A native of New Jersey and the oldest of 4 children, Reena is a New York University graduate. She is featured in a variety of films, including award-winning films American Chai and Stay Until Tomorrow, as well as Inside Man, After, Following Bliss, Every Dog's Day, The Lucky Ones, Funny Valentine, & Time and the Hour Run. She was recently seen on stage at The Public Theater performing 365 Days/365 Plays by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, produced by Desipina & Company. She also just finished starring in Nandita Shenoy’s “Marrying Nandini” for Green Light Productions at Theater 54.
She has also appeared in numerous comedic skits on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, perhaps most memorably performing a Bollywood-style skit with Conan.
Be sure to lookout for Reena playing the role of Chandini in the upcoming Independent Film ASHES, written, directed & starring Ajay Naidu. www.AshesFilm.com
Reena graduated from the Padmini Institute of Fine Arts, where she studied Bharata Natyam, an Indian Classical Dance Form, under The Late Guru Padmini Ramachandran, a famous Indian Actress & Dancer.
Reena was a dancer in the Universal Pictures feature, The Guru, for which she was also the Assistant Choreographer, teaching Marisa Tomei, Heather Graham, Michael McKean, Jimi Mistry & Cast, Indian Dancing for the Film. She enjoys choreographing for Film, Television & Stage.
As a dancer, she was accepted to perform her Solo work at Chashama’s Oasis 2007 Modern Dance Festival at the 42nd Street Windows Store-Front Theater. She has also performed with the legendary DJ Rekha at Central Park Summerstage, Hammerstein Ballroom, & The Brooklyn Museum. She also teaches the Bhangra Dance Lessons for DJ Rekha’s renowned monthly Basement Bhangra night at S.O.B.’s in New York City. She has been featured in Music Videos for Artists such as Susie Ibarra & P-1. She was also a Principal Dancer in Noemie LaFrance’s Agora II, a site-specific dance project inside the abandoned McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
She performs with her husband, musician Todd Michaelsen, dancing and providing percussion using her traditional Indian Ghungroo Anklet Bells, as well as singing Vocals, in their group MY PET DRAGON. www.MyPetDragon.net
MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/MyPetDragon
Reena has been featured in Print Advertisement Campaigns for Microsoft & AT&T.
Her unique voice can also be heard for a Television commercial for HSBC bank for the Indian-American market. She also Narrated the Award Winning Documentary “Dream in Doubt” about the first 9/11 hate-crime murder in Phoenix, Arizona.
Reena has raised funds for non-profit Arts Organizations such as New York City Opera & The Philadelphia Orchestra. And she continues to paint & draw in her spare time.
Reena currently lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with her husband, musician Todd Michaelsen.
Reena’s Life Mantra is:
“Rock on with Peace & Love”
contact:
212.539.3966 vm
800.492.0858 fax
dancingreena@gmail.com
www.dancingreena.com
