FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2009
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310 desk, 904.608.0415 cell

PHOTO OPP: Bollywood Choreographer of Oscars ® “Slumdog Millionaire” fame to teach Master Class at Florida State College at Jacksonville Sept. 28

Rujuta Vaidya, famed Bollywood choreographer for Disney films, Britney Spears and “Slumdog Millionaire” dance at The 2009 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science Awards (Oscars®) ceremony, is returning to Florida State College to teach a Bollywood Master Class for the College’s students. The class will be held Monday, Sept. 28 from noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, Main Stage, South Campus. The public is invited to watch and participate.

“This is a great opportunity to see a true master at work,” said Professor of Dance Rosemary Fletcher at Florida State College. “The Bollywood style of dancing is so fun to watch and — as a warning — is highly contagious. I hope everyone will join us to watch this exciting, high-octane and dynamic Master Class.”

Vaidya, described by Fletcher as “a beautiful, charming and encouraging teacher,” has worked in the Bollywood industry for the past 10 years as a professional choreographer for film, television and stage productions in India and Hollywood. In addition, she has collaborated with famed hip-hop choreographer Fatima Robinson (who has worked with Michael Jackson, Prince, Rihanna, Fergie, Usher and Mary J. Blige). Her work at Florida State College combines the allure of Indian classical dance with the fun of modern, American hip-hop.

Vaidya was a guest artist at Florida State College last spring when she set a Bollywood piece on an advanced dance class. The dance was the hit of the Spring Dance Concert, inspiring members of the audience to get up and dance in the aisles.

South Campus is located at 11901 Beach Blvd. The public is invited to experience this special “insiders” look at how the art of dance is created and perfected. For more information, contact Lebritia Sindija at 904.646.2352.

MEDIA NOTE/PHOTO OP: Professor Fletcher expects at least 40 students to take to the stage and participate in this Master Class. Best chance to get truly exciting video of the class in action is between 12:45 and 1:30 p.m. Vaidya will be available for interviewing after class.