Sushila Craig papers relating to Bharat Natyam dance

MLMSS 10523

fonds

1973-1990

Textual Records, Ephemera

9650210

0.01 metres of textual material (1 folder) - typescript, printed

Sushila Craig graduated as a teacher of Bharat Natyam at Kalakshetra Adyar Madras in 1957. She trained under the tutelage of Rukmini Devi Arundale, who was instrumental in the revival of the ancient style of dance.

Sushila arrived in Australia in 1973 and founded a community dance school in Western Sydney called Kalapadma, introducing Bharat Natyam to New South Wales. Bharat Natyam (also written as Bharatanatyam) is a major form of Indian classical dance, originating in the state of Tamil Nadu and dating back to the 2nd century.

Reference:
Conversation with Vasanti Craig
Library correspondence file

Sushila Craig received the letters and certificates as part of her involvement in multicultural community events in Western Sydney. Vasanti Craig, daughter of Shashila, offered this collection to the library on behalf of her mother.

This collection comprises correspondence, certificates, invitations and programmes relating to Sushila Craig and performances by Kalapadma dancers of Bharat Natyam Indian classical dance in Australia, including:

Diplomas awarded to Vasanti Craig from Kalapadma Sydney, 27 September 1986

Letter from Margaret Walker to Sushila Craig relating to register of Teachers for Folk Dancing, 25 June 1975

Agreement to teach Bharatha Natya and folk dances at Indian Fine Arts Centre Australia, Strathfield, July 1988

Programmes for Kalapadma performance in Dr Barnardo's Variety Concert, 18 May 1973, graduation of Kalapadma students, Sydney Opera House, 27 September 1986, Shell Folkloric Festival, June 1987 and brochure for Kalapadma School of Indian Dancing, 1973

Certificate of appreciation for contribition from Sydney Tamil Sangam, July 1979 and to 5th International Conference on Tamil Culture, October 1992. Certificates of Honour from Shell National Folkloric Festival, Sydney Opera House, June 1987 and June 1988

Letters of thanks from University of NSW, June 1975; Community Aid Abroad Walk Against Want festival, June 1974; Indo-Australian Cultural Society, November 1978; Rotary Club of South Penrith, 1978; Liverpool Public School Dance Training, 1979; Liverpool Girls High School, 1981

Letters of congratulations from Shell Folkloric Festival June 1987; QANTAs/Shell National Folkloric Festival, June 1988 and June 1990

Letters of invitation from The Festival of Light, Sydney, July 1980 and Shell Folkloric festval June 1987

Copyright restrictions may apply:
Copyright holder:: State Library of New South Wakes
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales