Atlanta-based Bharatanatyam performer and FSU alumna Preeti Vinayak collaborates with her daughter and disciple, Nethra Valli Shah, to present “The Curious Curators.” As the title suggests, Preeti hand-selected music to curate and present in this set of choreographies. Compositions by her Guru, Sri M. V. Narasimhachari, and her mother, Nalini Vinayak, were germane to the collection. Unique compositions rendered by world-renowned composers have been skillfully handled to showcase all that. - - Tallahassee Arts
The audience cheered and sustained their applause for “Power of Prayer” in which Preeti’s master choreography and performance by the principal dancers were appreciated. The unexpected blend of Bharatnatyam to this genre of music amazed the audience. Preeti’s choreography is heaven on earth.. Preeti’s facial expressions, clarity of movements and humility inspire her students in every show. - - Atlanta Dunia http://www.atlantadunia.com/dunia/News09/N2012/N790.htm
Scintillating dances by versatile Preeti and her Academy’s students attired in gorgeous costumes, embellished with sparkling jewelry, hair and facial adornments, and ghoonghroo- clad feet, followed in quick succession as the story unfolded. The esoteric dance –Lasyanga by Preeti was enchanting with an exquisite blend of precise and graceful moves. Preeti’s signature piece, Pandattam, showed how the dancer played with a ball with her friends. Preeti’s intricate footwork and facial expressions conveyed a gamut of emotions. Preeti Shah, who performed in almost all the dances, gave ample proof of her wide ranging repertoire and virtuosity in all aspects of dancing and choreography. Art critic Kati Schardl described Preeti aptly when she said, “Preeti is poetry in motion and is guided by the Gods in her performance.” - - NRI PULSE
A captivating stage presence, grace, and vigor in movement and virtuosity in technique merged perfectly in the ambiance of her dance culture. -- Indian Express
Preeti’s recital for the Sri Kapali Fine Arts gripped the audience with skill and stamina. Preeti possesses the talent and the suppleness of movement, which brings sweet appeal to the fore. She has gained much proficiency in Bharatnatyam. -- The Hindu
Her supple figure, sparkling eyes and complete immersion in the job on hand was conspicuous. The true test of Preeti’s nritta development was in the Varnam, which she executed with finesse, accuracy and a special knack. -- Indian Express
Preeti comes from a family that is soaked in rich ancestral devotion to art. Slim, tall, lissome form, expressive eyes, and lithe limb movements produced a recital that was far above the ordinary. Preeti was able to run through a gamut of emotions most expressively and aptly. The speed and ease with which she essayed quick transformations compelled genuine admiration. Preeti showed herself to be quite superlative in the field of facial expressions. Preeti’s feet missed not a beat in the most intricate and cunningly structured of the passages-even while going through pirouettes and twirls. -- Financial Express
It’s December and the festival fever is on in Madras. Preeti Vinayak gave a beautiful start with a graceful performance. Smoothly coordinated movements and nimble footwork marked her Nritta. The delicacy of her facial expressions was most suited. The thillana, which provided the finale for the evening concert, exhibited faultless Nritta from this fine artist. -- Sunday Mail
Her control over rhythm, expression and movement were excellent and she is a dancer who will be seen in Bharatnatyam circles as a dancer of great promise. -- SrutiPreeti displayed confident footwork and good sanchari bhavas in the varnam. Endowed with a charming face Preeti’s facial expressions came to the fore in the Ashtapadhi. -- The Hindu
Preeti’s performance is literally poetry in motion. Her performance of Nritta and Nritya is with an attitude of reverence. -- Tallahassee DemocratSpecial reference must be made to the throbbing Konnakol sequence between Preeti (who enunciated the verbal incantation to the manner born) and the percussionist, which drew a thunderous applause from the audience during the live show of "Omkar".-- Indian Express
The exchange of sawaal jawaab between Preeti and the percussionist brought itself the most generous burst of long applause in the entire "Omkar" performance. -- Financial Express
At the Florida conference held in part at the Wakulla Springs Center, Preeti demonstrated how the dancers training begins in learning the rhythms of the drumming and by being able to verbalize patterns exactly at rapid speeds. Her vocalization of the drumming was virtuosic in itself. Preeti demonstrated the elaborate gestures employed to tell ancient stories and when she finally offered a brief performance, the audience members became aware of the thousands of years of tradition that went into these few moments.-- Attitude U.S.A
Don’t blink an eye while attending Florida State University’s School of Music recital evening, you’ll miss more than you may think. Preeti performed with immense footwork in time with the complicated rhythm patterns. -- Florida Flambeau
Preeti’s concert marked the festival of Navarathri. She showed that one does not have to be Indian to appreciate and enjoy Bharatnatyam. She presented one of her non-Indian students. She is trying to change the misconception that only Indians can perform this art form and that there is a lot to learn from each other’s culture.-- Tallahassee Democrat
Preeti brings an old story-telling tradition alive for Americans when she performs Bharatnatyam, an ancient classical dance that originated in South India. The dancer is considered one of the premier purveyors of the art, which was created thousands of years ago. -- Storytelling Magazine
Preeti's performance can be simply described as "poetry in motion". -- Tallahassee Democrat"
Miya" - Fusion of styles Fusion of souls presented by Preeti Shah for IACA was very well received by the audience. The dance ballet directed by Preeti was based on arranged marriages and it combined Bharatnatyam, western modern and folk styles of dance. -- Khabar
Shakti - Power, Passion and Protection...Preeti portrayed Parvathy in a piece called Paravasam. The program was enjoyed by all. The dancers entralled everyone with their various expressions, their hand gestures and their rhythmic fast paced movements --Atlanta Samachar
