and with her endearing focus and open lines of communication, students feel a true sense of belonging. Her pupils are an extension of her family in the true Guru Shishya tradition.

With dance as her cornerstone, Nilanjana bridges the gap between the east and the west  and adapts her teachings with a western perspective. She attributes her dance as a healing force where many of her students draw strength from her support and teachings.

For Nilanjana, dance has not only brought peace and happiness but has also given her a symbiotic mission in life. Nilanjana volunteers with equal passion & dedication for numerous nonprofits, philanthropic and community causes.

Dance is her Destiny!

Nilanjana’s parents were spellbound by an Odissi recital they attended in Kolkata and decided that their newborn daughter would learn this dance style.

Nilanjana was initiated into Odissi dance by the Revivalist Guru Mayadhar Raut. Growing up in Delhi, she continued learning with the danseuse Aloka Paniker.

She performed in several youth dance festivals and was featured as a youth artist on Indian Television Network. To get a better perspective of Indian temple dances, Nilanjana also studied Bharatnatyam at Bhatkhande Hindustani Sangeet Mahavidhyalaya.

She took a hiatus from dance as she devoted herself to motherhood, a big milestone in her life. This experience deepened and enriched her artistic existence.

“ The Modern Woman Is About Embracing Life’s Changes In A Positive Spirit. Neither Age Nor Society Should Ever Be A Barrier To One’s Dreams And Aspirations.”

- Nilanjana

Nilanjana Believes

Age is just a number!

Moving to the US in her 30’s, Nilanjana decided to rekindle her lost dream. For the next decade, she became a model student devoted to dance. She worked very hard each & every thought immersed in dance to makeup for all her lost years. As the principal dancer with RDM, Nilanjana was challenged with memorizing complex routines at short notice. This endless pressure on her mind & body catapulted her into a professional level dancer. Nilanjana has beguiled the audience by her temple sculpture inspired postures, intricate foot work and above all devotion. Mere technical perfection and faultless execution of steps were never enough for her. Nilanjana’s ability to connect with the masses and emote joy and passion for her dance makes her a crowd favorite. She is synonymous with any show in New Jersey.

Nilanjana is a true cultural ambassador working relentlessly to promote Odissi. In her 20 year stage career, Nilanjana has danced in over 175 shows doing opening dances for Indian celebrity actors and singers in prestigious venues all across the country.