Dance Star Shiamak Davar Attends London Ceremony to Collect Honorary Doctorate

LONDON, July 25, 2011 -

Shiamak Davar has been presented with an honorary doctorate from
Middlesex University London, in recognition of his contribution to
entertainment in India and throughout the world.

     (Photo:  href="www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110725/469149">www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110725/469149 )

The influential choreographer, famous for pioneering
contemporary dance which brings together Indian and Western styles,
collected his award at a ceremony in London on Friday 22 July.

At the ceremony, Shiamak spoke to an audience of hundreds of
Middlesex University dance, drama and music students as they
graduated from their degree courses.

Before the ceremony, Shiamak Davar said: “I am truly honoured to
receive the award of Doctor of the University from Middlesex
University. My parents, both pioneers in the field of education,
imbibed the importance of education in me. I am blessed to be able
to continue their legacy as a dance educationist. I started my
journey in the field of performing arts in the UK and receiving
this honour completes this circle. With my mission to educate,
entertain and empower people, this acknowledgement reinforces my
belief…..Have feet, will dance. Have spirit, will triumph.”

Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Michael Driscoll said:
“It’s so inspiring for our students to meet and graduate alongside
Shiamak as his work has become a truly international success. His
story is an example of what can be achieved with talent and
determination.”

Shiamak’s award was made as part of the University’s annual
graduation celebrations, with honorary degrees presented to people
who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession or
the community. Other well known figures receiving Middlesex
honorary doctorates this year include former international
cricketer Phil Tufnell and human rights advocate Shami
Chakrabarti.

Middlesex University has a long standing commitment to providing
higher education in India and celebrating Indian talent. Current
projects include a new Middlesex University centre opening in Noida
this year, a partnership with A. R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory
in Chennai and a specialist creative arts centre in southern
Delhi.

Website: href="www.mdx.ac.uk/">www.mdx.ac.uk

For further information or photographs contact: Sam Spindlow (PR Manager), Middlesex University, Email: s.spindlow at mdx.ac.uk, Tel: +44(0)20-8411-5505