General Artist Information
Name: Margreat Sam
Art Discipline: Bharatanatyam (classical South Indian dance); Indian folk dance; Mehndi/Henna body art
Grade Level Preference: Grades 6–7 (core example); adaptable for other grade levels
Geographic Availability: Based in Fargo-Moorhead, available across North Dakota
Fee per-residency: Negotiable
Phone: 218-790-0041
Website: https://www.fargodancerani.com/
Email: bombaymarg@aol.com
Biography
Margreat Sam is a Bharatanatyam dance teacher with 25 years of teaching experience in India, where she founded the Relina Natyalaya and Research Center in 1980 and organized large regional dance events. Since moving to the U.S. in 2006, she has taught students in Moorhead and completed an Artist in Residency in Jamestown, ND, with additional performances at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center and community festivals. She also worked as a paraprofessional in Fargo Public Schools (2007–2008). Training includes study with noted teachers in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi.
Teaching Philosophy
"My aim is to explore the rare and forgotten art forms of India and share them with students through engaging storytelling, gesture, music, and movement—blending traditional aesthetics with today’s classrooms. I love working with school communities because students’ curiosity inspires learning and cultural understanding."
Sample Residency Information
- Residency Title: Introduction to Bharatanatyam & Indian Folk Arts
- Grade Level: 6–7 (adaptable)
- Number of Sessions: 5 sessions (45–60 minutes each)
Description: Students are introduced to Bharatanatyam—its history, vocabulary of eye/hand gestures (mudras), posture, steps, costume, and music—while comparing Indian folk styles and regional dress. Through guided practice and storytelling, students learn to identify nine emotional expressions through eye movement, perform core steps and 10 hand gestures, and understand how culture and geography influence costume and tradition. The residency culminates in a student performance/exhibit for families and community.
Lesson Plan:
Day 1: Introduce India and South Indian traditions; warm-ups; basic posture and footwork; begin hand movements; KWL pre-assessment; create simple henna-decorated performance invitations.
Day 2: Review; introduce hand-gesture set with visuals; sketch Bharatanatyam costume to reinforce learning.
Day 3: Practice with ankle bells and music; add more complex steps in small groups.
Day 4: Full review and rehearsal in costume for the final performance.
Day 5: Performance day with costumes and ankle bells; students present a synopsis, name gestures and eye movements, and perform the dance.
Community Engagement: Invite families to a culminating demonstration; optional exhibit comparing Hindu and Arabic henna designs.