Joyce Paul Poursabahian
Encyclopedia
Joyce Paul Poursabahian is an accomplished Indian classical dancer and exercise physiologist. Classically trained in Bharat Natyam, she has also trained briefly in Mohiniattam, the classical dance of Kerala. Poursabahian had her initial dance training under the acclaimed Bharatanatyam
guru, Leela Samson
. She is the founder and the Artistic Director of Arpan set up in 2003 in Redmond, WA
guru, Leela Samson
, Prof. J.Janardhanan and Prof C. V. Chandrashekaran at Kalakshetra
.
She started her college education with an Honours degree in Zoology with specialization in Reproductive Biology while Masters saw her move on to studying the evolution of man in time and space. She completed her Ph.D in Exercise Physiology from the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi
. During her Ph.D she published papers on 'Dance Related Injuries Among Bharatnatyam' and also on 'Pattern of Subcutaneous Fat Distribution, Its Variation with Age Among Young Rajput Females of Pauri Garhwal, India'
India Ltd and Microsoft
Corporation as an Instructional Designer, Content Publisher, User Researcher and Business Intelligence Analyst.
. She taught classes to corporate clients during the years 1996 to 1998 doing seminars on communication using dance as a body language. She has also assisted teaching (Bharatanatyam classes) at Kalashram Trust, New Delhi, founded and directed by Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj
.
After moving to Redmond, WA to join Microsoft
in 2001, she founded her own dance company Arpan.
Quoting about her inspiration and her works, she says:
"If being passionate about dance does not make you a better human being, stop dancing and start praying".
Poursabahian has performed extensively over the last 17 years. In 2003, she performed in "Dance to the Music" at Town Hall, In 2004 and 2007, she performed at Utsav and she also performed for Seattle's Partners in Preservation Initiative
Bharatanatyam
Bharata Natyam or Chadhir Attam, is a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music...
guru, Leela Samson
Leela Samson
Leela Samson is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and writer. As a soloist she is known for her technical virtuosity and has taught Bharatanatyam at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi for many years; presently she is the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification ;...
. She is the founder and the Artistic Director of Arpan set up in 2003 in Redmond, WA
Education and Training
Poursabahian received her dance training under BharatanatyamBharatanatyam
Bharata Natyam or Chadhir Attam, is a classical dance form from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music...
guru, Leela Samson
Leela Samson
Leela Samson is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and writer. As a soloist she is known for her technical virtuosity and has taught Bharatanatyam at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi for many years; presently she is the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification ;...
, Prof. J.Janardhanan and Prof C. V. Chandrashekaran at Kalakshetra
Kalakshetra
Kalakshetra is a cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. The academy was founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Under Arundale's guidance the institution achieved national...
.
She started her college education with an Honours degree in Zoology with specialization in Reproductive Biology while Masters saw her move on to studying the evolution of man in time and space. She completed her Ph.D in Exercise Physiology from the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi
University of Delhi
The University of Delhi is a central university situated in Delhi, India and is funded by Government of India. Established in 1922, it offers courses at the undergraduate and post-graduate level. Vice-President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari is the Chancellor of the university...
. During her Ph.D she published papers on 'Dance Related Injuries Among Bharatnatyam' and also on 'Pattern of Subcutaneous Fat Distribution, Its Variation with Age Among Young Rajput Females of Pauri Garhwal, India'
Career: IT industry
Poursabahian spent about 15 years of her corporate career working for NIITNIIT
NIIT Limited is a global computer education company. The company is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange of India. The company provides training for individuals, enterprises, schools and colleges. It has its presence in 40 countries worldwide.In 2004 , NIIT was...
India Ltd and Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
Corporation as an Instructional Designer, Content Publisher, User Researcher and Business Intelligence Analyst.
Career:Dance/Performing Arts
She started her teaching career by teaching private Bharatanatyam classes as early as 1990 with the blessings of her Guru (Padmashri) Leela SamsonLeela Samson
Leela Samson is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and writer. As a soloist she is known for her technical virtuosity and has taught Bharatanatyam at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi for many years; presently she is the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification ;...
. She taught classes to corporate clients during the years 1996 to 1998 doing seminars on communication using dance as a body language. She has also assisted teaching (Bharatanatyam classes) at Kalashram Trust, New Delhi, founded and directed by Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj
Birju Maharaj
Brijmo Mishra popularly known as Pandit Birju Maharaj is currently the leading exponent of the Varanasi Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak dance in India.He is a descendant of the legendary Maharaj family of Kathak dancers, including his two uncles, Shambhu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj, and his father...
.
After moving to Redmond, WA to join Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
in 2001, she founded her own dance company Arpan.
Quoting about her inspiration and her works, she says:
"If being passionate about dance does not make you a better human being, stop dancing and start praying".
Poursabahian has performed extensively over the last 17 years. In 2003, she performed in "Dance to the Music" at Town Hall, In 2004 and 2007, she performed at Utsav and she also performed for Seattle's Partners in Preservation Initiative
Choreographies
- Kalaprayanam (2005) previewed at Northwest FolkLife Festival, Seattle, WA
- LayaSamvaad (2009) opened at Ehsaas 2009
- Kalaprayanam (2007) at Ehsaas 2007
- Tillana in ragam Maand first performed at Town Hall (March 2003) for Dance to the Music series.
- Kaikottikali, Himachali folk dances, Dandiya, Garbha and other folk dances of India.