Satyagraha , a dance in three acts will employs Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri in their classical Indian forms and well as elements of contemporary dance to portray the epic story of a soldier faced with the universal issue of bringing together his heart, mind and soul in the face of duty. The dance is filled with vibrant images and is deftly woven into an exciting movement story by choreographers, Shalaka Kulkarni, Chicago and Suparnana Venkatesh of Bangalore, India.

Masks and Myths celebrates Asian music, dance and theater traditions as they journey beyond Asia to influence world culture, demonstrating the heart of these traditions and supporting their thoughtful innovation. Masks and Myths explores the common Hindu and Buddhist influences and use of masks and myths found throughout Asian culture including interpretations from India, Indonesia, Nepal, Korea, China and Japan.

Rang de Nila (Color Me Blue) a performance piece featuring Bharata Natyam artist, Pranita Jain, Kathak dancer Ishrat Hoque and visual artist Siona Benjamin. Together they have created a special program in which the dancers will assume the roles of characters in Benjamin’s work. Benjamin speaks about her work and the dancers perform an original dance based on the shared experiences of the three self-described hybrid/transcultural artists. All three artists are originally from India and are currently U.S. citizens. The performance brings together Jewish, Hindu and Muslim ideologies. The performance is choreographed to Indian/jazz/Hip-hop/Bollywood music.

Kathak Natyam fuses Bharata Natyam and Kathak styles of Indian dance in a unique performance. Bharata Natyam is from Southern India, while Kathak is from Northern India. Kathak Natyam presents two diverse cultures of the vast country. Within the diversity they have synergy in the rhythmic compositions as well as the myths and stories they interpret through dance. Their differences in style enrich the compositions. Kathak uses wide circular movements while Bharata Natyam uses strong footwork and intricate finger movements. The fusion of these two forms not only provides for a dynamic and entertaining concert, it will also leave a distinct impression on the audience as they gain a perspective of these ancient yet, contemporary styles of dance. Both North and South Indian dance and music have their distinct genres but have their meeting grounds when various rhythmic cycles overlap with each other as well as in the composition of several “ragas” or melodies.

Evolving Dance Traditions Pranita Jain, artistic director of Kalapriya and Ketayudha Nurrah, dance artist in residence from Indonesian Consulate collaborate in fusing the dance and music of two diverse cultures in a unique performance with a live gamelan and Indian musical accompaniments. The dance and music have their distinct genres but have their meeting grounds when various rhythmic cycles overlap with each other as well as in the composition of several musical notes. Balinese gamelan found patronage in the royal courts of Bali, Indonesia and Bharata Natyam was established as the temple art of southern India. However both the styles find their common grounds in the rhythmic cycles used, the hand gestural language as well as in the myths and stories described through dance and music. Pranita Jain and Nurrah bring years of practice and dedication in exploring their art forms.

Rupayan The Kalapriya Foundation represents the folk music group, Rupayan who are Langa and Manganiars community from Rajasthan, India. The late ethnomusicologist from India, Komal Kothari, originally organized the group. Rupayan travels to the U.S. as representatives of the ethnographical and folklore institute named after Komal in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The Langas and Manganiars are groups of hereditary professional musicians, whose music has been supported by wealthy landlords and aristocrats for generations. Rupayan is a vibrant representation of the unique music of the desert land of Rajasthan, India. The vast unending expanse of burning hot sand that makes up the Thar Desert of Rajasthan hosts one of the most vibrant and evocative music cultures of the world. The heady, hypnotic combination of rhythm and melodies sung and played by the Langas and Manganiars are part of the eternal appeal of this mysterious and wondrous land. Under Komal Kothari they have performed in concerts worldwide. The Kalapriya Foundation is acting as the U.S. promoter of this rare art-form. Kalapriya’s mission is to promote a better understanding of Asian Indian art and culture amongst the general population.