PHOTOS: Bharatanatyam 'Maaya' in UK Parliament

For the first time in the 900-year history of the Westminster Hall, a Bharatanatyam performance was held in the British Parliament as part of a unique series of programmes being staged there ahead of the Olympic games.

NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul formally inaugurated the event on Thursday evening organised by Akademi, South Asian Dance UK for a select gathering.

The dance performance titled 'Maaya' was held as part of 'Arts in Parliament' -- a programme of unique performances and exhibitions staged in the Parliament to welcome the Olympics.

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Westminster Hall is the oldest building in the Palace of Westminster that houses of houses of British Parliament.

Since the 11th century, it has played a central role in the life of the nation.

Artistic Director of the Akademi, Mira Kaushik, said "it is a tremendous honour to represent UK dance at the Westminster hall".

Akademi is the only dance organisation invited to take part in the 'Arts in Parliament' programme.

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Choreographed by Gauri Tripathi, Southbank artist-in- residence, together with Nathaniel Parchment and Shivani Sethia, the piece 'Maaya' featured 12 artistes from a variety of genres.

The Bharatanatyam dance was performed by Priyadarsini Govind, one of India's most talented dancers based in Chennai.

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